‘Da Vinci Code’ Sequel Criticized by Catholics
Philip Sherwell, Telegraph: They have accused director Ron Howard, who will attend the movie’s world premiere in Rome, of distorting history for dramatic effect.
The storyline for Angels & Demons, which stars Tom Hanks and Ewan McGregor, centres on a plot by the Illuminati, a secret society of intellectuals, who are intent on gaining revenge for a brutal massacre of their predecessors by the Church centuries ago. Although the society once existed, there is no historical evidence that its members were butchered by Catholics.
The Rt Rev Malcolm McMahon, the Bishop of Nottingham, warned that the film could stir up anti-Catholic sentiment.
“This is so outlandish, it’s total rubbish,” said Bishop McMahon, who is one of the Church’s most senior bishops. “It’s mischievous to stir up this kind of anti-Catholic sentiment. It’s a gratuitous knocking of the Church and I can’t see any reason for it.”
Howard, the director of Angels & Demons — expected to become the first blockbuster film of the summer when it is released in Britain this month — has fired back that Catholics will enjoy the movie, which is based on a previous novel by The Da Vinci Code’s author, Dan Brown.
His comments will intensify a feud between some prominent Catholic leaders and the Da Vinci Code team over claims that the film smears the Church.
