`The Da Vinci Code’ Isn’t the First Film to Anger Catholics

c. 2006 Religion News Service (UNDATED) “The Da Vinci Code,” which opened in theaters Friday (May 19), is not the first film that some Catholic leaders hope will be religiously avoided. In fact, such protests are commonplace. Here are five movies available on DVD that got a thumbs-down from church authorities. (If you’re curious about […]

c. 2006 Religion News Service

(UNDATED) “The Da Vinci Code,” which opened in theaters Friday (May 19), is not the first film that some Catholic leaders hope will be religiously avoided. In fact, such protests are commonplace.

Here are five movies available on DVD that got a thumbs-down from church authorities. (If you’re curious about the church’s stand on other films, visit http://www.usccb.org.)


_ “The Last Temptation of Christ” (R, 1988)

Willem Dafoe stars in Martin Scorsese’s adaptation of Nikos Kazatzakis’ novel about the Passion of Christ.

What’s not to like: While hanging on the cross, Christ fantasizes about what life might have been like if he had married Mary Magdalene. The fantasy includes a sex scene.

_ “Dogma” (R, 1999)

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are fallen angels trying to eliminate humanity in writer-director Kevin Smith’s comedy.

What’s not to like: One of the characters is a niece of Christ, implying that the Virgin Mary did not remain a virgin her entire life. Worse, the same character performs abortions.

_ “Monty Python’s Life of Brian” (R, 1979)

Terry Jones directs the Monty Python troupe in a sketch comedy about a man born in the stable next door to Jesus’ and frequently mistaken for the Messiah.

What’s not to like: Some say the final scene mocks the Crucifixion; others say it’s a parody of “Spartacus.”

_ “Stigmata” (R, 1999)

Patricia Arquette holds the key to an undiscovered gospel that negates Vatican authority in a thriller directed by Rupert Wainwright.


What’s not to like: Besides the obvious, the movie depicts a Vatican-sent assassin’s attempts on Arquette’s life.

_ “The Magdalene Sisters” (R, 2002)

Peter Mullan directs a story, based on true events, about abused girls in an Irish laundry meant to shelter “fallen women.”

What’s not to like: There’s not one charitable religious figure in the film, which might exaggerate the abuses (particularly the sexual abuses).

(Michael H. Kleinschrodt is film critic for The Times-Picayune in New Orleans.)

KRE/PH END KLEINSCHRODT

Editors: See longer related story, RNS-DAVINCI-FILMS, transmitted May 19. Both can be used as sidebars to other Da Vinci coverage.

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