Mignola Da Vinci

[kid cthulhu]

Just started reading The DaVinci Code today, and the whole time, Mignola-esque imagery was swimming through my head.

Has anybody else read this?
I think Mike would do a bang up job at an adaptation.
Not that I'm expecting it, or anything. Just a thought.

[Jelly Meets Jam]

I've been meaning to pick that one up. I have even MORE reason to do so now.

[kid cthulhu]

So far, it's a total page turner.

Like the new avatar btw!

[hellboyone]

I read it last year and was obsessed about it for months. Seems like the rest of the world is now, too. So, yeah...I loved it!

Kid Cthulhu: When you're done with it (and only when you're done with it) go to the author's website for cool stuff about the book. Don't go before. It's spoiler-rific.

Ron Howard is making the movie adaptation.

R.

[1HELLBOY]

What are you guys talking about. I haven't heard about this. And Ron Howard is making a movie about it, hey Rick can you give me that link your talking about.

[1HELLBOY]

Oh ok it's a novel if I find it at Waldens I'll take a look at it

[hellboyone]

Yeah...no...if you haven't read it, YOU DON'T WANT THE LINK. It'll blow it all for you. Even the movie.

R.

[Johann]

I haven't read `em but i thinks i should.

what about Angels and Demons? isn't that by the same guy?

[KoryBing]

My mother read it in about 4 days. I really need to pick it up, because it looks fantastic.

[alz]

hehehe
I think LadyJ kinda liked the book (and Angels & Demons)

[CBM]

I loved this book too!

[Zombie!!]

I loved this book too!

Ahhh no. A Mignola liked it...now i must read it. Good to see you popped up here christine!

[Brisco]

I thought this thread was going to be about that Batman Elseworlds Annual Mignola did a while back... with his version of the Mona Lisa on the cover. (And maybe some other Da Vinci designs too.) That always reminded me of Lichtenstein's version of the Mona Lisa.

I've got The Da Vinci Code, but haven't gotten around to reading it yet. But based on the opinion on this board, I guess I should move it up in my pile!

Brisco

[Maija]

I'm always several years (if not decades) behind the bestseller curve, probably because I mostly read books that people have abandoned in the laundry room. But my mom has this one, so I'll probably get it from her when she's done.

[hellboyone]

I started Angels And Demons, written by the same author. It doesn't have nearly the same pull and page-turnin' mania that Da Vinci Code had. I may have to start it over. I get lost and forgetful easily when I don't read a book in a short amount of time.

I love The Da Vinci Code because I love conspiracy stories. And you may also know that I also love time travel stories and I recommend The Time Traveler's Wife (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1931561648/103-4202943-8167029?v=glance), a very cool and unique take on the subject. In my searchings I recently found that time travel is a popular subject in romance novels but this isn't a romance novel although it's definitely a love story and a great one.

R.

[Jelly Meets Jam]

Like the new avatar btw!

Isn't he precious? :)

[Hellsaint]

Isn't he precious? :)
Hmmm... He's something alright, but precious wasn't the first word that popped into my mind :evilsmile

[kid cthulhu]

Give us the precious...we needs it!

[jnapper]

hehehe
I think LadyJ kinda liked the book (and Angels & Demons)

hahahhaha... Alz knows that The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons were my two fave reads of 2003. Spring of last year, I snagged an advance reading copy of The Da Vinci Code-- it came with a cool bookmark that referenced a painting in the book.


I started Angels And Demons, written by the same author. It doesn't have nearly the same pull and page-turnin' mania that Da Vinci Code had. I may have to start it over. I get lost and forgetful easily when I don't read a book in a short amount of time.

Rick, per Angels & Demons, after I read past the intro of the characters in the first few chapters, it totally sucked me in. :)


Some fun URLs:
They're not clickable links--so if you cut and paste-- and you spoil it for yourself, shame on you!

If you've ALREADY read The Davinci Code, visit:
http://www.thedavincicode.com/ (site is AKA http://www.randomhouse.com/doubleday/davinci/)
http://www.danbrown.com/
http://www.randomhouse.com/doubleday/davinci/robertlangdon/
http://www.lillian.com/
http://www.touruk.co.uk/london_churches/temple_church1.htm
http://vrcoll.fa.pitt.edu/medart/image/England/london/Temple-Church/London-Temple-Church.html
http://www.templechurch.com/pages/history.htm
http://www.templechurch.com/pages/whoswho.htm

If you've ALREADY read Angels & Demons, visit:
http://www.danbrown.com/
http://www.randomhouse.com/doubleday/davinci/robertlangdon/
http://www.johnlangdon.net/website/New_Pages/Angels_Demons.htm (from Alz)
http://www.usatoday.com/news/graphics/pope_election/flash.htm


Prior to the release of The Passion, there was a flurry of commentary on the The Da Vinci Code and some religious/historical elements in it-- let's keep that out of this thread in order to *keep this thread spoiler free*.

If anyone wants to post on the religion/history commentary-- or any other spoiler topic on TDC-- create a thread called:
"The Da Vinci Code: Spoilers (Not Kidding)" to warn new readers away.

[Celtic_Fiddler]

Wow, thanks for the bunch of links, Jonell! I enjoyed the book; it was a fun read and makes you think. It will be interesting to see Ron Howard's take on it. I wanted my book club to read it, but one of the members, a fundamentalist Christian, didn't want to. Oh well. I have Angels and Demons on my list to read after about 3 others.

Andrea

[hellboyone]

Da Vinci Code fans might dig this interesting synopsis that Philip K. Dick wrote called the Acts of Paul. Dick, for those who don't know, wrote ground breaking science fiction and is responsible for writing the original stories that eventually became Blade Runner, Total Recall, and The Minority Report, among others. It's fairly short but sounds like it would have made a helluva book had it been written:

http://www.philipkdick.com/new_actsofpaul1.html

Currently, Dick's novel A Scanner Darkly is being adapted by Richard Linklater and carries an all-star cast (Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Robert Downey Jr., Woody Harrelson).

R.

[hellboyone]

Another link, to add to jnapper's. Link to an Opus Dei website, a real sect/cult/whatever that is prominent in the book. They have an official one, but this is the unofficial one...which makes it more fun. :) Read the FAQ.

http://www.mond.at/opus.dei/

R.

[Gene Poonyo]

Had to go out and get me the Da Vinci Code after reading this thread. Since I couldn't go about yet, my daughter tried looking for it at the Library for me but they were all checked out. So I decided to buy one, at a 25% discount, and started reading it. It was a page-turner for sure and I finally finished it yesterday.
I found the book very enjoyable and learned a lot of new and fascinating information about the works of the the old masters in general and Da Vinci in particular. Now I am digging a little bit deeper into Da Vinci stuff.
Good read.

[jnapper]

I poked round last week looking for any info on when the next Dan Brown book (featuring the charcter Robert Langdon) will be published. If anyone stumbles on the release date or title, post something here? Thanks!! :)

[Gene Poonyo]

I poked round last week looking for any info on when the next Dan Brown book (featuring the charcter Robert Langdon) will be published. If anyone stumbles on the release date or title, post something here? Thanks!! :)
It says on his website that the new Robert Langdon novel is coming out next summer and that it is going to pick up from where The da Vinci Code left off. No title yet though...Hope it helps.
www.danbrown.com is his 'site. In the FAQ section.

