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."
If they used a fictional figure for a fairytale, that's fine. Using what Catholics hold Divine is hideous.
What part do you object to in this instance? Is it my efforts to apologize to One I hold Divine, Christ, or is it my unwillingness to shrug off popular culture's slur of that which I hold Sacred?
I really don't care if people watch this farce of a movie. However, don't tell Catholics it is a fairytale because by doing so, and I am sure this isn't your intent, (charity hopes all things) you tell Catholics in your opinion Christ is a myth.
I know, but "psuedo-fine" sounds funkier than The Chiffons, hence the Stax reference.
'nuff said.
How can you think that? The muslims weren't at all upset about the Satanic Verses. They realized it was just fiction, harmless fun. I'm waiting for Tom Hanks to star in the movie directed by Opie. I'm sure they'll get around to it, they've only had 20 years.
"Hollywood Critters I Won't Automatically Ignore "
Chuck Norris
Jim Caveizel
Buddhists. really?
It's just a film, myself, I have no interest in seeing it but if you do, go ahead and watch it if not, don't watch it. Myself, I'm waiting with baited breath to see "Snakes on a Plane."
The book and the movie are pure unauderated heracy.
Christianity will survive this (has survived much worse), but think of the souls that will be lost through believing what is put on the screen. Ever notice how some people think they know everything about a subject after seeing a movie? For the most part, what they "know" isn't even the truth. Like Henry Kissinger is reported to have said about Jimmy Carter, "it isn't that he doesn't know, it's that he doesn't know that he doesn't know."
Spot-on. Hollywood would never consider film versions of The Satanic Verses or The Protocols of the Elders of Zion.
Maybe we should make a story about dragging gay guys to death behing trucks. Hey, its just fiction.
Psssst, Tom, maybe if you hadn't participated in a movie lying about my Lord and Savior, I'd recommend your film. Sorry, but in this instance, I will not only boycott it but will urge others to do the same. Next time, don't make a movie about the very foundation of my religion and mix it up with "all sorts of hooey", okay?
Well, he's got a BA, and he's a quart low.
"The book and the movie are pure unauderated heracy."
______________________________
The correct spelling is "unodderaded hairacee."
Please do a spellcheck. Thanks.
PS...sorry I am a hopeless smartass who has put a few drinks down today....forgive me....thanks!
BTW Dan Brown is a turd!
Where is the movie version of "The Satanic Verses"?
.
....Crickets......
its not suppose to be true...it is a work of fiction cobbled togther from rumor, inuendo and 2000 of real and not so real tales.
it is a mystery. and although many members of the christian community have condemned it, others have expressed and interest in it.
Did you read the book? It's fiction!!!
Then why does Brown write in the introduction that "all descriptions of documents and secret rituals are accurate."
If a book of fiction can hurt their faith then it was weak to begin with.
Claus von Bulow?? They could only come up with a murderer as a spokesman for the Catholics?
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