The Da Vinci Code is a very interesting movie, with even more captivating characters. I’m not just talking about Tom Hanks and Sir Ian McKellen, but also Jean Reno and Paul Bettany. It’s simply a movie with a star-studded cast. And as you might’ve guessed it, I’m here to see who actually did the best among these amazing stars. I present to you, the top 5 characters of The Da Vinci Code!
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5. Sophie Neveu
Audrey Tautou is a talented actress, with 2 BAFTA nominations, but her role as Sophie Neveu was anything but award worthy. In fact, it was very forgettable. It’s the awkward line delivery and the expressionless reactions that made her character feel out of place. But isn’t it ironic? Sophie is the central piece to the puzzle of the story, but she’s the piece that doesn’t fit in with the rest of the cast, and that’s shockingly obvious. Therefore, we’re left with a character who just comes across very awkward, uncomfortable and weird.
This role wasn’t meant for Audrey Tautou, and a more fitting actress would’ve done a better job as the screenplay isn’t the problem. Maybe she didn’t have her heart in it to begin with? Who knows what’s the reason behind this poor performance? She’s a good actress with an ability to be brilliant! However, in The Da Vinci Code, she was brilliantly awful. She couldn’t even deliver during the ending of the film, a story point that centers around her character. I just don’t understand why she didn’t deliver an ounce of emotion in scenes that were craving for it. I’m sorry, but this failure by Audrey Tautou is inexcusable.
The only reason Sophie Neveu makes the list is because her poor performance was still good enough to warrant a spot on the list. That’s it. She’s the best of the worst, and I really wanted to write a list of the top 5 The Da Vinci Code characters.
4. Bezu Fache
Jean Reno gives a solid performance as Captain Bezu Fache. It’s a role that he shapes into his very own, making the essence of the character feel real. Sure, I’m stating the obvious; an actor is shaping his own role isn’t surprising. However, it’s exactly the problem with Sophie Neveu’s lackluster character, as Audrey didn’t mold the Sophie the way Reno shapes Fache. It’s a great example of doing things the right way and the wrong way.
The main reason I rank Bezu Fache as the 4th best character is because of his involvement in the story, and how his reactions tell a thousand words. It’s as his eyes said what his heart did not; making for a very intriguing character. While we barely got to know him, he executes his small role well. He’s relentless pursuit and willingness to do whatever it takes was believable. In turn, he’s the 4th on my list of the best Da Vinci Code characters!
3. Silas
Paul Bettany portrays the memorable villain Silas, who’s misguided and used as a tool for “the greater good”. Talk about being manipulated? But also, Silas is an unhealthy pe
This manipulated individual, But also, an unhealthy individual who doesn’t see the world the way others do. In turn, Silas is a complex character with a disturbing backstory. But that’s the reason he’s so memorable. Together with his striking appearance and Paul Bettany’s line delivery, he’s definitely one of the highlights of The Da Vinci Code.
The reason Silas doesn’t rank higher is because he’s going up against Robert Langdon and Sir Leigh Teabing. Thus, there’s no way for me to rank him higher, as he’s not even close to those two characters. So he’ll have to settle with the 3rd spot on my list, which is pretty good!
2. Robert Langdon
Let’s be honest, shall we? Robert Langdon isn’t one of Tom’s best characters, now is it? While I wholeheartedly enjoy his performance, it’s hard to dispute the that it’s watered-down. It’s just somewhat bland in comparison to the rest of his work. He lacked that twinkle in his eyes; the inspiration to emotionally get invested. While that might’ve been the fault of the director, I’m not going to excuse Tom’s performance. He does in-fact improve his performance as Robert Langdon in the sequels, but in this one he faulters. But, even when he’s only at 50%, he’s still better than most everybody, except for one, in The Da Vinci Code!
The reason he sails over the likes of Sophie and Silas is because he nails the revelation scenes, with very good line delivery. It’s no easy feat in a movie where everybody gets surprised at all the small things, but he does it with style. I mean it; he has a certain “swag” (I hate using that word) to him. For better or for worse, it give his character a different feel from others, and it’s a welcomed addition. Why? The movie just has many characters that react very over-the-top and mildly aggressive. Some even overjoyous. But Tom Hanks grounds his reactions and his way of acting which makes him more relatable.
All in all, Robert Langdon works well as the lead character, mainly because he never feels too above the rest. While he’s definitely a genius, he’s way of approaching things is well-written. I couldn’t have imagined the ways he would solve puzzled, and as a viewer, it made the whole experience special. Together with his warm-hearted behavior and introverted nature, Robert made the chase for new clues feel inviting.
1. Sir Leigh Teabing
The Da Vinci Code sparked my interest in the first 5 minutes. It took another 10 for me to fully invest myself in the story. When Sir Leigh Teabing was introduced, the movie grabbed me by my throat and didn’t let me loose until it was all over. I was hooked. But how could anyone be surprised? Sir Leigh Teabing is played by Sir Ian McKellen. He’s one of the greatest actors of all time, and he proved it once again in The Da Vinci Code. In a movie like this, with a superb cast, Sir Ian McKellen was the one who stole the show. And it wasn’t even close!
Sir Leigh Teabing gives us the best of both world; playing the good guy and the bad guy really well. On one hand, he’s the loving and helpful mentor, who’s thirst to solve ancient mysteries keeps him awake at night. On the other hand, his sneaky schemes and his blatantly arrogant behavior give him an edge, as if he was a trained actor. In conclusion, Sir Ian McKellen does not miss a beat in being a convincing good guy, then after the plot twist, being a believable bad guy. If that doesn’t show you he’s worthy of the crown, nothing will. In my book, this is an easy decision. Sir Leigh Teabing takes the 1st place on my list of the top 5 Da Vinci Code characters!