The Vatican, via Rome’s diocese, announced on Monday that it won’t allow director Ron Howard access to two Catholic churches for filming scenes for Howard and Tom Hank’s next Da Vinci Code film “Angels & Demons,” Dan Brown’s prequel to the “Code.”
“Angels and Demons” follows symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) as he uncovers evidence of the secretive organization called the ‘Iluminati” and a plot to destroy the Vatican.
A spokesperson for the diocese stated that because Brown’s book and Howard’s first film had caused so much controversy within the Church and anger among its clergy, Church officials felt it best to ban filming in “holy” locations.
Monsignor Marco Fibbi told Sony Pictures that the film (and book) “does not conform to our views.”
“It’s a film that treats religious issues in a way that contrasts with common religious sentiment,” Fibbi continued. “We would be helping them create a work that might well be beautiful but that does not conform to our views.”
The two churches in question were the Santa Maria del Popolo and Santa Maria della Vittoria, both architectural wonders sitting in the very heart of Rome. The interiors were made for filming with its design coming from Raphael, paintings and frescos by Caravaggio and gorgeous sculptures from the artistic genius of Bernini.
“Angels & Demons” is set to premiere in May 2009.
They should ban the film not because of religious reasons, but because the story is TERRIBLE! Dan Brown is a hack writer who’s only claim to fame is his brazen ability to offend. Believe me, if we ignore it, like The DaVinci Code, it will go away.
Here, here.
I have not read the DaVinci Code. I have however, read Angels and Demons. I am told by those that have read both, that Angels and Demons is superior. I found the plot brilliant, suspense riveting, and book impossible to put down. Having read it upon a trip to Rome, I could not have found it more fascinating!