Literary comparison of The Da Vinci Code and conspiracy theory films

Conspiracy films generally succeed in captivating audiences and in having people actively engaged in trying to determine the bodies behind elaborate schemes meant to harm society as a whole. Ron Howard's the Da Vinci Code and Richard Donner's Conspiracy Theory both attempt to provide viewers with intricate scripts that they have to untangle on their own before they eventually come to gain a more complex understanding of the conspiracies as the motion pictures end. The two motion pictures focus on constantly tricking viewers in thinking that particular characters are not exactly what they seem to be. While some might be inclined to say that the Da Vinci Code is less intriguing because of the false religious messages it appears to send, one can still appreciate its storyline as long as he or she refrains from being influenced by religious concepts while trying to understand it.

Peter Langdon is the central character in the Da Vinci Code and his expertise as a symbologist and his curious yet courageous nature makes it possible for viewers to appreciate his general character. Similarly, even with the fact that many viewers are probable to consider that Jerry Fletcher in Conspiracy Theory is mentally deranged in the beginning of the film, most are likely to express particular interest in this character as the storyline progresses and as he manages to captivate people through his absorbing personality. The two main characters seem to be unlikely heroes and this is what makes them attractive, considering that numerous viewers can identify with them and can start to think that even teachers and taxi drivers can save the world if they are determined (or forced, at times) to do so.

While both conspiracies are controlled by antagonists who are willing to do everything in their power in order to put down anyone who suspects them, it is difficult to determine the degree to which these plans affect society as a whole. Religious individuals are probable to regard Langdon as the ultimate superhero because he is in charge of protecting a person that descends directly from Jesus. This means that the conspiracy in the Da Vinci Code is considerable and that the powers behind it are far stronger than anyone might suspect. The ultimate aim of the conspiracy in Donner's film deals with the U.S. President and with how he is going to be the victim of an anonymous group of specially-trained individuals. These people are apparently concerned about achieving their goals through removing influential persons who act in disagreement with the group's agenda.

In contrast to Jerry, Langdon is from the first few moments a sober individual who appears to be capable to bring down a great deal of individuals through his complex thinking. Jerry appears to be a lunatic during the first few scenes of the film and it is actually difficult to determine whether the stories that he relates to are true or whether he is just another crazy person that one might find during a casual taxi ride. The most impressive thing about both of these characters is that they do not seem capable to do a great deal of things in order to defeat their antagonists, considering that Langdon is just a simple teacher in charge of putting down some of the most evil individuals belonging to the feared Illuminati group and that Jerry is a taxi driver who wants to fight agencies like NASA and governmental agents who are in charge of one of the most intricate conspiracy in all of history.

Even with this, both of these characters manage to complete their missions successfully as they come across allies and as they become more and more passionate about their duty. One can claim that, to a certain degree, the Da Vinci Code fails to impress audiences because of the rather predictable storyline. While most viewers are unlikely to associate Teabing's character with 'The Teacher', it is obvious from the very first scene when she appears that miss Neveau is about to make an intriguing discovery. This female character appears to develop in a constant manner as she becomes more and more accepting regarding the role that she plays and as she gradually influences Langdon to be her side-kick.