14 DAY TRIAL // Showing that controversy has never hurt anyone, or staying true to the saying that no publicity is worse than bad publicity, the 2006 “The Da Vinci Code” fared extremely well at the box-office, despite the Vatican’s opposition and the tepid reviews it got. Now, Tom Hanks’ upcoming “Angels & Demons,” the prequel to the story, is about to get the same reception, as reports have it the Church is railing to boycott it.
That the Vatican was against what Dan Brown put down in his two books is common knowledge by now, as also is the fact that it did its best to prevent “The Da Vinci Code” from hitting the big screen. Eventually, when it failed to do so, it concentrated all its efforts towards talking people into not seeing it, which only seemed to encourage them more to do so – as proof of that stand the $760 million the film grossed internationally. Now, it has surfaced, the Church is thinking of doing the same with the prequel.
“Tom Hanks has been busy finishing up the sequel to ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and may be facing part two of a showdown with the Vatican. The organization, which railed against the first film, may be readying itself to be up at arms against the newest one ‘Angels & Demons.’ On Friday, the Vatican’s official newspaper Awenwire ran a story saying the Church ‘cannot approve’ of the film. Another Italian daily La Stampa, echoed the idea saying the Vatican would soon call for a boycott.” RadarOnline informs.
At this point, the Vatican is faced with two, equally tough choices, the same media outlet says. If it chooses to boycott the film, it would make it clear for the entire world that it does not condone or approve of its existence but, at the same time, it would also draw more attention to it, much like it happened in 2006. Then again, not speaking publicly against it might be interpreted as a sign that it is in accordance with what is being told or implied in “Angels & Demons.” As of now, the Church has not made public its official position regarding the film.
“Archbishop Velasio De Paolis was quoted as warning against a boycott in case it gives the film even more attention, making it that much more popular. Producers of the film were also denied access to film in parts of the Vatican.” RadarOnline further explains. With “Angels & Demons” set for release in May, the Church does not have that much time left to make a stand, it has been noted, so an official statement should be made in the coming days.