Film Analysis for The Da Vinci Code

1. The Da Vinci Code
By Alexandra Wells

2. How character is set up
At the beginning, the audience sees a man (called Jacques
Sauniére) running through the Louver. This create suspense
and tension for the audience as his facial expression tells us
that he’s running away from something/someone. Also, he’s
wearing a suit which could indicate that he’s a business
man.
The other character, Robert Langdon, is seen to be a
professor of Religious Symbology as he gives a
presentation about the ‘Interpretation on symbols’.
This tells the audience that he’s a character that likes
to solve puzzles and clues, which is key later on in the
film. He has a journal with him which tells the
audience that he writes down important information
so that he doesn’t forget it.
The audience then sees a cloaked figure going after
Jacques, who is later referred to as Silas. The fact that
he’s wearing a black cloak and stays in the shadows
indicates that he may be the antagonist within the film
as the black indicates that he’s a dark, mysterious
character.

3. How enigma is set up
Enigma is created when the audience sees Jacques running as the audience feel
suspense and questions what he’s running away from. Next, the audience sees a
glimpse of someone going after him which builds up more suspense and tension. The
fact that this figure has got a gun creates anticipation and the audience wonder if he’ll
shoot it at Jacques. Next thing, he shoots Jacques in the stomach and Jacques blood
goes everywhere, mostly on his hands, and the audience worry what’ll happen to him,
whether he’ll survive or not.

4. How titles are used
At the beginning, Columbia pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Skylark Productions
titles show up on the screen one at a time. During these production titles, a blue light
beam flashes across each title. This creates a sense of mystery and indicates to the
audience that during the film there’ll be a crime investigation. The effect of this keeps
the audience on edge and anticipating what will happen.
Next, ‘The Da Vinci Code’ fades onto the
screen one letter at a time in silver
writing. This also creates a sense of
mystery for the audience as
well as building tension and suspense.

5. Technical elements-camera work
During the beginning of the film,
the camera follows Jacques who is
running away from Silas. At some
points, the camera is behind
Jacques instead of in front of him.
This allows the audience to
picture their selves in his place
and be a part of the film.
The camera also follows Robert Langdon’s
movements as he prepares for his presentation.
This allows the audience to feel like he’s also
speaking directly to them.
The fact that when Silas is pointing
the gun at Jacques and the camera
zooms in on Silas, indicates that he
has a big impact within the film. By
this happening, the audience feels
suspense and anticipation.

6. Technical elements-editing
At the beginning, there’s quick and different angled shots of Jacques running. Next, there’s
close up shots of paintings which signifies the importance of them in the film. The audience
then sees a glimpse of the figure going after Jacques. These quick and different shots creates
tension for the audience.
Next is a close up shot of Jacques face which shows that he’s red and out of breath from
running away from (Silas) the cloaked figure, which tells the audience that he can’t out run
him. Also, the fact that he’s in frame for what seems a long time also shows this and
suspense and anticipation is created.
Some high angled shots (birds eye view shots)
are edited into the film which indicates to the
audience that Jacques is belittled and weak
compared to Silas. Also, this involves the
audience in the film as the audience are
looking down on Jacques which allows the
audience to see Jacques from Silas’s point of
view.

7. The audience then sees alternate shots between Robert Langdon and Jacques Sauniére.
This allows the audience to see both characters and what they’re doing as they’re both
important in the film
Next are close up shots of Robert’s
journal, the glass of water and the
blood on Jacques hands. The
audience may feel over whelmed by
the quick and sudden shot changes
which builds up the tension and
suspense that the audience feels.
As Jacques tries to pick up the painting from the wall, he falls. And the next shots are
shot/reverse shots of Silas and Jacques. These shots switch from medium shots and close
up shots which shows that Silas has control and power over Jacques.

8. Technical elements-mise en scene
The audience sees shots of paintings at the beginning
and this is seen to be very important throughout the
film. A few seconds later, the audience sees Jacques
taking a painting off the wall. This creates tension for
the audience as the audience wonders whether he’s
stealing the painting or taking it off the wall for a
particular reason (to move it, etc.)
Silas is chasing Jacques with a gun. This weapon is lethal
within the first 5 minutes of the beginning as Silas threatens
Jacques with it. The audience feels worried for Jacques and
threatened by the gun as it’s nearly pointing towards the
camera, so it involves the audience. The lighting during this
is dull and shadowed which tells the audience that Silas is a
dark character.
Next when the audience sees Jacques, he has
blood on his hands. The next shot is then of
Robert Langdon pouring a glass of water. The
contrast of the red blood and clear water tells the
audience that Jacques is the character who’s in
danger. The lighting highlights the majority of
Robert Langdon’s face. This indicates to the
audience that he’s the protagonist within the film.

9. Technical elements-sound
During the opening production titles, the
audience can hear faint non-diegetic music
(strings) which is fast paced. This creates a
feeling of mystery and unease.
As ‘The Da Vinci Code’ fades onto the screen,
the non-diegetic sound of strings is heard
which varies between low and high pitches.
Diegetic footsteps can be heard by the
audience as Jacques is running. This varies
as the closer the camera is to him, the
louder the footsteps but the further away
the camera is from him, the quieter the
footsteps. This makes the audience feel like
they’re in the film and are a part of it as
this creates verisimilitude.
Next, the diegetic beeping noises of the alarm tells
the audience that Jacques is in trouble and running
out of time. Also, the diegetic speech sounds
threatening which creates tension and unease for
the audience.