[hellboyone]

According to the Today Show interview on the site, it'll be about another secret brotherhood and will feature Robert Langdon. This next novel is also part of the Da Vinci Code movie deal.

R.

[kid cthulhu]

Wow!
I hadn't heard anything about this, but it sounds pretty cool.

[jnapper]

Going to poke about today to see if there's any news on Dan Brown's new book. If anyone spots any info/news/release date, post it here too, otay?

Brown donated $2.2 Million this past week (I think that was the amount) to a school-- that tidbit and the trailer for NATIONAL TREASURE (in front of the fun(!) INCREDIBLES movie), had me thinkin' of treasure hunts today.

Then there was this fun page from Alz:
http://www.geocaching.com
(It looks like a cool thing to do when vacationin' in the summer) ;)

[Pam Cakes]

Ron Howard is making the movie adaptation.

R.

Ron Howard?! Oh, ugh. So I suppose Tom Hanks will play Robert Langdon... eww.

[hellboyone]

I've got nothin' against Ron Howard. He's made some great movies and, for the most part, makes great choices. It's been announced that he's also adapting John Steinbeck's classic East of Eden for the big screen. And he could do far worse than Tom Hanks, although I can't picture him in the part.

Jonell: I'm looking forward to National Treasure to see if they incorporate any cool Masonic conspiracy stuff into it. I've become less of a fan of Nic Cage than I used to be (not since Raising Arizona, probably) but this movie still looks like fun.

R.

[Pam Cakes]

I've got nothin' against Ron Howard. He's made some great movies and, for the most part, makes great choices. It's been announced that he's also adapting John Steinbeck's classic East of Eden for the big screen. And he could do far worse than Tom Hanks, although I can't picture him in the part.
R.

His work is too middle-of-the-road for my tastes, I guess.

[jnapper]

Jonell: I'm looking forward to National Treasure to see if they incorporate any cool Masonic conspiracy stuff into it.

hahahaha... me too!

[hellboyone]

It appears that Ron Howard will, indeed, lean toward tried and true with Tom Hanks in the role of Robert Langdon for The Da Vinci Code. I hadn't expected that at all but I'm all for it, Hanks being a quite capable actor. Still looking forward to this.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=598&e=3&u=/nm/20041115/film_nm/film_hanks_dc

R.

[Pam Cakes]

It appears that Ron Howard will, indeed, lean toward tried and true with Tom Hanks in the role of Robert Langdon for The Da Vinci Code. I hadn't expected that at all but I'm all for it, Hanks being a quite capable actor. Still looking forward to this.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=598&e=3&u=/nm/20041115/film_nm/film_hanks_dc

R.

LOL, surprise, surprise! Saw that one coming a mile away... :rolleyes:

[alz]

ugh just read that elsewhere, too.

Hanks is good but hmm... he's always going to be that "nice guy". Can't seem him as the studious/bookworm type of Langdon. Even considering his Private Ryan and Cast Away roles.

[hellboyone]

He did play a gangster in Road To Perdition, an alcoholic in A League Of Their Own, a man dying from AIDS in Philadelphia, a 12 year old in Big, and an FBI agent in Catch Me If You Can . Langdon will be a snap for Hanks and I hope he has as much love for the material as the reading public does.

You definitely called it, Pam! Your No Prize is on the way! :)

R.

[Pam Cakes]

He did play a gangster in Road To Perdition, an alcoholic in A League Of Their Own, a man dying from AIDS in Philadelphia, a 12 year old in Big, and an FBI agent in Catch Me If You Can . Langdon will be a snap for Hanks and I hope he has as much love for the material as the reading public does.

You definitely called it, Pam! Your No Prize is on the way! :)

R.

Oh, boy, I can hardly wait for my No Prize! ;)

Oh well, obviously lotsa people like Hanks. Being Little Miss Contrary, I think of him as "vanilla". Zzzzzzzzz... However, Ron Howard didn't call to ask my opinion, so I guess it doesn't matter, eh? ;)

[KoryBing]

Don't forget Hank's role in The Ladykillers. He wasn't exactly what I would call a "nice guy" in that movie. Funny, but not nice.

I like Ron Howard. I'll be looking foward to this movie. :D

[Shadowfax32]

It's going to take me a while to envision Hanks as Langdon. I would like to see Viggo Mortensen in this role. By the way the new book will be entitled Solomon's Key and will involve the Freemasons again.

Michelle

[Pam Cakes]

It's going to take me a while to envision Hanks as Langdon. I would like to see Viggo Mortensen in this role.
Michelle

Well, yeah, that's a little more interesting... I guess I just don't think Hanks looks intelligent enough for this role, hahahaha! Plus, he's too old for it.

I am expecting the role of Sophie to go to whoever the female "flavour of the month" is.

So, if they're gonna cast somebody too old for the role of Langdon, they can do the same with Silas--and cast Ron Perlman. He did a nice job in red makeup... he could do as well in white. ;) I picture F. Murray Abrams as Bishop Aringaroundtherosie (or whatever the hell his name was).

[hellboyone]

I never pictured actors when I was reading this book so I guess I really don't care, in the end. I have the book and if the movie stinks, I'll still have the book.

R.

[Pam Cakes]

I never pictured actors when I was reading this book so I guess I really don't care, in the end. I have the book and if the movie stinks, I'll still have the book.

R.

Yeah, that's a smart way to look at it. One is one and the other is the other. Same as the case with Hellboy.

[jnapper]

By the way the new book will be entitled Solomon's Key and will involve the Freemasons again.

Shadowfax32, you totally rule-- I hadn't heard anything about that yet!!!

I just went on a websearch, here's some stuff I snipped from a B&N (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/writers/writerdetails.asp?userid=2XCNH3BVY5&sourceid=0040234846&cid=1040938#interview)interview:

What are you working on now?
"Currently, I'm writing another Robert Langdon thriller [The Solomon Key] -- the sequel to The Da Vinci Code. For the first time, Langdon will find himself embroiled in a mystery on U.S. soil. This new novel explores the hidden history of our nation's capital."

"What are your favorite books -- and why?"
(One listed in the interview is...) "The Bourne Identity series by Robert Ludlum -- Ludlum's early books are complex, smart, and yet still move at a lightning pace. This series got me interested in the genre of big-concept, international thrillers."

Favorite films?
"...if you're looking for pure popcorn entertainment, you can't beat Indiana Jones or the Pink Panther series."

(jnapper highlighted the little things that she was psyched about) :)

[alz]

LatinoReview recently spoke to John Calley who is credited as producer on the much anticipated film adaptation of "The DaVinci Code" and discussed a variety of aspects in regards to turning Dan Brown's bestseller into a megamovie hit. "The way it worked was I got a call from Ron Howard's agent asking if we would be interested in Ron to direct it, and of course we would" said Calley who is also very happy with Akiva Goldsman's screenplay - "It's very hard to describe it, but he somehow is able to compress it. All the salient stuff is there, but it's not as long. But if it works the first time, I'd like to do the full version in four or five days. I'm kidding".

Meanwhile, what about the concern over Tom Hanks taking the lead role of Robert Langdon: "I think that it depends upon how he's rendered. Obviously, Ron Howard isn't going to say, "He's wrong but he means something at the box office." Because forgive me, in the best possible way, we don't need a big gross star because I don't think The Da Vinci Code has to be supported by an actor's name. It has to be well done. My sense is that if Ron feels that that's the way he can do it, then he should do it that way. I don't think he's deliberately trying to overcast the part just so that he can get a celebrity's name on the title."

