The Divinci Code - Movie

[Sabio]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]16/08/05 - Films section[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Nun upstages star Hanks
By Daily Mail reporter[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]When he walks on to a movie set, he usually gets star treatment.[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]But as Tom Hanks arrived at Lincoln Cathedral yesterday, he found himself somewhat upstaged. [/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]A handful of protesters were making their feelings known about the decision to film scenes from The Da Vinci Code in the historic building. [/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Led by a Catholic nun, Sister Mary Michael, they claimed the movie, based on the bestselling novel by Dan Brown, should be filmed elsewhere. She led a 12-hour prayer vigil to push the message home. [/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]The controversial thriller is the story of a Vatican conspiracy to suppress the supposed marriage of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. [/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]And despite the dean of Lincoln Cathedral branding the book 'a load of old tosh' he has agreed to let the movie be filmed there. He and the church authorities said yes after the producers donated £100,000 to the coffers. [/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Parts of its interior will serve as a double for Westminster Abbey, where church authorities refused to take part. Other locations include the Louvre in Paris, Winchester Cathedral and Rosslyn Chapel, near Edinburgh. [/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Yesterday Hanks, 49, who plays the hero, university lecturer Robert Langdon, was driven the few dozen yards from his hotel to the cathedral. [/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]He quickly disappeared inside the building with director Ron Howard and co-star Sir Ian McKellen. [/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Sister Mary Michael, 61, said afterwards: 'I just don't think it's right that they are filming this story here. [/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]'I know the bishop and dean argue it is fiction - and it might even be brilliant fiction - but it is against the very essence of what we believe.' [/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]The Da Vinci Code, which has sold 17 million copies in 42 languages, has provoked controversy with its questioning of Christian doctrine. Around 200 crew will work on the scenes in Lincoln, which are expected to take five days to complete and are the first to be shot in Britain. [/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]The cathedral will be closed to tourists for two days. Yesterday staff handed printed apologies to visitors who were turned away. [/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]The dean of the cathedral, the Very Reverend Alec Knight, said it was right to allow filming to take place there. [/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]'It is a huge opportunity in secular terms,' he said. [/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]'We thought about the film company's offer very carefully, both from the point of view of disruption and also because of the text of the book itself. [/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]'We are not often given an opportunity to enter such an arena, and this was an opportunity we needed to take in order to preach the Gospel. [/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]'It would be very good for the cathedral, the city and the county. [/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]'The Da Vinci Code is a load of old tosh. I have been a school chaplain, and these are the sort of things fifthformers try to trip you up with. [/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]'But if people come here because of it then we have to look at what they go away with.' [/font]



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[CaptainXeroid]

IMHO, allowing them to film the movie there doesn't create an endorsement of the subject matter. It's an interesting and ultimately rather benign work of fiction.

 

[Feathers in Hair]

Oooo, didn't know Sir Ian MacKellen would be in it. Paul Bettany, I did. *does a geeky happy-dance*

 

[James the Persian]

Well, personally - not being Anglican - I don't care whether they film this nonsense in Lincoln cathedral or not. I do admire the nun, however. I do hope that Tom Hanks' priest will at least have a stern word with him, though. It is unbelievable to me that a Greek Orthodox Christian would take part in promoting such heresy even if it is in a fictional work. I'm actually surprised to find that no Orthodox appear to have protested against his being involved. If I were to meet him (highly unlikely, I know) I'd certainly give him a piece of my mind - and I will definitely avoid this film like the plague, because I cannot bring myself to be complicit in this by contributing towards Tom Hanks' pay cheque.

James

 

[Sabio]

Well, personally - not being Anglican - I don't care whether they film this nonsense in Lincoln cathedral or not. I do admire the nun, however. I do hope that Tom Hanks' priest will at least have a stern word with him, though. It is unbelievable to me that a Greek Orthodox Christian would take part in promoting such heresy even if it is in a fictional work. I'm actually surprised to find that no Orthodox appear to have protested against his being involved. If I were to meet him (highly unlikely, I know) I'd certainly give him a piece of my mind - and I will definitely avoid this film like the plague, because I cannot bring myself to be complicit in this by contributing towards Tom Hanks' pay cheque.

James

Mr. Hanks is putting his pockebook before his faith...

Sabio

 

[Feathers in Hair]

Is it his faith?

 

[Green Gaia]

Mr. Hanks is putting his pockebook before his faith...

Sabio

It's a movie based on a work of FICTION. I really am constantly amazed of the uproar over this work of FICTION.

My only objection is that Tom Hanks was not who I pictured in the lead role, but I think he'll do I fine job. Like Feathers, I am very excited to learn that Sir Ian McKellen is in the movie as well.

 

[michel]

Apparently, it is. , after the faith of the power of money.

