The Da Vinci Code (2006)

 My Rating: 6.6 out of 10

The Da Vinci Code is a 2006 American mystery psychological horror film produced by John Calley and Brian Grazer and directed by Ron Howard. The screenplay is written by Akiva Goldsman and it is adapted from Dan Brown's best-selling novel of the same name. The film stars Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon, a professor of religious iconography and symbology from Harvard University who is the prime suspect in the grisly and unusual murder of Louvre curator Jacques Saunière. He escapes with the assistance of a police cryptologist, Sophie Neveu played by Audrey Tautou and they are embroiled in a quest for the legendary Holy Grail. The movie also stars Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina, Jürgen Prochnow, Jean Reno, and Paul Bettany in prominent roles.

The direction of the movie is satisfying and cinematography by Salvatore Totino is remarkable. The camera's dollying effect with an effective screenplay gives movie a good flow. The acting by Tom Hanks is as always splendid and Ian McKellen and Audrey Tautou also give a great performance. The score by Hans Zimmer is engaging. The movie as it says is based on Dan Brown's novel of the same name but it is not entirely grounded on it. There have been many differences in the plot. I initially read the novel and then watched the movie. This does effect the movie watching. It becomes like a gift as well as a curse for movie buffs because you know the suspense of the movie which ruins the excitement but you can understand the dialogues and plot better which was a great deal in this movie because of the content and history of religions and symbols. You also know which parts have been left out in the movie. So, it gives the impressions of both sides of the coin. As comparing to other movies based on novels, it does far better justice to the novel. It includes main elements and the suspense leaving out certain less important though interesting pieces. The movie is less efficacious as mystery psychological horror and for a person who hasn't read the novel; it creates difficulties to keep up with the story as it keeps on dumping a whole load of information. Hanks could have been given more platforms to show greater emotions of his character.

Concluding, I would like to say that the story is intriguing for a person who is willing to concentrate throughout the movie. It definitely brings up a totally new entertaining concept which is so relevant to our surrounding world. It is definitely a onetime watch.