Posted on 05/11/2006 2:24:48 PM PDT by freakboy
The row over the imminent release of the Da Vinci Code film grew today when star Tom Hanks hit out at its Catholic critics.
Cardinals, speaking with the authorisation of the Vatican, have called for the Hollywood version of Dan Brown's bestselling novel to be boycotted.
They say the theme of the film - that Jesus Christ had children with Mary Magdalene and that hardline Catholic movement Opus Dei covered up his secret life - is highly blasphemous.
But Oscar-winner Hanks said objectors to The Da Vinci Code are taking the film too seriously, telling the Evening Standard: "We always knew there would be a segment of society that would not want this movie to be shown.
"But the story we tell is loaded with all sorts of hooey and fun kind of scavenger-hunt-type nonsense.
"If you are going to take any sort of movie at face value, particularly a huge-budget motion picture like this, you'd be making a very big mistake.
"It's a damn good story and a lot of fun... all it is is dialogue. That never hurts."
The Da Vinci Code book has sold more than 40 million copies since it was published in 2003. The film, released by Sony Pictures division Columbia Pictures, is set to be one of the year's most successful when it is released worldwide on 19 May.
As well as Hanks, it stars Audrey Tautou and Sir Ian McKellen and is directed by Oscar winner Ron Howard.
The Da Vinci Code receives its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival next Wednesday.
Calls for Christians to boycott it have been led by Archbishop Angelo Amato, the number two official in the Vatican doctrinal office, which was headed by Pope Benedict until his election last year.
Amato described the novel as "stridently anti-Christian" and called for believers to "reject the lies and gratuitous defamation" in the book.
He added: "If such lies and errors had been directed at the Koran and Holocaust they would have justly provoked a world uprising.
"Instead, if they are directed against the church and Christians, they remain unpunished. I hope you will boycott the film."
Cardinal Francis Arinze, a Nigerian tipped to be Pope last year, went even further.
He said: "Christians must not just sit back and say it is enough for us to forgive and forget. Sometimes it is our duty to do something practical.
"Some know legal means which can be taken in order to get the other person to respect the rights of others."
The Catholic church here is taking a more relaxed line, arguing that in the face of the film's blockbuster appeal, calling for a boycott would be pointless.
Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor, head of the Roman Catholic church in England and Wales, told the Jonathan Dimbleby programme on ITV1 on Sunday: "I think it's a harmless thriller. If people want to read it they can and people who read it should realise it is fiction."
But some prominent UK Catholics favour a harder stance. Piers Paul Read, himself a best-selling novelist, said:
"I am for the boycott. I don't think Catholics should put money into the pockets of people who have invented lies about the church."
Another eminent Catholic, socialite Claus Von Bülow, said: "I am not going to see The Da Vinci Code. This has nothing to do with its historical claims but because I found the book unreadable."
Andy *definitely* triggers the Rule!
Pinz
In other words, hanks is just another lib who insults or kills only those who won't fight back, such as Christians, babies in the womb, and people in a vegatative state with no Living Will/Medical Power of Attorney.
Certainly a Catholic I regard as a theological leader! lol
Pinz
I was debating whether or not to post about Oliver Stone's, "JFK" movie. I have found out a long time ago that Freepers have a tendency to think alike. Thanks for the post.
I saw it too, and it was shown that the "code" was 100% fabrication. It was a wonderful show, and very enlightening. It pulled no punches, and debunked every bit of this fiction, piece by piece!
LLS
It's useless to argue. You are quite right in posting this for prayer.
Apparently, we are expected to be silent and accepting of the offense because being offended offends the offenders.
"Drinking and posting on FR? Blasphemy!! (LOL) :)"
_____________________________
Ordinarily no....drinking and posting get FReeper into trouble...:)
But today I had oral surgery....so I am home in recovery drinking and posting till I pass out or get ZOTTED, whichever comes first...LOL!
The friars on EWTN just got done making a spoof of the movie. LOL!
The author claims it's based on facts.
The book opens with the following statement BEFORE the fiction starts:
FACT:
The Priory of Sion—a European secret society founded in 1099—is a real organization. In 1975 Paris's Bibliothèque Nationale discovered parchments known as Les Dossiers Secrets, identifying numerous members of the Priory of Sion, including Sir Isaac Newton, Botticelli, Victor Hugo, and Leonardo da Vinci.
The Vatican prelature known as Opus Dei is a deeply devout Catholic sect that has been the topic of recent controversy due to reports of brainwashing, coercion, and a dangerous practice known as "corporal mortification." Opus Dei has just completed construction of a $47 million World Headquarters at 243 Lexington Avenue in New York City.
All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate.
The first paragraph is pure lie. The second paragraph is slander. The third is laughable. It is an attempt at popularization of the Gnostic heresy which specifically denies the divinity of Christ. This is the same theme that Heinrich Himmler embraced as part of the core beliefs of his harmless little group of like minded individuals.
It ain't harmless and it ain't "just fiction." I also don't think it's coincidental that it's coming out and being pushed right now. I bet you Ahmadinejad will heap praise on this movie.
Now, would you argue that a movie of the Satanic Verses was "just fiction" or that a movie that portrays the Protocols Of the Elders of Zion as fact was "harmless," or perhaps we should see Hanks make a movie out of Mein Kampf? Hey, it's only a movie!
If you don't believe or if you just don't care, fine, but don't condemn those who are deeply offended by this grotesque and hate filled crap.
I read Brown's first book...let me amend that...I made it through the first chapter before pitching it in the trash. I was in some airport, jeez, I can't remember which at this point and my flight was delayed so I bought it to kill time.
~Lousy writing and a very obvious hatred of the Church from the beginning....If this is considered good writing, I can imagine how much rewrite the screenplay went through.
In any even, I'm in my swamp and happy to be there. I hate to think this is all quite hopeless, but we were warned over the course of several prophecies.
"That's why Muslims always look worried."
I never knew that was the reason, but it makes sense! Excellent observation.
"trying to out-imam the islamists only makes our side look just as sick as theirs."
That is an outright lie.
Being offended and hurt does not equal rioting and beheading.
Oh for a few militant Christians, eh?
No it isn't,
we don't use their tools,
when they demand that cartoons be pulled - and punished - they are offering you the western equivalent of their tools....
and too many are willing to pick them up.
Do you honestly feel comfortable demanding the same political correctness as we generally believe to be aimed at conservatives - and Christians?
Exactly. Mr. Hanks would either hide or apologize. Yes, it is indeed fiction, but the God haters are doing all they can to make people believe otherwise. They do think we are stupid.
"This is the funnest president we've ever had!"
"Do you honestly feel comfortable demanding the same political correctness as we generally believe to be aimed at conservatives - and Christians."
LOL...I don't care if they make and sell this movie. Policial correctness seems to be infecting this whole issue. It is Politically Incorrect to complain according to many here.
The only tool we use is prayer.
I really don't care who sees the movie. My intent is not to block it. Free will, you know. My intent is to complain that it offends Christ.
What is it to me who falls because of this movie and book? I have no control over that (unlike Islamists who you most certainly are comparing Catholics to), and am not responsible for their own personal perdition.
But do not tell me that complaining is equal to some Imam demanding blood.
It makes the best propaganda.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.