Opus Dei Holds Out for 'Da Vinci' Changes
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By NICOLE WINFIELD
Associated Press Writer
ROME (AP) -- The conservative Roman Catholic group Opus Dei said Tuesday it had no intention of calling for a boycott of the upcoming film "The Da Vinci Code," but said it hopes the much-awaited film could still be changed so that "there aren't references that would hurt Catholics."
In a statement released in Rome, Opus Dei said Sony Pictures still had time to make changes that would be appreciated by Catholics, "particularly in these days in which everyone has noted the painful consequences of intolerance" - an apparent reference to violence in the Muslim world sparked by the publication of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad.
The film, starring Tom Hanks and scheduled for a May 19 release, is based on the best-selling Dan Brown novel, which portrayed Opus Dei as a murderous, power-hungry sect. The novel contends that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had descendants, and that Opus Dei and the Catholic Church were at the center of covering it up.
The low-profile spiritual group has embarked on something of a public-relations campaign to improve its image before release of the film. It says it isn't calling for a boycott because it prefers to follow a more "constructive" path.
"'The Da Vinci Code' offers a deformed image of the Catholic Church," Tuesday's statement said, adding that the statement was issued because the organization had received many questions about the upcoming film.
Sony reiterated its view that "The Da Vinci Code" is a work of fiction.
The work is "not a religious tract, and it is certainly not meant to criticize any group, religious or otherwise," Jim Kennedy, a spokesman for Sony Pictures Entertainment, commented via e-mail. -
But the novel never portrayed Opus Dei as a murderous, power hungry sect.Originally posted by iveco:The film, starring Tom Hanks and scheduled for a May 19 release, is based on the best-selling Dan Brown novel, which portrayed Opus Dei as a murderous, power-hungry sect. The novel contends that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had descendants, and that Opus Dei and the Catholic Church were at the center of covering it up.
Bishop Aringarossa (sp?) himself was the victim of the Catholic cardinals? -
Actually, Sony has made clear its standpoint, that Da Vinci is a work of fiction.
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Thats what Dan Brown said too.Originally posted by laurence82:Actually, Sony has made clear its standpoint, that Da Vinci is a work of fiction.
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it doesnt help much when dan brown claims his research is authentic.Originally posted by laurence82:Actually, Sony has made clear its standpoint, that Da Vinci is a work of fiction. -
Hmm, his research form the core content of the Da Vinci Code right? But he claims his books is a work of fiction. like shady said?Originally posted by SingaporeMacross:it doesnt help much when dan brown claims his research is authentic. -
yes.. its a work of fiction, even the author said so.. but duno why so many ppl get so worked up over it and thinks its the truth.
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I will go watch the movie.
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The author said its based on fact. So its some parts are truth and some parts fiction.Originally posted by dumbdumb!:yes.. its a work of fiction, even the author said so.. but duno why so many ppl get so worked up over it and thinks its the truth. -
organise outings in ur movie forum lehOriginally posted by Honeybunz:I will go watch the movie. -
of course based on facts mah got the stupid sect means based on facts le mahOriginally posted by shade343:The author said its based on fact. So its some parts are truth and some parts fiction.