Director: Ron Howard
Starring: Tom Hanks, Paul Bettany and Alfred Molina
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Hollywood have created a legacy as strong as Paul Bettany. Ever since his rise to recognition in the 1990’s, Bettany has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s bold professors, superheroes engaging in warfare or financial investors, Bettany has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Bettany’s finest strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has always had a talent for stealing the show in supporting roles with limited screen-time. Even when he isn’t main focus of a movie, Bettany has always left an indelible impression. Through his capabilities to create characters that are compelling, the actor has built a strong legacy that’s lasting. Although he is best known for his iconic role as Vision in the MCU, Bettany has proven he can make strong films in every genre. Throughout his enduring career, Bettany has made serval unforgettable movies which are absolutely worth talking about without a single doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Bettany and adore all movies he has made in his career. However, “The Da Vinci Code” is my favourite. Released in 2006, Ron Howard’s movie offered a bold adaptation of an iconic mystery book. Packed with strong production, engaging storytelling and powerful acting, it’s one of the best mystery movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Paul Bettany, who portrays a troubled priest enduring adversity. Ultimately, what makes “The Da Vinci Code” a marvellous masterpiece is universal appeal. Unlike most mystery movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A riveting adaptation of a beloved mystery book, there are countless reasons why “The Da Vinci Code” is a film that is worth watching.
Based on the iconic book, “The Da Vinci Code” tells a story of a religious mystery. Tom Hanks portrays Robert Langdon, a powerful professor with an interest in art. Langdon has often had a talent for investigating murders which cause tension. However, Langdon’s life dramatically changes when he is given changes to inspect a murder in a museum causing disaster. A grim murder in the Louvre museum forces Langdon to question whether it’s possible for him to be a detective. At the centre of the murder is the priest Silas (Paul Bettany), a troubled religious preacher facing adversity. Assisted by his long time partner Sophie (Audrey Tautou), Langdon becomes determined to inspect a murder that holds immense value. As all the odds become stacked against his favour, Langdon is forced to question whether it’s truly possible for him to investigate murder.
Ron Howard is a newcomer towards mystery movies. Before he made “The Da Vinci Code”, Howard has never created a mystery movie in his career. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to adapt a beloved mystery book but he pulled it off successfully. Using bold cinematography, Howard captures a detective investigating a mystery. Inspired by Jonathan Demme’s “The Silence of the Lambs”, Howard expertly uses handheld camera to capture detectives that investigate murder mystery. For instance, the handheld camera enhances murder discovery scene. During this intense scene, Langdon first stumbles across the murder in the Louvre that causes tension. Using handheld camerawork, Howard honours a book about murders which are frightening. Handheld camera is a complex technique to use in movies. As Joss Whedon’s “The Avengers” suggested, handheld camera enhances comic-book movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Using stunning visuals, Howard honours a book about murder that’s frightening.
Another admirable aspect of “The Da Vinci Code” that merits appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Howard successfully uses production-design to capture lives of detectives investigating murders causing a decline. Howard’s decision to shoot the film in real-life museums in Paris is risky but it works immensely. For instance, the location of the museum enhances the priest scene. During this unforgettable scene, Langdon discovers that Silas has infiltrated the museum holding priests captive. Through using real locations in Paris, Howard honours a book about murders that’s captivating. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Hans Zimmer’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie an intense atmosphere capturing the burden that detectives investigating murders bear. Using powerful production-design, Howard honours a book about murder mysteries causing lives to decline.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “The Da Vinci Code” is a murder mystery that is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses symbolism to capture the hardships experienced by religious preachers. Evoking David Fincher’s “Se7en”, Howard uses symbolism to capture the lives of detectives in a murder mystery. Throughout the movie, the Mona Lisa painting is a crucial symbol which showcases the tensions that artists are facing. For instance, the strong symbolism of painting enhances the robbery scene. During this tense scene, Langdon is shocked to discover that the Mona Lisa painting has been eradicated from the museum. Through captivating symbolism, Howard honours a book about murders that’s compelling. Symbolism is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Ron Howard’s “A Beautiful Mind” suggested, symbolism often enhances movies about mathematicians. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a bold screenplay, Howard honours a mystery book that’s beloved today.
One appreciates astonishing performances.
Paul Bettany delivers one of his best career performances as Silas. Bettany first earned appreciation for playing naval captains in adventure movies. With “The Da Vinci Code”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a priest facing adversity, but he succeeded immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charming and emotional in his most iconic role. Bettany has often excelled playing emotional characters under pressure, and “The Da Vinci Code” showcased his strengths as an actor. With mesmerizing expressions, he captures the angst, frustration and grief of a priest that faces tensions. It’s a powerful performance by one of the most commemorated actors in the industry today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Paul Bettany, the supporting cast is equally amazing and deserving of appreciation. Tom Hanks is extraordinary, capturing bravery of a professor that seeks to investigate a puzzling murder mystery. Alfred Molina is astonishing, bringing charisma to a priest that experiences a serious dilemma. Finally, Ian McKellen merits appreciations. As an intelligent professor, he brings humanity to the movie.
Finally, “The Da Vinci Code” would earn praise of everyone for capturing detectives seeking to solve a code. Unlike most mystery movies, the film tackles strong themes which everyone will relate to. It discusses strong themes including identity, mental health and trauma that would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the famous book to appreciate the movie. It delivers a meaningful message about religion that would resonate among everyone. Therefore, “The Da Vinci Code” is one of those rare mystery movies which everyone will truly adore.
Fans of Paul Bettany will appreciate “The Da Vinci Code” and so would movie-goers that seek exhilarating entertainment. A beautiful adaptation of a mystery book, it honours an actor that deserves appreciation.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about professors seeking resolve a code in a French museum, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has achieved stardom by portraying compelling characters with wisdom in memorable movies that definitely don’t deserve any criticism.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 