Location wise, Calley thinks that the production will be able to shoot at The Louvre for the film's opening scenes. "We can certainly shoot exteriors, and we might want to build the interior aspects of the Louvre that we need because we want walls to come out to be able to shoot." Calley expects filming to begin in June or July.

In related news, Julie Delpy talked with The Boston Globe about the possibility of her playing the role of Parisian cryptologist Sophie Neveu: "I'm praying, but we'll see. You never know until there is a solid cast, but I am going to meet them. I don't know what their idea for it is, or if I am right for it. The character is French, in her 30s and has a shade of red in her hair. I can become a redhead". Delpy is expected to sit down with Howard and producer Brian Grazer to talk about the part.

-----

Julie Delphy pictures (for those wondering)

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0381681/11.jpg
http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0381681/17.jpg

[jnapper]

Tom Hanks to Star in 'The Da Vinci Code' Movie
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=598&e=9&u=/nm/leisure_hanks_dc

Tue Nov 30, 5:44 PM ET

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks (news) has been cast to star in an upcoming movie adaptation of Dan Brown's best-selling mystery "The Da Vinci Code," film studio Columbia Pictures said on Tuesday.

Hanks will play the role of Robert Langdon, the Harvard professor who undertakes a modern-day quest for the Holy Grail in a thriller steeped in purported secrets about the early Christian church.

The film will be directed by Ron Howard from a screenplay by Akiva Goldman and produced by Howard's business partner, Brian Grazer, the same team behind the 2001 Oscar-winning film "A Beautiful Mind."

The studio, a unit of Japanese electronics firm Sony Corp (NYSE:SNE - news) (news - web sites)., said the film is slated for release on May 19, 2006. Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group Chairman Amy Pascal called it "the cornerstone" of the studio's movie slate for that year.

"The potential that exists through this collaboration of material and talent is extraordinary," Pascal said. She added that "job one is to be as faithful as possible to the book and respectful of the fans who love it worldwide."

The book has been on nationwide bestseller lists almost nonstop since it was first published by Doubleday in 2003, including 87 weeks at the top of the New York Times bestseller list. The studio said more than 20 million copies of the novel are in print worldwide.

According to trade publications, the studio acquired rights to Brown's book last year in a reported seven-figure-deal brokered by then-Columbia executive John Calley before he stepped down as chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. Calley remains attached to the project as producer with Grazer.

Hanks, currently featured in the animated holiday feature "The Polar Express," previously teamed up with Howard and Grazer in the space drama "Apollo 13" and his breakthrough comedy film "Splash."

The 48-year-old star won back-to-back Academy Awards (news - web sites) as best actor for his dramatic turns in "Philadelphia" and "Forrest Gump." He also earned Oscar nominations for his roles in "Big," "Saving Private Ryan" and "Cast Away."

[hellboyone]

Julie Delpy is perect for Sophie.

Thanks for the solid casting news on Hanks, Jonell!

R.

[hellboyone]

A fascinating new Da Vinci find.

http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/story.jsp?story=599962

R.

[jnapper]

A fascinating new Da Vinci find.

http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/story.jsp?story=599962

R.

Coolness-- thanks, Rick.

Per The Da Vinci Code, here's a 2-Hour History Channel special that will be on Sunday, January 16 at 8 PM EST called "Beyond The Da Vinci Code."
http://www.historychannel.com/global/listings/listings.jsp?fromYear=2005&fromMonth=0&fromDate=16&NetwCode=THC&timezone=1&View=Prime&

[Celtic_Fiddler]

Way cool, Jonell. I'll be watching it.

There's a new book that was being discussed on NPR today called, 'Leonardo'. He's hot stuff right now.

I finally read 'The DaVinci Code'. Clever, it was, and a fun read.

Andrea

[hellboyone]

More casting news:

Reno Cops to 'Da Vinci' Role

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - French film star Jean Reno has joined Tom Hanks (news) in Columbia Pictures' upcoming film adaptation of Dan Brown's best-selling thriller "The Da Vinci Code."



Reno will play gruff detective Bezu Fache to Hanks' famed symbologist Robert Langdon in the film version of the novel that has dominated the best seller list for almost two years.

Scheduled to begin production in 2005 for a May 19, 2006 release, "The Da Vinci Code" will be directed by Ron Howard from a screenplay by Akiva Goldsman. Both won Oscars (news - web sites) for their work on the 2001 film "A Beautiful Mind."

Reno, who stars opposite Steve Martin in the soon-to-be-released remake of "The Pink Panther," has appeared in numerous Hollywood films including "Mission: Impossible," "Ronin," the 1998 remake of "Godzilla" and such French films as "Subway," "The Big Blue," "La Femme Nikita" and "Les Visiteurs."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

[alz]

Da Vinci Code news:

Last Sunday, French newspapers announced six actresses as possibilities to play the female lead role of Sophie Neveu in the much-anticipated adaptation of Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code". On the list were Sophie Marceau, Audrey Tautou, Virginie Ledoyen, Amira Casar, Judith Godrèche and Linda Hardy.

Today, it now seems that Sophie Marceau ("Braveheart", "The World is Not Enough") may have won the part after dumping another project in favour of joining the Tom Hanks-led film.

FilmDeCulte reports that Monica Bellucci has just replaced Marceau in the adaptation of "le concile de pierre" that director Guillaume Nicloux is currently moving into production. The reason for her departure? Marceau preferred being involved in "The Da Vinci Code" and is headed for the US.

Bellucci has now inherited the part with shooting on that film to begin in June and last ten weeks. No official word as yet though on whether Marceau is locked.

http://www.angelfire.com/mi3/pandorasshadowyglen/images/floweredsittingdress.jpg
http://www.angelfire.com/mi3/pandorasshadowyglen/sophiepics.html

[jnapper]

'Da Vinci Code' to Be Shot Inside Louvre
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=598&e=2&u=/nm/france_louvre_dc

[ReptileJK]

Jean Reno rocks! Loved him in The Proffessional! He'll be a good choice for Reno.

Marceau is okay, but I will miss seeing Monica Bellucci on the big screen :( . In my opinion, she's the most beautiful (and unknown) actress out there, unless you've seen the Matrix sequels or Brotherhood of the Wolf (which was a pretty fun movie, in its own right).

Looking forward to this flick alot. Wonder if they'll adapt Angels and Demons (I think I enjoyed that book slightly more than DaVinci Code, although both were good reads).

RepT

[alz]

Jean Reno is a great guy!

(having said that)
why is it when Hollywood needs a "French guy" -- they always cast him?

[ReptileJK]

Jean Reno is a great guy!

(having said that)
why is it when Hollywood needs a "French guy" -- they always cast him?


That is curious. I wouldn't mind seeing Samuel Le Bihan (the David Lee Roth lookalike who played Fronsac in Brotherhood of the Wolf).

And as always, I ask Hollywood for more Monica Bellucci!!! ;)

[alz]

And as always, I ask Hollywood for more Monica Bellucci!!! ;)


Can't argue with that ;)

[jnapper]

Today (April 15th) is celebrated as Da Vinci's birthday.

