Posted on 05/12/2006 2:12:02 PM PDT by 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.”
"I'm not Catholic so maybe I don't understand the personal aspect of being offended by the book or the movie."
I'm a Catholic, and I don't get it, either. I guess I've got more faith in my..well, in my faith. :)
He did "Cinderella Man" which I thought was by far the best movie of 2005 and I also like "Apollo 13."
I thought Cinderella Man was effective. Not at all your 'typical' Howard.
When Mercury 7 astronaut Gordon Cooper was alive, he belonged to that half. Read in his autobiography, "Leap of Faith," about how he when he was a fighter jet pilot he and his colleagues repeatedly chased saucer-shaped UFOs. Just FYI.
I am disturbed that so many Americans put so much truck in the historical "accuracy" of Da Vinci Code, a book which I read and found profoundly overrated. However, fiction CAN be very truthful and illuminating, such as Michael Crichton's "State of Fear," a must-read for all high school students and FReepers.
That's probably true, but ron howard basically grew up on the set of the Andy Griffith show, and as I stated in reply #15, the lady who played Clara Edwards did appear in Rosemary's Baby, shouting "hail satan".
I know, I know, she's an actress and saying her lines, blah, blah, blah.
It creeped me out, though, when I saw that watching the movie on AMC.
BTW just for some historical perspective, the Taylors in the Andy Griffith show, were Protestants(the writers never did say which sect) and IMO, kinda of mirrors what has happened in "mainline" Protestant churches since the 1960's(i.e the Episcopalians, Methodists, etc.etc.) having fights over doctrine and losing members.
He screwed up "Apollo 13" when he didn't re-unite the Tom Hanks character with his wife at the end.
Opie's forgetting who pays the bills so he gets to make movies.
Hey! Maybe there will be illegal immigrants picketing his house. They tend to be Catholic.
It is? who knew? Thanks for the tip!
It is and it is? Who knew? Thanks for the tip!
IIRC, he lives in a walled estate in Greenwich, CT, there aren't a lot of Mexicans up there and if there are, the private security patrols will run them off pretty quick.
It is? Who knew? Thanks for the tip!
All those Satan worshippers in Rosemary's Baby were old time Hollywood actors previously known for playing granfatherly and grandmotherly types. It was Polanski's little joke.
it's odd seeing people get all worked up over a story
Priory of Sion?
______________
I have to say, it was 3 years ago I read it (and a lot of life including a baby and a new business have happened in between) so I don't even remember the details except that I enjoyed the read.
Well all those old time Hollywood actors actively particiapted in that "joke".
And JMO, the joke is on them, Hollywood has gone downhill ever since the late 60's.
It was part black comedy to begin with. Great film IMO.
"They are people that are looking for anything to justify within themselves a reason to not have faith."
Bingo.
Called a "hard heart," I believe.
Only the Holy Spirit can fix that, and sometimes maybe not even Him (It? Never used a pronoun re: the HS before).
Dopie needs to stick to fishing.
Personally, I don't find a film, where a woman is drugged to be impreganted with satan's baby, as "comedy".
I find it as typical of Hollywood's lost ways and degrading morals, which they wish to impose on everybody else.
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