 

[turk179]

Well, personally - not being Anglican - I don't care whether they film this nonsense in Lincoln cathedral or not. I do admire the nun, however. I do hope that Tom Hanks' priest will at least have a stern word with him, though. It is unbelievable to me that a Greek Orthodox Christian would take part in promoting such heresy even if it is in a fictional work. I'm actually surprised to find that no Orthodox appear to have protested against his being involved. If I were to meet him (highly unlikely, I know) I'd certainly give him a piece of my mind - and I will definitely avoid this film like the plague, because I cannot bring myself to be complicit in this by contributing towards Tom Hanks' pay cheque.

James

I have a hard time understanding how some people can condemn an act of fiction. If it is not real then how can it be condemned.

It's a movie based on a work of FICTION. I really am constantly amazed of the uproar over this work of FICTION.

My only objection is that Tom Hanks was not who I pictured in the lead role, but I think he'll do I fine job. Like Feathers, I am very excited to learn that Sir Ian McKellen is in the movie as well.

I do agree with you Maize. I was kind of picturing Val Kilmer or George Klooney. Wait! There seems to be a Batman theme going here.:biglaugh:

 

[Ryan2065]

Why is it no one in the catholic church condems any movie that puts them in a bad light? Why is it this gets so much press? Not every movie is a work of fact, they are most all fiction. People do not go to the theaters to see works of fact, do you think Star wars is a work of fact? The Catholic church is the best thing to happen to this book. If they didn't throw such a hissy fit over it the book would have not gotten as much press as it did and it would not be as big as it is.

 

[Sabio]

Why is it no one in the catholic church condems any movie that puts them in a bad light? Why is it this gets so much press? Not every movie is a work of fact, they are most all fiction. People do not go to the theaters to see works of fact, do you think Star wars is a work of fact? The Catholic church is the best thing to happen to this book. If they didn't throw such a hissy fit over it the book would have not gotten as much press as it did and it would not be as big as it is.

Sometimes any publicity is good publicity in hollywood...


sabio

 

[Katzpur]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Parts of its interior will serve as a double for Westminster Abbey, where church authorities refused to take part. Other locations include the Louvre in Paris, Winchester Cathedral and Rosslyn Chapel, near Edinburgh.

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Personally, I find the idea of filming a movie -- any movie -- inside of a cathedral to be objectionable. As a non-Catholic, perhaps I shouldn't care. But this is a house of worship, for heaven's sake! Regardless of the plot of "The daVinci Code," regardless of how accurate or inaccurate it is, it seems to me that any building erected for the purpose of worship should be considered sacred enough by anybody that it would not be used for commercial purposes.

 

[James the Persian]

I have a hard time understanding how some people can condemn an act of fiction. If it is not real then how can it be condemned.

Don't get me wrong. I wasn't condemning the film or the book. If people want to write and/or believe this nonsense (and Dan Brown apparently does believe it) who am I to stop them? The only thing that I object to is Tom Hanks, who is a convert to the Orthodox Church and claims to take his faith seriously, being involved in it. You're probably not aware of this, but one of the things you often find in Orthodox prayer books is something called the Nine Church Commandments (poor translation but close enough, they're more like guidelines). One of these is to 'Read no heretical books'. Now, I'm sure all Orthodox have broken this rule, either through ignorance or simple curiosity. I certainly have. But how much worse is it to be involved in the active dissemination of heresy? Quite a lot, I would have said. And please don't bring up the fiction thing. There are thousands of people, including the author, who actually believe this tripe is fact. Tom Hanks' seeming endorsement of it could, for the shallow and uneducated believers that we like all churches have, be dangerous to their faith and, in our view, Tom Hanks would be accountable for such before God. I just feel that he should have placed his faith before his wealth and considered the example he would be setting by doing this. Had a heterodox actor or a non-religious actor played the part I would have nothing to say on the issue.

James

 

[turk179]

Don't get me wrong. I wasn't condemning the film or the book. If people want to write and/or believe this nonsense (and Dan Brown apparently does believe it) who am I to stop them? The only thing that I object to is Tom Hanks, who is a convert to the Orthodox Church and claims to take his faith seriously, being involved in it. You're probably not aware of this, but one of the things you often find in Orthodox prayer books is something called the Nine Church Commandments (poor translation but close enough, they're more like guidelines). One of these is to 'Read no heretical books'. Now, I'm sure all Orthodox have broken this rule, either through ignorance or simple curiosity. I certainly have. But how much worse is it to be involved in the active dissemination of heresy? Quite a lot, I would have said. And please don't bring up the fiction thing. There are thousands of people, including the author, who actually believe this tripe is fact. Tom Hanks' seeming endorsement of it could, for the shallow and uneducated believers that we like all churches have, be dangerous to their faith and, in our view, Tom Hanks would be accountable for such before God. I just feel that he should have placed his faith before his wealth and considered the example he would be setting by doing this. Had a heterodox actor or a non-religious actor played the part I would have nothing to say on the issue.

