SEEK THE TRUTH.
When American symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) arrives in Paris for a lecture, the police need his help to interpret mysterious symbols surrounding a dead body found in the Louvre. The novel and its “revelations” kicked up a storm among Christians, but this adaptation won’t. Talky and overlong, it is hardly a labor of love for anyone involved. The only reason why it stays so close to Dan Brown’s work is because Akiva Goldsman has avoided making any tough, necessary decisions. Good technical ingredients though (including the score), as well as a few engaging performances.
2006-U.S. 148 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Ron Howard. Screenplay: Akiva Goldsman. Novel: Dan Brown. Music: Hans Zimmer. Cast: Tom Hanks (Robert Langdon), Audrey Tautou (Sophie Neveu), Ian McKellen (Sir Leigh Teabing), Jean Reno, Paul Bettany, Alfred Molina… Jürgen Prochnow.
Trivia: Alternative version runs 28 minutes longer. Russell Crowe and Bill Paxton were allegedly considered for the lead. Brown wrote the character of Fache with Jean Reno in mind, and he was subsequently cast. Followed by two sequels, starting with Angels & Demons (2009).