With the most controversial film of his career releasing worldwide this weekend, Oscar-winning director Ron Howard is fully aware of the heated debate surrounding The Da Vinci Code. He told the LA Times, "It's very controversial. What Dan Brown did with the novel, we didn't back away from in making the movie."

Still, Howard isn't backing down or caving to the requests of conservative groups like Opus Dei, the Catholic organization that asked him to begin his film with a disclaimer that the story is fictional. Says Howard: "I think what a lot of people have discovered—a lot of theologians—is 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 theology. It's not history. To start off with a disclaimer … Spy thrillers don't start off with disclaimers."

Opus Dei was less than pleased with Howard's refusal. Brian Finnerty, a spokesman for the group, thinks a disclaimer would be an important gesture. "A disclaimer could have been a way for Sony to show that the company wants to be fair and respectful in its treatment of Christians and the Catholic Church."

DVC co-star Tom Hanks, promoting the film in London, spoke out against the film's detractors: "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."

A pair of Christian leaders also weighed in. Author Lee Strobel (The Case for Christ) is encouraging Christians to see the film, but only as a means of evangelism. And pastor/writer Brian McLaren compares DVC to a popular series of Christian books, saying, "Frankly, I don't think it has more harmful ideas in it than the Left Behind novels."

In an interview with Sojourners, McLaren goes on to say, "Brown's book is about exposing hypocrisy and cover-up in organized religion, and it is exposing organized religion's grasping for power. Again, there's something in that that people resonate with in the age of pedophilia scandals, televangelists, and religious political alliances. As a follower of Jesus I resonate with their concerns as well."

In other movie news:

Tucker out, Weitz back in for His Dark Materials (Variety)
Pullman adaptation gets yet another new director

AMC, Lionsgate give free Akeelah tickets to teachers (AMC Theaters)
Part of a promotional/educational effort by Lions Gate Films

Tribeca asks, "What would Jesus direct?" (Reuters)
Festival holds panel discussion on religious-themed films

Saint 9/11 comes to big screen (Reuters)
Documentary tells story of heroic chaplain

Scott Derrickson signs on for Devil's Knot (Movies Online)
Emily Rose director to co-write, direct story of three serial killers

George Lucas discusses Indy 4 (MTV)
Says next installment will be more dialogue-based

Knight Rider back in action (Antara)
'80s TV favorite comes to big screen

© Josh Hurst 2006, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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