This little puzzle box reminds me of the one in THE DA VINCI CODE--
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050415/phf019.html?.v=5

http://www.encryptagifts.com/the_story.htm
Each of the seven tumblers have eight characters per tumbler? I think they use labels that you place yourself. (I thought they were wood-burned at first.)

In any case, I was thinking I could paint it with archaic symbols.

Then again-- maybe Tim Arp will make one for us! ;)

[jnapper]

In any case, I was thinking I could paint it with archaic symbols.

Do'h!! Or HB sigils!
(Alz knew I'd love dat!!)

[jnapper]

Neat photographic tour based on ANGELS & DEMONS:
http://www.samfer.com/angelsanddemons.htm

(Danks, Alz!)

[Rob H]

I haven't read much of this thread in fear of some kind of spoiler. I haven't read the book but I've been meaning to for quite a while. Now I have an even greater reason to pick it up.

[hellboyone]

Neat photographic tour based on ANGELS & DEMONS:
http://www.samfer.com/angelsanddemons.htm

(Danks, Alz!)

I hear the Da Vinci Code sight-seeing tour is quite popular these days in France and in Europe in general.

R.

[petriacce]

It seems as though I get farther and farther behind with things as life goes on. I used to wonder why my parents didn't seem to keep up with things as I got older (technology, current books, etc.), but now I understand. It's impossible. I have such a long list of books, movies, and projects at this point that I will never catch up.

I have just recently got around to reading "The Da Vinci Code" and am on the last 50 pages. An actual page turner. I hear that about a lot of books and it frequently isn't true for me. This book, however, deserves the billing. I'm a bit emotionally involved with the story. I go from concerned to intrigued to annoyed to mad and back again.

Also, I finally watched "Shaun of the Dead". Har! A bit silly at points but now I understand all of the one liners I've read a lot of people use on the forum. I loved the "Plot Hole Extras" on the DVD. Overall, great film. The zombies (Don't say that word.) in this flick were much more accommodating than the ones in 28 Days Later. They knew when to drag a leg (pun intended) so as to give the main characters time to escape or have ten minute discussions. The 28 Days Later Z's just ran around wildly, tearing people apart and spraying blood everywhere. If I pay a visit I'd like to go to the places that are frequented by the slow zombies. I'd like to take my time and get a bit of sightseeing done as opposed to running for my life the whoooooole time.

[hellboyone]

Um...a bit silly at points? It's silly just about the whole time! Which is part of what makes it great. That and it's smart comedy with heart. I don't know about comparing it to 28 Days Later, which isn't a comedy, but they're nice companion movies, both being British.

Glad you're liking The Da Vinci Code. I'm hearing a lot of backlash about it, but that's pretty unavoidable for anything extremely popular. A lot of people just feel the need to hate what's popular, which I've always felt was just stupid. Like what you like, you know?

R.

[petriacce]

Um...a bit silly at points? It's silly just about the whole time!Just in the beginning and at the end. Oh, and the middle too. :p
I don't know about comparing it to 28 Days Later, which isn't a comedy, but they're nice companion movies, both being British.Well, not comparing the movies so much as the zombies. The zombies in 28 Days Later were just rude.

Glad you're liking The Da Vinci Code. I'm hearing a lot of backlash about it, but that's pretty unavoidable for anything extremely popular. A lot of people just feel the need to hate what's popular, which I've always felt was just stupid. Like what you like, you know?

R.I'm all for serious discussions and that is what actually led me to bumping this book up on my "to read" list. Several people have started conversations with me either throwing out parts of the book as disproving Christianity or spouting some agenda by the author. My first thoughts were usually, "Isn't this book FICTION? How can anyone use a work of fiction as the sole basis of forming a real world opinion?" But that's just me. I don't know Dan Brown and have never talked to him about the book. I don't know if he has hidden motives or not. I can't just assume he does. My biggest peeve with most books and movies is that the Catholic church is portrayed as the entirely of Christianity (or certainly running things). That is not and never has been true. That's a huge discussion by itself though and not for this board.

[citymadeofash]

Well, not comparing the movies so much as the zombies. The zombies in 28 Days Later were just rude.Its not too often one runs across a "polite" zombie :D

[jnapper]

It's impossible. I have such a long list of books, movies, and projects at this point that I will never catch up.

Bwwuhahahahhaha--
Allow me to suggest two more books to your list. :p

Several months ago I finished an advance reading copy of
The Geographer's Library (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1594200386/hellboycom01) by Jon Fasman-- although there were one or two elements that I would've changed in the ending, it was a total page turner for me!

Every other chapter deals with the backstory of different objects that are chased by alchemists.

"A number of priceless artifacts, stolen from the alchemist of the 11th century's King of Sicily, begin showing up in unlikely places."

4.5 out of 5 frogs
****1/2
(the jnapper meter for "books I enjoy")



And don't forget Angels & Demons (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0671027360/hellboycom01) by Dan Brown :)

4.5 out of 5 frogs
****1/2



Patrick, for my own "want to read" list, I just ordered Map of Bones (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060763876/hellboycom01). Hoping that it arrives soon and that it's as good as I've heard.

[Johann]

I finally read this book, finished it four or five months ago...little late.. but yeah, i enjoyed it. Twas a quick read, which is a rare thing for me. I still gotta read Angels and Demons, a friend said this was better than 'da vinci' so i gotta see. Great to hear Jene Reno will be in this, I love that guy, He's just awsome.

And for those who can't get enough Monica Belluci, Terry Gilliam's The Brothers Grimm will feature Belluci as an evil queen of some sort.

-Gilliam is God. :)

[petriacce]

Bwwuhahahahhaha--
Allow me to suggest two more books to your list. :p

Several months ago I finished an advance reading copy of
The Geographer's Library (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1594200386/hellboycom01) by Jon Fasman-- although there were one or two elements that I would've changed in the ending, it was a total page turner for me!

Every other chapter deals with the backstory of different objects that are chased by alchemists.

"A number of priceless artifacts, stolen from the alchemist of the 11th century's King of Sicily, begin showing up in unlikely places."

4.5 out of 5 frogs
****1/2
(the jnapper meter for "books I enjoy")


And don't forget Angels & Demons (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0671027360/hellboycom01) by Dan Brown :)

4.5 out of 5 frogs
****1/2



Patrick, for my own "want to read" list, I just ordered Map of Bones (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060763876/hellboycom01). Hoping that it arrives soon and that it's as good as I've heard.

You are kindly evil as is one of my coworkers. She dumped off Angels & Demons on my desk this morning. **cries**

The Geographer's Library does sound good. I like your rating system. **cries again**

[citymadeofash]

so much good reading material, so little time.........


My reading list is well into the double digits with new additions being heaped on all the time. Trouble is, after I finish a book, there are so many to choose from I usually go with "well what am I in the mood for now?". I wish I could get paid just to keep tabs on my favorite comics and books (as well as movies).

[kid cthulhu]

Let me know if you get the job.

And put a good word in for me, wouldja? :)

[Ivar_L]

link to the first trailer (http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/da_vinci_code/)

[jnapper]

Ivar_L, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING A LINK! I didn't know this was up already!! :)

PS. If you try to play "Full Screen," you need to have/get iTunes. I played the "Large" version (http://movies.apple.com/movies/sony_pictures/da_vinci_code/da_vinci_code_480.mov) with just QuickTime.

[jnapper]

Did that trailer remind anyone else of the opening to the BATMAN movie where you're moving inside the Bat symbol?