James

I don't agree with the part about people believing that nonsense. If people start believing in works of fiction then they have more issues to deal with than a mere book or movie. I do appreciate you explaining your religions stand point to me. It makes much more sense now. Frubals

 

[Draka]

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Personally, I find the idea of filming a movie -- any movie -- inside of a cathedral to be objectionable. As a non-Catholic, perhaps I shouldn't care. But this is a house of worship, for heaven's sake! Regardless of the plot of "The daVinci Code," regardless of how accurate or inaccurate it is, it seems to me that any building erected for the purpose of worship should be considered sacred enough by anybody that it would not be used for commercial purposes.

Ummm...I'm about to tick people off here...but what about all those Televangelist shows that happen in churches and such? You cannot tell me that the church does not profit from that. And how exactly do you think that churches can afford to pay their clergy and buy the pews, altars, stained glass windows and all that? Money is almighty even in the "Almighty's" house of worship. See, this is why a church is categorized as a BUSINESS to phone and utility companies...they make a profit and have employees. I am sure that the church is being well compensated for its participation and the money will go to some use in the church and the church's community.

As for the movie itself...it IS a work of fiction and should be treated as such. There have been churches that have participated in many movies that go against their doctrine or beliefs...it is called ENTERTAINMENT, and those who have their heads screwed on right know that and will look upon it as an opportunity to get the money that the church and community needs. Therefore, by realizing it is merely entertainment and getting money for helping with it it benefits the church, community, and the members of the church.

As for Tom hanks...the man is veery generous and charitable with his money last I checked and the more he makes the more he spreads around of it to help others who would not otherwise get the help they need. Leave him alone. He is doing the same thing...entertainment for money that will help others.

 

[James the Persian]

As for Tom hanks...the man is veery generous and charitable with his money last I checked and the more he makes the more he spreads around of it to help others who would not otherwise get the help they need. Leave him alone. He is doing the same thing...entertainment for money that will help others.

I made no suggestion that Tom Hanks wasn't a generous man or that he didn't give money to charities. I'm sure he is and that's a good thing, but if he really is serious about his faith (and he claims that he is), then he really ought to draw the line at taking part in a film (even one meant to be fictitious) that denigrates that faith. There is far more to being a good Orthodox Christian than simply being good and I'm afraid that Tom Hanks' decision to take part in this film is one that I feel casts the sincerity of his faith into question. And the Da Vinci Code is not claimed by its author to be pure fiction either. He claims the 'history' he concocted is the truth and he clearly (judging from interviews he's given) has an agenda beyond mere entertainment. The scary thing is that he's succeeding. Huge numbers of people are buying into the pseudo-historical, theological drivel that underpins the book. If he is truly Orthodox then Tom Hanks has a duty to help his co-religionists resist heresy, but his decision has the potential to draw some weak-minded Orthodox Christians into heresy. I hope, but seriously doubt, that he considered this before making his mind. I don't care how good a person he is in his own right, taking part in this film is not compatible with sincere Orthodox beliefs.

James

 

[Katzpur]

Ummm...I'm about to tick people off here...but what about all those Televangelist shows that happen in churches and such? You cannot tell me that the church does not profit from that. And how exactly do you think that churches can afford to pay their clergy and buy the pews, altars, stained glass windows and all that? Money is almighty even in the "Almighty's" house of worship. See, this is why a church is categorized as a BUSINESS to phone and utility companies...they make a profit and have employees. I am sure that the church is being well compensated for its participation and the money will go to some use in the church and the church's community.

I really wasn't thinking along those lines at all. In my church, we solve the problem of how to pay our clergy by not paying our clergy. And the members of the Church pay tithing, which is used to pay for new churches, copies of the scriptures, etc. So we don't have to resort to this kind of thing in order to pay the bills. If the Catholic Church wants to allow movies to be filmed in their cathedrals, I guess that's their business, not mine, huh?

As for the movie itself...it IS a work of fiction and should be treated as such. There have been churches that have participated in many movies that go against their doctrine or beliefs...it is called ENTERTAINMENT, and those who have their heads screwed on right know that and will look upon it as an opportunity to get the money that the church and community needs. Therefore, by realizing it is merely entertainment and getting money for helping with it it benefits the church, community, and the members of the church.

I don't have a problem with the movie itself, and quite enjoyed the book. I guess I'm just not accustomed to my church having to raise money in this way.

Kathryn

 

[James the Persian]

If the Catholic Church wants to allow movies to be filmed in their cathedrals, I guess that's their business, not mine, huh?

I notice that you've made this mistake a couple of times. Lincoln Cathedral is Anglican, not Roman Catholic. So far as I know, no Roman Catholic church is involved with this film. They probably have more sense.

James

 

[Katzpur]

I notice that you've made this mistake a couple of times. Lincoln Cathedral is Anglican, not Roman Catholic. So far as I know, no Roman Catholic church is involved with this film. They probably have more sense.

James

Thanks for correcting me. Obviously, I was way off base. My answer would have been the same, though, had I known. I would just have used the correct denomination.