The Da Vinci Code
April 19th 2006 11:38
Well, I’m going to be really controversial as I’m pretty sure that I’m part of a select minority that has this view.
But in my opinion-and I do stress-my opinion, the book: “The Da Vinci Code” is grossly overrated. The book would have worked just as well if Dan Brown had listed what happened down the page-the only reason the book is so famous is because it’s controversial. Brown, doesn’t use much imagery-there are no sentences in that novel that really make you think woah this guy is a master of the English language. The characters are largely 2D and you can see every other twist coming a mile away.
That being said-I will admit that I couldn’t put the book down, and I will applaud Dan Brown for his ability to build suspense and anticipation. His plot was great-but it was very frustrating that he didn’t do anything else in the course of the novel. His material was fantastic, but for me it wasn’t strong enough to stand alone. (then again, perhaps it should be noted that nine times of ten I’ll say that writing is more important than content)
That being said, does “The Da Vinci Code” represent a change in English Literature, are we seeing the demise of more figurative forms of language to novels that have ‘mass appeal’?
What does everyone think?
On that note, what are we thinking about the movie?
But in my opinion-and I do stress-my opinion, the book: “The Da Vinci Code” is grossly overrated. The book would have worked just as well if Dan Brown had listed what happened down the page-the only reason the book is so famous is because it’s controversial. Brown, doesn’t use much imagery-there are no sentences in that novel that really make you think woah this guy is a master of the English language. The characters are largely 2D and you can see every other twist coming a mile away.
That being said-I will admit that I couldn’t put the book down, and I will applaud Dan Brown for his ability to build suspense and anticipation. His plot was great-but it was very frustrating that he didn’t do anything else in the course of the novel. His material was fantastic, but for me it wasn’t strong enough to stand alone. (then again, perhaps it should be noted that nine times of ten I’ll say that writing is more important than content)
That being said, does “The Da Vinci Code” represent a change in English Literature, are we seeing the demise of more figurative forms of language to novels that have ‘mass appeal’?
What does everyone think?
On that note, what are we thinking about the movie?
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David Jobling
Comment by Lia
Why did it become such a publishing phenonmenon? I guess the trend in literature is swinging heavily towards easy reading- broad appeal, quick absorption.
Is the Da Vinci Code redeemed by making lots of people question the basic tenets of orthodox Christianity?
And the movie! The quote that always sticks with me from the book is the hero's voice being 'chocolate for the ears'. Tom Hanks!?
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
I didn't like it... sure, it was engrossing, in that obvious-thriller-type way, but, like Sara said, it had no style, no flavour. It's just classics and art history distilled down for the masses.
Which is why it sold so many copies!
I've always felt that The Da Vinci Code is like 'Umberto Eco - Lite!'
Comment by Loviatar
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
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Fat Cult
Techbreak
Comment by Loviatar
Comment by Jimbo
Music Times
Comment by GeorgiaF
So amen, Sara!
Comment by Shani
FOOD
Comment by charles
ZCars
Ponderous
I thoroughly enjoyed the book - it was a rivetting read. Although by no means am I qualified to question the literary merits of Dan Brown, I do have to say that the book is overhyped for what it is.
I expect the movie to be a box office smash - the recent court case would've done wonders for publicity and with someone else footing the bill!!
It'll be interesting to see Tom Hank's portrayal of Robert Langdon as he is an amazing actor.
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
We all read it and disliked it?
Comment by Lia
And the intellectual among us read it in order to have sufficient grounds to properly hate it.
Oh but bravo Charles for admitting you thoroughly enjoyed it!
Comment by Sara
So Dan Brown became a millionaire because a few people read his book and went on and on about it until the rest of us read it to find out what the fuss was about? I’ll admit-that’s damn good marketing. Still I think about all the starving writers out there, who have true talent when it comes to writing and go completely unnoticed. Not happy Jan. Not happy.
Comment by Matt
Matt
SydneyDiary
Comment by Helen's House
One of the major reasons the book was successful is that it attacks Christian faith which is a current fad. It does it without any degree of honesty at all. If one were to write about Elvis Presley and change the facts about his life so dramatically and libellously there would be a huge comeback.