dizzjay

I didn't finish watching this film. I almost turned it off near the beginning because it was so boring, but decided to wait until Steve Martin appeared to see if it picked up at all. It didn't. I didn't believe in the relationship between Danes and Martin, she didn't seem like the kind of character that would be seduced with gifts of expensive gloves by a man 34 years older. It might have been believable if Steve Martin was handsome or charming, but he was neither. There was zero on-screen chemistry between Martin and Danes. The photography, lighting, music and acting were all excellent, just a poor script. One of the signs of a weak script is the use of voice over, like when Danes and Martin are having dinner and suddenly there's Steve Martin's voice over explaining what Claire Danes is thinking. Things like that should be demonstrated in the acting - show, don't tell.

This film has some visually stunning moments with shadows from the past overlaid on the present, a good score, and a strong supporting cast. But that's about it.

There is a major weakness in the story: the main characters are not in control of the action, the characters are driven by the plot. The main characters are victims of circumstance rather than taking control of their own destinies. This leaves us with weak central characters lacking the depth that would draw an audience to identify or sympathize with them. Audrey Tautou as Sophie Neveu is reduced to a talking doll. Not for one moment is she believable as a police officer.

Tom Hanks is equally unconvincing as an action hero on a mission to find an earth-shattering secret. He is given claustrophobia in an attempt to add some dimension to his character, but it is an unnecessary embellishment. If it was meant to give him some vulnerability it is canceled out by the fact that he is completely unfazed after being attacked, shot at, threatened, held prisoner at gun-point and facing several harrowing near-death experiences. When he finally reveals the answer to the puzzle that is the fulfillment of both his personal quest and professional career, there is no excitement, no thrill, no professional or personal satisfaction. The secret of the ages is reduced to an anti-climax.

The resulting film is a long, violent chase through exciting locations. The main carrier of the plot is not, as one would expect, the solving of the mystery, but the violence. The story itself is so weak that they try to spice it up with extra violence, adding scenes of Templars being stabbed and burned to death.

The weaknesses of the film over-balance the strengths leaving us with a forgettable below-average film – and it is not the fault of the actors or the filmmakers, but of the basic story all the technical brilliance is hung on.