After all the hype, all the protests, all the buzz, I wasn't sure I'd even bother. But I did it.
I saw The DaVinci Code.
And my thoughts?
Good, but not the best movie I've ever seen. Some nice action, engaging cinematography, solid acting. By everyone except Tom Hanks.
He tried too hard. In portraying Robert Langdon as a reserved professorial type, he went too far and seemed distant and bored. I didn't buy the chemistry between him and Sophie Neveu. And he didn't look anything like I'd pictured in my mind. I think it's an example of bad casting. They wanted a big name, a box office draw. But this movie could've worked with an unknown actor. It's not like no one would've gone to see it. This book has been on the bestseller list (or many times topping it) for three years. Second in sales only to the Bible itself.
I hate seeing terrific books made into mediocre movies. There have been many. Bridges of Madison County. The Horse Whisperer. Angela's Ashes. The Bonfire of the Vanities (another weak Hanks offering). The Great Gatsby. A Perfect Storm. For starters.
I know that I'll get critics pointing out the books-to-movies that scored big at the box office and at the awards shows. Out of Africa. World According to Garp. Forrest Gump (Hanks redeems himself). To Kill a Mockingbird. The Wizard of Oz. There are many more.
My husband and I set an unwritten rule long before DaVinci Code was relased: that we would not go see any movies that are based on books. We both broke that rule this weekend when we saw the adaptation of Dan Brown's novel on the big screen.
I want to experience the book again. I can't say the same for the film.
I saw The DaVinci Code.
And my thoughts?
Good, but not the best movie I've ever seen. Some nice action, engaging cinematography, solid acting. By everyone except Tom Hanks.
He tried too hard. In portraying Robert Langdon as a reserved professorial type, he went too far and seemed distant and bored. I didn't buy the chemistry between him and Sophie Neveu. And he didn't look anything like I'd pictured in my mind. I think it's an example of bad casting. They wanted a big name, a box office draw. But this movie could've worked with an unknown actor. It's not like no one would've gone to see it. This book has been on the bestseller list (or many times topping it) for three years. Second in sales only to the Bible itself.
I hate seeing terrific books made into mediocre movies. There have been many. Bridges of Madison County. The Horse Whisperer. Angela's Ashes. The Bonfire of the Vanities (another weak Hanks offering). The Great Gatsby. A Perfect Storm. For starters.
I know that I'll get critics pointing out the books-to-movies that scored big at the box office and at the awards shows. Out of Africa. World According to Garp. Forrest Gump (Hanks redeems himself). To Kill a Mockingbird. The Wizard of Oz. There are many more.
My husband and I set an unwritten rule long before DaVinci Code was relased: that we would not go see any movies that are based on books. We both broke that rule this weekend when we saw the adaptation of Dan Brown's novel on the big screen.
I want to experience the book again. I can't say the same for the film.
Comments
We almost walked out. Brett went and got $20 out of the ATM to reimburse me for the money I wasted on the tickets. The only reason I didn't want to leave was I wanted to see the last scene (which, in our opinions, they took just a step too far).
And I totally agree with you on the miscasting of Tom Hanks. I love Tom Hanks. He is one of my favorite actors. But something just never clicked with him and the character. Ever. Oh good god that was simply painful.
I gotta say, 30 chapters in, I don't get what all the hubub is about. Sure, it's a good yarn, but I haven't read anything that I would consider controversial.
Probably won't see the movie until it comes out on video (or on HBO).
BTW- I thought the movie version of The Great Gatsby was pretty true to the book (which I really liked).