(Am I remembering this correctly? It just seemed familiar-- maybe the opening credits to the BATMAN movie wasn't like that. It's been a long time since I've watched a BATMAN movie, so I'm not sure.)

In any case, thank you again for the link, Ivar_L-- now I know I can mark my calendar for May 19, 2006!

[alz]

Ivar_L, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING A LINK! I didn't know this was up already!! :)

PS. If you try to play "Full Screen," you need to have/get iTunes. I played the "Large" version (http://movies.apple.com/movies/sony_pictures/da_vinci_code/da_vinci_code_480.mov) with just QuickTime.


The Fullscreen version isn't that much bigger (if not the same resolution) as the Large version. Quicktime Fullscreens typically just have extra crap around the sides (picture frame, y'know).

Here's a direct link to the Large version:
http://movies.apple.com/movies/sony_pictures/da_vinci_code/da_vinci_code_m480.mov


I kept expecting to hear the Hardy Boy's tv theme when watching it ;P

[alz]

Did that trailer remind anyone else of the opening to the BATMAN movie where you're moving inside the Bat symbol?


Yeah -- that's what they did :P

They also did that for the opening of Star Gate (and probably other films)

[Pam Cakes]

From the Toronto Star:

HAPPY DA VINCI FANS ARE WE
May 27/05
Peter Howell

Could it be that Hollywood is actually listening?

Paul Bettany was confirmed yesterday for the role of killer monk Silas in Ron Howard's screen adaptation of The Da Vinci Code, heeding the wishes of fans on the website ImagineCasting.com.

He's an obvious choice, possessing both the ultra-pale skin and the acting chops required for the role.

Bettany had an inside edge, because Howard had already employed him for an important role in A Beautiful Mind.

But it seems that pleasing the masses is the watchword for the high-profile Da Vinci Code, which begins filming next month in Paris and other European locales.

It's almost spooky how much Howard and producer John Calley are trying to fulfill the desires of Da Vinci Code fans, present company included, who are almost as ruthless and demanding a cult as the one featured in the Dan Brown mega-seller that started it all.

After shocking everyone with the pick of Tom Hanks for the role of symbol sleuth Robert Langdon, a choice everyone seems to have warmed to, the other key casting picks have been straight out of the Da Vinci fan playbook, each one ranking within one of the top three faves on ImagineCasting.com.

Audrey Tatou (Amélie) is ideal for Sophie Neveu, the French cryptologist who allies with Langdon. Jean Reno is parfait as Capt. Bezu Fache, the Paris police flatfoot who pursues Langdon and Neveu.

Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2) is a wise choice for corrupt cleric Bishop Aringarosa.

And Ian McKellen will make a very fine Leigh Teabing, keeper of Holy Grail secrets, even though most right-thinking Da Vinci cultists had been lobbying for Jim Broadbent to nab the post.

McKellen was our back-up choice, so there should be no carping about this.

Except to say that if McKellen is Teabing, then who will play Jacques Sauniere, the Louvre Museum curator whose murder sets the story in motion? Wasn't this supposed to be McKellen's gig for the asking?

I'm starting to think Howard and Calley should tap a Euro thespian for this role. One I quite like is Daniel Auteuil, the Algerian-born French actor who stars in Caché (Hidden), the movie that won Michael Haneke the director's trophy at the recent Cannes Film Festival.

At 55, Auteuil may seem a little young to be playing Sauniere, who is a good 10 years older. But make-up can work wonders, and his lead turn in Caché — which is not unlike Da Vinci Code in its pursuit of puzzling clues — proves he's right for a mystery thriller.

I almost hesitate to mention his name, because, as a Da Vinci cultist, I'm never happy. Now I'm starting to think that Howard and Calley are being too accommodating — if they give fans everything they want, where is the surprise? And what will we have to complain about?

But I've found something to carp about. The Da Vinci Code website (http://www.davincicode-movie.com) and teaser trailer both went up on the Net this week, and I'm disappointed.

The site contains almost nothing of interest — where are all the puzzles and clues? — and the teaser trailer and poster are considerably short of awe-inspiring. The teaser features a microscopic tour through the tiny cracks of the Mona Lisa, the Leonard Da Vinci painting that frames the story, while a deep-voiced announcer rambles on about life-changing secrets and all that jazz. Ho-hum. The poster is even lamer: a pic of the Mona Lisa with a computer printout of code coming out of her mouth.

It all looks like something a Sony staffer cooked up after lunch one day on an iMac, and that may not be too far from the truth. In fact, an Italian Da Vinci cultist named Claudio Meli hatched up his own Da Vinci teaser on his home computer, and it's cooler than the official one — with better music, to boot. It can be seen at http://www.leportediparigi.com/mm/codice.wmv.

Maybe it's expecting too much for the website and trailer to be any good, since filming hasn't even started yet. And there is at least one valuable clue on it: the film's May 19, 2006 release date.

Are you thinking what I'm thinking? That date is spot-on to have The Da Vinci Code world-premiere in France on May 17, 2006 as the opening film of the 59th Cannes Film Festival, immediately prior to its world release.

You read it here first, Da Vinci Code fans.


Here's Bettany's entry at IMDb. (http://imdb.com/name/nm0079273/)

[alz]

Sheesh -- he looks perfect for the part

http://ia.imdb.com/media/imdb/01/I/88/56/12m.jpg
http://ia.imdb.com/media/imdb/01/I/88/56/12m.jpg

[jnapper]

IMDB doesn't support direct links to pics? (You might have them cached on your computer?)

Was this the pic?

[alz]

1st shot of Hanks as Robert (that I've seen)

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news05/langdon.jpg

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news05/050704d.php

[jnapper]

1st shot of Hanks as Robert (that I've seen)

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news05/langdon.jpg

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news05/050704d.php

Ooo! Thanks for this!

[The Xenos]

Hmmm... Ok. I keep hearing about this booka nd now the film. I already found out the big secret about DaVinci and the Grail and was totally underwhelmed and, on the DaVinci part, kinda ticked off and not buying it.

I was watching this thing on the Discovery or History channel about how DaVinci was invovled in Brown's conspiracy. I found it extremely dumb, even for a pulpy read. Of course it annoys me that people are treating this like a very smart book when I hear a stupid conspiracy like that. I've been a fan of DaVinci all my life and dear crap am I instulted his name is in the title.

I don't mind the whole Grail and Priory of Sion stuff. Hell, I've heard the big secret of the Church and Grail many times before. Certainly Preacher fans will be bored with that. Now I don't belive that it's true, but it's certainly an interesting what if. That conspiracy seems to at least partially date back to like the 30s or 50s or something where some poeple came out of nowhere to lay claim to French royalty. They bring up the whole bloodline idea. Not sure what was documented before that about it.

Of course,I must mention the comic book Rex Mundi which also seems to be heading to this conspiracy too. They've recently revealed about the Priory of Sion. What's interesting there is that they use an alternate history WW1 Europe as the setting. That alone is interesting. Plus they leave poor DaVinci alone and have a French painter involved. Plus they involve magic and Jewish mytasism involving the Caballah. Mind you, ignore the crappy glitsy Hollywood Caballah, the actual stuff is rather intersting and somewhat creepy. Well, when I say creepy I'm thinking of radical nuts like Crowley.

Anyway, just wanted to add my two cents on what I've heard and wanted to know if people think I should still read the book. Though from what I hear Angels and Demons is much better.

