Ron Howard: No 'Da Vinci Code' Disclaimer

NewsMax ^ | 5/12/06 | NewsMax

[wagglebee]

"Da Vinci Code” director Ron Howard has said there would be no disclaimer in the film labeling it as a work of fiction – and Catholic League President Bill Donohue is deeply disturbed by Howard’s stance.

"The book which the film is based on begins with three ‘facts,’ all of which are malicious lies, yet Ron Howard says no disclaimer is needed because ‘this is a work of fiction,’” Donahue said in a statement. "He is disingenuous.”

As Donahue points out, the following got a disclaimer in a fictionalized TV show or film:

Asians: "Year of the Dragon”

Blacks: "Birth of a Nation”

Gays: "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back”

Jews: "Merchant of Venice”

Mormons: "Big Love”

Muslims: "True Lies”

Native Americans: "Pocahontas II”

Nearsighted: "Mr. Magoo”

Wolves: "White Fang”

Donahue declares: "That’s right — even wolves merited a disclaimer. Disney put a disclaimer in ‘White Fang’ saying there is no evidence of a healthy pack of wolves attacking a human in North America.

"Forget about wolves. If Howard were as sensitive to Catholics as those responsible for ‘La Vita E Bella’ were to Jews, he would have acceded to our request to inject a disclaimer. That 1998 film — a dark comedy about the Holocaust — opened with a voice-over saying it is a fable. So is ‘The Da Vinci Code.’”

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times on Sunday, Howard rejected calls for a disclaimer, stating: "This is a work of fiction that presents a set of characters that are affected by these conspiracy theories and ideas. Those characters in this work of fiction act and react on that premise.

"It’s not history. To start with a disclaimer … spy thrillers don’t start off with disclaimers.”

However, in the book the movie is based on, author Dan Brown claims on the first page that "all descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents and secret rituals in this novel are accurate,” indicating the book is based on historical fact.

Donahue said in his statement: "John Calley, a co-producer of ‘The Da Vinci Code,’ has admitted that the film is anti-Catholic.

"Apparently, Ron Howard is more of a gambler than I thought. Had he done what other directors have done before him and put in a disclaimer, the risks to his reputation would have been minimal. Now it’s show time for Mr. Howard, and not just his movie.”

[wagglebee]

Donahue said in his statement: "John Calley, a co-producer of ‘The Da Vinci Code,’ has admitted that the film is anti-Catholic.

Ron Howard used to be one of the directors that I respected, but no more.

[wagglebee]

Ping.

[Borges]

They actually did a disclaimer for the 'The Merchant of Venice'? How pathetic.

[MeanWestTexan]

Christians are not a protected class.

[Dane]

I was channel surfing and came upon an E! True Hollywood Story about the show "Happy Days" and they had a clip from where the cast was going to a softball game and Ron Howard opined about the only solution is a "one world government".

He grew up in Hollywood and probably raised in the anti Judeo-Christian leanings of Hollywood.

[kinoxi]

it's fiction

[Jaded]

Let's see a show of hands for all who are surprised....

[Borges]

His father was/is quite old fashioned.

[Mears]

I have no problem with his stance.

The book is fiction,the movie is fiction .

A disclaimer is not needed.

[nickcarraway]

Dan Brown claims on the first page that "all descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents and secret rituals in this novel are accurate,” indicating the book is based on historical fact.

Most the people I have talked to who have read it, think that only the characters are fictional.

[Antoninus]

Ron Howard: "Hey Fonz, F-you you stinking papist! Go worship the pedophile whore of babylon!"

[Antoninus]

it's fiction

Oh, really? Thanks, I would never have known considering how many people are walking around out there claiming it's fact---including the author.

[mmercier]

fiction is fiction, anyone who does not understand this will not be helped by a disclaimer.

half the country believes in ufo's and ghosts.

[Dane]

Also on the subject of the Ron Howard and "The Andy Griffith Show".

The lady who played Aunt Bea's best friend, Clara Edwards, appeared in Rosemary's Baby, shouting, "hail satan".

[EyeGuy]

Damn!

Now I wish Opie HAD gotten his ass kicked in episode #37 on the old Andy Griffith Show.

[Antoninus]

Society will be better off when producers of fiction start bending over and kissing the asses of religious "authority."

Let's see---they kiss everyone elses @ss. See the list above.

Being an anti-Catholic bigot is the last acceptable prejudice among the elite. Personally, I'm glad of it. Christ himself told us that the world would hate us.

[johnny7]

You mean... Opie Howard?

[Gay State Conservative]

Ron Howard is,and always will be,Opie.I've never been,and never will be,interested in anything he's done since then.

[kinoxi]

dan brown wants to make money, controversy is a cash cow to him. if all of the characters are fictitious, doesn't that make it a piece of fiction?