June 24, 2008
Just let go
So I am probably the only person who hadn’t seen The Da Vinci Code. (nor have I read the book), but Sunday it came on cable so I decided, “What the heck.” It was a veg-in-my-room day anyway, might as well use up 2 1/2 hours on a movie!
Let me back up a sec and say, I HAVE seen many a show on what the book was about, all the debates over the historical aspects and ramifications and whatnot as well as interviews with Mr. Brown. So I was not coming in with an empty head. Even with all that, I hafta say, I enjoyed the movie.
Having said that, I think I may have looked at it a little different than some. As a writer, you tend to pick apart things and wonder how you would do them the same and how you would do thim different. On a purely fictional aspect (it was fiction after all despite all the speculation surrounding it), I think Mr. Brown did a great job weaving in clues, hunts and all around mystery in the story. I actually managed NOT to get too tied up in what I think on a religeous aspect and with that was thoroughly entertained!
For those who know me, that was a feat in and of itself. I tend not to be able to suspend any disbelief and will get mired down in, buts. (I can come up with some wacky buts!)
I think sometimes you just have to let go of what you know or think. (Had I not known ANY of the hoopla that had accompanied the movie, I don’t know if I would have still have enjoyed it or not. I may have gotten caught up in the “buts”. ) I was happily surprised.
Have books or movies “happily surprised” you before?
If you liked the movie, Dennie, you would probably like the book better!
The movie was pretty good, but you can’t get all the detail of a really intricate story into a movie. I read it in a day, then found a bookstore near my hotel in DC and bought the rest of his books!
The book before it was Angels and Demons. That is a really great story. I hear they are making it into a movie too. It takes place in Russia, Rome, and Vatican City. Amazing what could be hidden the political cover ups of religion.
He has two other stories that have nothing to do with “religious” mystery and intrigue. They are strictly political intrigue and cover-ups. The first one is Deception Point (NASA, Congress, and the CIA) and Digital Fortress (NSA and some other intelligence group). They have female heroines and are really good!
I was very pleasantly surprised by all of them. Especially since they weren’t in my normal genre of reading material. Actually, his books started my foray into another genre - political thrillers.
I had to think about this…..but Under the Tuscan Sun because normally I avoid “chick” flicks like the plague!
Oh, Angels and Demons comes out in May 2009 - Again with Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon.
Agree with Lynn—the book was MUCH better. Think part of that may have been that they tread lightly on certain issues to avoid certain unwanted controversy, but just my opinion.
But must disagree about Angels and Demons. I thought he made one HUGE mistake in the writing of that book. But I can’t say what without spoiling it!
Happy surprises from books and movies?
Rarely, I think. I think you get a sense of how you’ll like it from the first…
One exception film-wise was “THE ILLUSIONIST”.
Fabulous, FABULOUS movie, nice mystery, beautifully filmed, heart-melting romance—simply magical. Brilliant.
you know… I HAD both books, but I think they were in the box of stuff I took to Half price books and sold.
Well, Angels and Demons does require quite a bit of suspension of belief, but it is an intriguing concept, in my opinion. Most of my minor in history was focused on religious type/background courses, so the take on the Catholic Church, its “mysteries,” and relationships with others in history was interesting, although not necessarily accurate.
Yes, I’ve been surprised. Two movies come to mind. Both were dogged by critics which was why I expected to hate them, but I was pleasantly surprised.
1. Invasion
2. Vantage Point
As a writer, I’m particularly impressed with Vantage Point. I was telling DH after I watched it that I wished I had that screenwriter’s plotting skills. I’m not into the whole international intrigue/guns/fire/terrorists/explosions thingie … etc …. but any writer watching it has to be impressed by the screenwriter’s ability to juggle so many balls at one time. It was amazing. The plot was like a thoroughly complicated jigsaw puzzle, but it all made sense.
Invasion was watchable. Nicole Kidman was gorgeous and excellent as usual. And Daniel Craig could just read a dictionary and I’d be happy.
I haven’t seen either of those movies (Though I did really want to see Vantage Point)
My movie viewing is maturing w/ my kids (or when I can trick the DH into going w/ me). I can go by myself but that just sucks!
Now I wish I’da kept those books…oh well, I bet the Library has them!
I agree with Tanya about Vantage Point. That was an interesting take on POV for sure!