Unveiling the Truth: The Da Vinci Code Movie Exposed - A Christian Perspective

The Da Vinci Code Movie

Introduction

The movie adaptation of Dan Brown's novel, The Da Vinci Code, has received mixed reviews from critics and viewers alike. While some have praised the film, many have been disappointed with its execution. The movie premiered at the 59th Cannes Film Festival to a lukewarm response from the audience, with some even laughing during serious scenes. Overall, the film fails to live up to the hype surrounding it.

Confusing Opening and Closing Sequences

One of the major issues with the movie is its confusing opening and closing sequences. In the beginning, the curator of the Louvre is shot and arranges his body in a pose resembling Leonardo Da Vinci's famous sketch, The Vitruvian Man. This gesture is meant to catch the attention of the protagonist, Sophie, but it is not adequately explained in the film. Viewers who haven't read the book may find this scene hard to follow.

Similarly, in the closing sequence, protagonist Langdon kneels to worship the bones of Mary Magdalene, which are supposedly buried beneath the glass pyramid structure in the floor of the Louvre. However, the film fails to explain how her tomb could be located there. It briefly shows a cutaway sequence of a crypt containing Mary's tomb, but this does little to clarify the situation. The lack of explanation for these key plot points leaves viewers confused and dissatisfied.

Historical Inaccuracies and Offensive Theological Claims

The movie, like the book, contains several historical inaccuracies and offensive theological claims. For example, it portrays an Opus Dei monk and a group of Roman Catholic bishops as villains in the plot. The monk repeatedly asks Christ for strength to carry out evil tasks, perpetuating negative stereotypes about religious figures. Additionally, the film promotes the claim that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and that his divinity was a result of Constantine's declaration. These assertions go against established Christian beliefs.

Another historical distortion occurs in a brief flashback to the Council of Nicea, where the delegates are shown speaking simultaneously and shaking their fists at one another. While the film may be attempting to portray disunity, the actual outcome of the Council was a vote in favor of affirming the divinity of Christ. The film's portrayal misrepresents this historical event.

Violence and Lackluster Dialogue

The movie features a significant amount of violence, graphically depicting around a dozen murders or deaths. It also maintains a gloomy atmosphere, with up to 80% of the film taking place in darkened rooms, churches, or cathedrals. The excessive violence and darkness contribute to the overall negative reception of the movie.

Furthermore, the dialogue in the film is forgettable and uninspiring. While there are a few one-line jokes that elicit modest laughter from viewers, most of the dialogue fails to leave a lasting impact. Tom Hanks, who plays the hero, delivers solemn speeches meant to deflect criticism but falls short in terms of chemistry with Audrey Tautou, who plays the heroine.

Faith Challenges and Engaging Dialogue

Despite its controversial themes, it is unlikely that many people will have their faith seriously challenged by watching the film alone. However, the book version of The Da Vinci Code presents a different challenge due to its quasi-documentary style and inclusion of false information. Christians should equip themselves with accurate information to engage in meaningful dialogue with both readers and viewers.

Why This Matters

The Da Vinci Code movie has sparked debates about its portrayal of Christianity and historical events. It is important for Christians to critically examine and respond to such cultural phenomena, ensuring that their faith is grounded in truth and that they can effectively engage with others on these topics.

Think About It

• How does the portrayal of Christianity in popular media influence public perception?
• What steps can Christians take to engage in informed discussions about controversial topics like The Da Vinci Code?
• How does historical accuracy impact the credibility of movies and books based on historical events?

Overall, The Da Vinci Code movie fails to live up to expectations and falls short in several areas, including confusing plot points, historical inaccuracies, offensive theological claims, excessive violence, and lackluster dialogue. While it may not deeply challenge one's faith, it is crucial for Christians to be well-informed and prepared to engage in meaningful dialogue about such cultural phenomena.