-Xenos

[Pam Cakes]

Anyway, just wanted to add my two cents on what I've heard and wanted to know if people think I should still read the book.

-Xenos
No. Sounds like you've already come to your own judgement about it (despite not having read it) and your time might be better spent reading something else. It's really just a pot-boiler, anyway. (There are lots of better books on the shelves, IMO. And, yeah, I've read it.) :)

[petriacce]

I never posted about finishing Angels & Demons. It was also a good book. A couple of parts dragged a bit but on the whole it was pretty good.

While reading both "The DiVinci Code" and "Angels & Demons" I couldn't get past the idea that I was somehow suppose to see the author and Robert Langdon as the same person - very intelligent and condescendingly tolerant of informing the ignorant as well as unresistable to the ladies. :rolleyes: I seriously don't know how many times I rolled my eyes while reading these.

[alz]

Quote:

Seems that Bill Paxton is someone Ron Howard envisioned for the role of Robert Langdon in "Da Vinci" but Paxton's committed to a remake of the 1954 classic "Creature of the Black Lagoon" so he couldn't commit.

[Pam Cakes]

Quote:

Seems that Bill Paxton is someone Ron Howard envisioned for the role of Robert Langdon in "Da Vinci" but Paxton's committed to a remake of the 1954 classic "Creature of the Black Lagoon" so he couldn't commit.
Yeah (and I realize this is going OT), I just read that the CREATURE remake is going to be directed by Brett *hack* Ratner. :eek:

[alz]

Yeah (and I realize this is going OT), I just read that the CREATURE remake is going to be directed by Brett *hack* Ratner. :eek:

He's directing X-Men 3

Vader sez, "Nooooooooooooooooooo!"

(but that does mean Superman has a chance of rocking, with attentive Singer at the chair)

[hellboyone]

Quote:

Seems that Bill Paxton is someone Ron Howard envisioned for the role of Robert Langdon in "Da Vinci" but Paxton's committed to a remake of the 1954 classic "Creature of the Black Lagoon" so he couldn't commit.

I like Bill Paxton quite a bit. But I sometimes have a hard time taking him seriously in dramatic roles. He's just played too many goofballs. Came close in Frailty, but here and there he'll make a face and he's back being Chet again going, "You're stewed, dickwad!" He's great in many of his roles, however, one of my favorites being Morgan Earp in Tombstone.

As for the novel, anyone taking it seriously (including any church) is out of their minds. I like a good conspiracy as much as the next guy, but this is a novel and, by definition, a work of fiction. Dat's it.

Still, I look forward to the movie as I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It's no Cuckoo's Nest, but it's great comic book novel.

R.

[alz]

You should check out Paxton in One False Move. He has a pretty good serious role in that. Coincidentally stars a fairly new Billy Bob Thorton.

[Pam Cakes]

You should check out Paxton in One False Move. He has a pretty good serious role in that. Coincidentally stars a fairly new Billy Bob Thorton.
Plus it was co-written by Billy Bob. :)

[Jan Bentzen]

Favorite line from Bill Paxton in "Aliens" :

"Game over man - game over" (in a VERY desperate voice) :evilsmile

- Jan

[miltonmuttdogg]

i totally agree with you , im reading it now and its very compulsive but the character of 'silas' is totally mignolasville me thinks....luvin it and looking forward to 'angels and demons' the prequel btw the island rocks my world!!!! very wordy feels like a real 'bookend' to a portion of hellboy's journey
bye bye all
Mutt

[hellboyone]

The knee-jerks at Sony are about to drop all the stuff that makes the Da Vinci Code fun from the movie. Read on and let the disappointment commence:

Da Vinci Plot May Get New Twist to Placate Catholics

Dateline: Tuesday, August 9, 2005
Source: The Times, thanks DVB

So, if they take out religion, the Magdalene, the sacred feminine, Opus Dei, the sex ritual, the Priory of Sion... then, I guess they'll be left with a great car chase movie...

The film version of The Da Vinci Code is attempting to reduce the offence that the best-selling book caused to Roman Catholics.


Sony Pictures, the studio behind the film starring Tom Hanks and Sir Ian McKellen, is reported to have been so concerned that it has consulted Catholic and other Christian specialists on how it might alter the plot of the novel to avoid offending the devout.


Film officials have held talks with Catholic groups and other organisations despite Dan Brown, the author, insisting that “it’s only a novel and therefore a work of fiction”, The New York Times reported yesterday.


The Catholic League is calling for Ron Howard, the film’s Oscar-winning director, to include a disclaimer acknowledging that the movie is fiction.


The Da Vinci Code, which is being filmed this summer with locations including Winchester Cathedral and Rosslyn Chapel, near Edinburgh, is based on a novel that has sold 25 million copies worldwide. Among its more controversial claims is that Jesus married Mary Magdalene, a former prostitute, and that she bore him a child. This has been denounced as virulently anti-Catholic and a risible hoax.


The studio has been asked to consider whether the central premise — that Jesus had a child with Mary Magdalene — could be more ambiguous and whether the name of Opus Dei could be removed.


Condemnation of the book has been widespread. Last month the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales denounced it as logically and historically flawed. In March the Vatican appointed a top cardinal to rebut what it dismissed as lies, distortions and errors.


Sony declined to comment.

[Pam Cakes]

Wow. Why bother even making the film, then?

[kid cthulhu]

Wow. Well, whatever happens, this film is gonna be met with (possibly record) high protest.

[JohnThompson]

To take all that stuff out of the plot makes it pointless for the movie to even be made. There was a similar race to find clues in the movie National Treasure, but nobody had to issue a disclaimer to prevent people from stealing the Declaration of Independence looking for a treasure map. Anybody--and I'm not slamming any religion, I mean anybody-- who has to maintain such a tight leash on their followers to prevent them from leaving, is going to have the opposite effect. Imagine if the reaction from religious groups about this movie was to laugh it off and treat the "Code" as a work of total fiction, I assume their followers would think the book's premise was silly too. That they're fighting so hard against this book and now movie makes me think there's more than a little truth to the story. :rolleyes:

[alz]

People who can't handle criticism should go back to ... bah, I won't finish the thought.


Here's a weird one instead:

A-Ha connected to Da Vinci Code soundtrack?
http://www.movieweb.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5440

[kid cthulhu]

To take all that stuff out of the plot makes it pointless for the movie to even be made. There was a similar race to find clues in the movie National Treasure, but nobody had to issue a disclaimer to prevent people from stealing the Declaration of Independence looking for a treasure map. Anybody--and I'm not slamming any religion, I mean anybody-- who has to maintain such a tight leash on their followers to prevent them from leaving, is going to have the opposite effect. Imagine if the reaction from religious groups about this movie was to laugh it off and treat the "Code" as a work of total fiction, I assume their followers would think the book's premise was silly too. That they're fighting so hard against this book and now movie makes me think there's more than a little truth to the story. :rolleyes:

Here, here!

Honestly, and God, I just know I'm gonna ruffle a few feathers here, but when people's belief systems get in the way of intelligence it just piss me off. Maybe because I've had to deal with it so first hand my entire life.

