The Da Vinci Code: Why the Controversy?

Harry Potter- waited for DVD on every movie. Star Wars- didn't see it until it had been in theatres for almost a month. The Passion of the Christ- HBO…. So what was it about The Da Vinci Code that inspired me to go to the very first showing on Friday? I had not even read the book and after my huge disappointment with The Blair Witch, I don't follow movie hype. Perhaps it was the fact that this was a Tom Hanks movie, not since Joe vs. the Volcano has he let me down.

Or maybe it was because so many groups called for a boycott of The Da Vinci Code. Sadly, for those that boycott this movie on a religious basis, are going to miss a great movie for nothing. The movie does begin with a disturbing scene involving flagellation (the mortification of ones flesh to remind one of the suffering of Christ). But moves quickly to a number of plot twists and puzzles. Scattered through the movie are wonderful views of European artifacts and locations.

Hank's character, Robert Langdon is a likeable guy, a professor at Harvard, smart enough to solve the most difficult puzzles, but colorful enough to throw in some delightfully sarcastic jabs now and then. There was just enough humor sprinkled to keep the movie light. The plot twists are slightly predictable but still engaging. The controversy surrounding The Da Vinci Code overshadowed everything else. Instead of concentrating on the movie and trying to solve those puzzles, I found myself looking for the source of the controversy.

First off, this is a work of fiction, created by combining a little historical fact with some suppositions and a few theories. The sect of Opus Dei and the actions of the members were not condoned by the church and at one point in the movie the Bishop (Alfred Molina) admits if the church ever learns of what they were doing they would be excommunicated. Any logical person would realize that this fanatic group does not represent the entire church any more than snake handlers represent the Christian Church.

The one negative portrayal of the Catholic Church was a discussion about witch trials and it was mentioned that any "free-thinking" woman was deemed a witch. But this information is nothing new, and denying it would be like trying to deny the holocaust. Perhaps this is what the critics of this movie are seeking to do- eliminate free thinking.

Go see the Da Vinci Code, get away for a little while in a world of intrigue, and enjoy a positive message about love and hope. Then decide for yourself if this movie is "evil." If you read the book and enjoyed it, may I also suggest another book along the same strain, The Genesis Code by John Case.