[alz]

BOOM.

http://movies.apple.com/movies/sony_pictures/da_vinci_code/da_vinci_code-tsr2_h640w.mov

[alz]

a Puzzle?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v405/alz/DaVinciCode.jpg

[jnapper]

BOOM.

http://movies.apple.com/movies/sony_pictures/da_vinci_code/da_vinci_code-tsr2_h640w.mov

Oh, yes-- you rock! Thank you!!! I hadn't seen this yet!

[jnapper]

a Puzzle?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v405/alz/DaVinciCode.jpg

THS ECDEO

THE CODES?

I dunno... I was trying for something in Latin too. Was that in the trailer?

[alz]

I have a nice what?

OH here's what the puzzle is - unscramble the words and it's an address...

http://www.seekthecodes.com/

[Rob H]

Shall I read Angels and Demons before I get stuck into The Da Vinci Code?

[jnapper]

Shall I read Angels and Demons before I get stuck into The Da Vinci Code?

You don't need to read Angels & Demons before reading The Da Vinci Code.

I enjoyed reading both though--

In the same vein, another book I enjoyed is The Geographer's Library (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1594200386/hellboycom01).

[Rob H]

Well, I've The Da Vinci Code on the way thanks to eBay so I'll move on from there if I like it. There's no particular order, is there?

The Geographer's Library looks just as interesting. I've been wondering as to why these books have been getting so much attention over the last few years. I think it's all a matter of whether the reader reads them as fiction, non fiction or a mix of both.

[jnapper]

There's no particular order, is there?

A&D was published before TDC-- they are pretty 'stand alone' and can be read exclusive of one and other.

[Rob H]

Thanks for the info, jnapper.

[Rob H]

Wow, that was a great book. :) :) :) Time to pick up Angels and Demons.

[hellboyone]

Check out the synopsis for this self-published book. Intriguing, and seems like it's right up the alley of Da Vinci Code fans..

http://www.cafepress.com/thequill.28259627

R.

[alz]

Paperback due out soon

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060109/us_nm/media_davinci_dc;_ylt=AmJ1H_vuqJE1VSNsvlXo4l1xFb8C ;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA--

[alz]

http://www.darkhorizons.com/2006/davinci/code4.jpg

http://www.darkhorizons.com/2006/davinci/code2.jpg

http://www.darkhorizons.com/2006/davinci/code8.jpg

[alz]

http://www.darkhorizons.com/2006/davinci/code3.jpg

http://www.darkhorizons.com/2006/davinci/code16.jpg

http://www.darkhorizons.com/2006/davinci/code7.jpg

[alz]

http://www.darkhorizons.com/2006/davinci/code5.jpg

http://www.darkhorizons.com/2006/davinci/code17.jpg

http://www.darkhorizons.com/2006/davinci/code18.jpg

http://www.darkhorizons.com/2006/davinci/code11.jpg

[jnapper]

Ooooo... THANKS, ALZ!!!!!!

I can't wait!!!

[hellboyone]

Damn...Audrey Tautou is gorgeous.

(Tom Hanks ain't bad either.) :)

R.

[Tad]

What? No love for the albino?

[hellboyone]

What? No love for the albino?

Yes, Paul Bettany (is that who it is?) makes a gorgeous guy with no skin pigment.

R.

[ReptileJK]

The knee-jerks at Sony are about to drop all the stuff that makes the Da Vinci Code fun from the movie. Read on and let the disappointment commence:
[/I]

As others have said....I can't believe that they are doing this! I have little faith that this movie is going to be any good now!

Also, for some reason, I thought Sophie Marceau was playing the female lead (can't remember the character's name)? Who's the woman in the stills? Either way.....they aren't Monica Belluci, who I was hoping would get the role. :D

Interesting that on Sunday, the History Channel played their two hour segment about the Davinci Code...comparing book to what is historically known. Very neat.

What I find strange about the entire Da Vinci code phenomenon, however, is how seriously people take it. This is only my opinion, but Dan Brown wrote a fictional novel. I never got the impression that he was trying to put this forth as an actual historical hypothesis. Furthermore, it's my understanding that many of the main ideas in the Da Vinci code weren't invented by Brown...they'd been around for awhile (aparently, there was a book published in the 80's about the topic called "Holy Blood, Holy Grail", for example)

The reason the book is such a good read is because Brown *REALLY* did his homework and came up with a plot that made sense, and is at least feasible, when looking at historical events. Even though he apparently makes some connections that aren't there (or at least, that's what I've heard).....it's a fictional work, and because of that he has liscense to make those leaps. The fact that folks are getting so bent out of shape about it (on both sides) sort of surprises me.

Thoughts?

RepT
BTW, a friend of mine has read Brown's Deception Point and said it was very good. Not sure if anyone else has looked at it.

[JohnThompson]

Also, for some reason, I thought Sophie Marceau was playing the female lead (can't remember the character's name)? Who's the woman in the stills? Either way.....they aren't Monica Belluci, who I was hoping would get the role. :D
As Rick already mentioned, French actress Audrey Tautou plays the female lead. If you've never seen the movie "Amelie", rent it and see for yourself how charming and captivating this lady is on screen.

[ReptileJK]

As Rick already mentioned, French actress Audrey Tautou plays the female lead. If you've never seen the movie "Amelie", rent it and see for yourself how charming and captivating this lady is on screen.

Ah. Must have missed that. I have seen Amelie. Didn't recognize her at first, but now I see it. Wasn't Sophie Marceau supposed to play this character for awhile?

Thanks, JT.

RepT

[alz]

http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,70131-13511013,00.html?f=rss


Guy A, "I think the sunrises because the world rotates."

Guy B, "Yeah, that makes sense."

Guy A, "That's my idea! I'll sue your ass!"

[jnapper]

I can't wait to see the movie. (The Da Vinci Code, that is.)

[Ivar_L]

Maybe it's already posted somewhere?...

New trailer here - http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/da_vinci_code/

[hellboyone]

A hearty chuckle:

http://www.thetoque.com/religion/20060407/davinci_code_author_dan_brown_faces_second_lawsuit .html

[jnapper]

Probably old news, but still--

Next Dan Brown novel will be delayed
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060421/en_nm/arts_danbrown_dc;_ylt=AuyXcrC_QQm__sBFLXleLQ9REhkF ;_ylu=X3oDMTBjMHVqMTQ4BHNlYwN5bnN1YmNhdA--

[hellboyone]

This week's Time Magazine has a cover story on the Opus Dei.

[hellboyone]

Some reviews are in since the Cannes screening and so far the critics have not been kind. Is the hype backfiring?

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/da_vinci_code/

I'm trying to stay away from reviews (which I normally don't read anyway).

[Ivar_L]

I saw this movie today. (I really hope there's no spoilers in my text here...) I think it was pretty ok, but I don't think Ron Howard is able to make bad movies... Of course, as I'm just halfway through the book, the second half of the film was much more interesting...
:)

In overall, it was pretty much like the book, of course without any long detailed backround explanations about architecture and with some plot-points and dialogue moved from one place to another. McKellen was good and really funny (unlike other characters, funny, that is) and Bettany was creepy enough. There was several Kingdom-of-Heaven-like historical scenes, that was a surprise to me.

My problem with the book and the movie is that I've seen a couple of documentaries about all this stuff and because of this I really didn't have any "ahh!"-moments. It's kind-of sad, because both of them could be so much more interesting this way...

One thing I can say, Audrey Tautou 's character's role in all this was pretty clear for me from the start...
:)

Tomorrow is the screening for The Omen... Last week I was able only to see first hour of X-Men III so I need to see it all, but I must say this movie was a big disappointment. Storyline could be ok, but script and dialogue... :( :mad:
I really didn't care about ANY of the characters. And the beginning with characters like from some badly photoshopped politician's posters... Ouch.

[hellboyone]

I worked a little on the Omen! I'm interested in this movie too, although the original is one of my favorite horror movies of all time. The trailer doesn't seem to stray too far from the original.

What's with Estonia getting all the early screenings? Or are you in Cannes?

[Ivar_L]

I think there's nothing special, really. When the movie theater's company gets copies, they watch the movie once, usually before it goes to the factory where they add subtitles. I'm just fortunate to be on the small circle of outside people who gets asked to the screenings... :)
I think in countries where they dub most of the films (Germany, France, Russia etc) the copies must be there much earlier.

There are movies which I've seen months before they're out, like Phone Booth, sometimes it's the same day film is out in US. Sometimes they are not released here at all... The most prominent films get here (with some sort of courier system) in several parts for security reasons. I think one part of Da Vinci was here week or two before the rest of the film.
Also, in last months on all the movies I've seen there are brown dice-like textures in some part of the picture. The moment is so short, probably a couple of frames, that most people can't register this at all. It's the system for identification of different copies. So if there's a pirated copy, if you know when and where to look, it's clear where the leak was...

And, just remembered - Over the Hedge has one of the TOTALLY FUNNIEST scenes I've ever seen in the movies! And there's some animation after the end credits... Don't miss this one, it's really good. Maybe it's not Shrek, but fur never looked as good... :)

Hellboyone, what you did in The Omen? Do I need to sit through the credits?... :)

[hellboyone]

I saw Over the Hedge last Saturday. It's got funny moments some great animation, but the movie itself was just okay for me. I didn't like Shrek much either (ugliest movie to win an Oscar EVER). I'm just sorta tired of animated movies where the guest voices are the stars and not the characters. And Dreamworks still doesn't know how to design or animate people in 3D without it being creepy.

I didn't do much in The Omen (a couple of shots, nothing worth mentioning anyway) and I haven't been asked by anyone about credits so I probably didn't get one. So feel free to go to the bathroom when the credits roll. :)

[Ivar_L]

I saw Over the Hedge last Saturday. It's got funny moments some great animation, but the movie itself was just okay for me."Okay" is not bad... :) I didn't expect anything from it and this energy drink joke was really really funny...
Bad thing is when you look back and get angry because the movie could've been so much better. There has been several totally boring action films this year with female leads what could've been pure action/entertainment in the hands of Luc Besson...

And Dreamworks still doesn't know how to design or animate people in 3D without it being creepy.First Toy Story wasn't much better... I don't think I've seen good humans in 3D animation at all. The creepiest I've seen is The Polar Express. I really hope Beowulf (with Neil Gaiman's script) will be something different.

So feel free to go to the bathroom when the credits roll. :)Ok, i will leave with all the others! :) And, by the way - thanks for giving me some time ago the final push to get those Ben Caldwell books, they're great!

[hellboyone]

That's the thing: Dreamworks is doing Toy Story-level people and Toy Story was made over 10 years ago! They could have taken cues from The Incredibles and gone more cartoony.

Glad you dig the Caldwell books. The guy's good!

[Neil Hill]

I worked a little on the Omen!

Yes Rick, we all know you rub shoulders with Gods. Enough already. :p :D (absolutely just kidding bro!) :)

[hellboyone]

Yes Rick, we all know you rub shoulders with Gods. Enough already. :p :D (absolutely just kidding bro!) :)

Heh...if by "gods" you mean sweaty, fat producers who call me under deadline to get their last minute shots done for a screening date, then yes...the gods have blessed me. :)

[hellboyone]

The conspiracy is real!

Lindsey and I decided to see an early morning showing of this movie today. We picked the 1030am screening, got some breakfast, and headed for the theater. It was all relatively painless until about 1045am when the movie still hadn't started. The theater manager came in and explained a delay, something about the reels being in the wrong theater. He promised that it would just be a few more minutes. As promised, the reel began to roll...backwards, with the film flipped the wrong way. Obviously, the projection monkeys done wrong and a re-threading was in order. After another 20 minutes of waiting, we were told that it would just be a bit longer but those who wanted refunds could have them. The bravest (or laziest) of us stayed. Sooner or later, the screening was cancelled! We all shuffled into the now extremely long line (the 1030 showing was PACKED...doesn't anyone go to church anymore? ;) ) and were given free passes and asked if we'd like to attend the 1220pm showing or a refund. We had nothing better to do so we sat in another theater for another hour. That screening worked. (In your face, psycho albinos!)

The movie was pretty much just like the book and I enjoyed it well enough. I read a couple of reviews going on and on about how much exposition there is in the movie. Well, kids...there's a lot of that in the book, too. The movie, however, made all the talking heads tolerable by going to flashbacks of supposed historical events, beautifully shot and presented so you didn't have to look at Audrey Tautou's gorgeous pout (I would have rather had that, by the way...but the flashbacks were good, too). "Confusing" is another one I read a few times. Now, I read the book, so I followed well enough. Lindsey did not read the book, and she was right along with me. Ron Howard did his best to make a movie that was pretty easy to follow and he did a great job. Tom Hanks played it pretty safe so he didn't get into too much trouble. The supporting cast was great, especially Ian Mckellen and and Paul Bettany. Audrey Tautou's just breathtaking...she lights up the screen.

The conspiratorial nature of the Vatican and Opus Dei are played WAY down. This must have been the compromise the filmmakers made. It wasn't too bad a compromise, although I do like it when establishments are poked at a bit with sticks. :)

The controversy that certain groups insist on stirring up only succeeded in giving this movie a bunch of free advertising. I can see how easily it is to get wrapped up in the book and, now, the movie. But they're just that: a book and a movie, and fictional at that.

Anyway...I was entertained. And they filmed Paris, London, and Scotland beautifully.

[jnapper]

"Musicians unlock mystery melody in Scottish chapel"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070501/ts_nm/britain_mystery_code_dc
http://heritage.scotsman.com/myths.cfm?id=627062006

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy2Dg-ncWoY&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Etjmitchell%2Ecom%2Fstuart% 2Frosslyn%2Ehtml

--------

Another interesting article-- not music theme
"Rosslyn Chapel's extraordinary carvings explained at last"
http://heritage.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=542&id=2078442005

More articles on chapel:
http://heritage.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=542

Video of chapel:
http://heritage.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=611222006

[jnapper]

I hadn't read an article about Dan Brown's The Solomon Key in a while-- glad to hear that it is still in the works :)

US author to unveil Washington's Masonic past
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071129/lf_afp/entertainmentusfreemasonsbooks

[jnapper]

In the realm of History's Mysteries:

"Map that named America is a puzzle for researchers"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071203/ts_nm/usa_map_dc

[alz]

Nice, ya?


http://filmdrunk.uproxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/angelsndemons.jpg

source: http://filmdrunk.uproxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/angelsndemons.jpg

[jnapper]

Nice, ya?

COOL! THANKS!

[MarisaSmith]

Nice, ya?
source: http://filmdrunk.uproxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/angelsndemons.jpg

Ooooooohhhhh.....
Can't wait! Can't wait!
PS:
Does anyone know if they're still filming in Rome???:confused: