Article: FilmIs the Roman Catholic Church Unreasonable in Denying Da Vinci Code Filmmakers from its Churches?by Fr. Don Woznicki - June 17, 2008Rome's Archdiocese said Monday it has barred the producers of "Angels & Demons" (Sony Pictures) from filming in two Roman churches for the prequel to “The Da Vinci Code”, the popular book and film that angered many Catholic leaders. Producers of the film, directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, were turned down because the movie "does not conform to our views," said Monsignor Marco Fibbi, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of Rome. The crew had asked to film in the churches of Santa Maria del Popolo and Santa Maria della Vittoria, two architectural jewels in the heart of Rome that include paintings by Caravaggio, sculptures by Bernini and a chapel designed by Raphael.   [Santa Maria della Vittoria - Rome] [Caravaggio's The Call of St. Matthew]
So is the Catholic Church being unreasonable to Sony Pictures’ request? I do not think so. If you think otherwise, I ask that you put yourself in the shoes (or sandals) of the Roman Catholic Church. What if an author and filmmaker collaborated on a story/film about your family that you believe was deceptive, disrespectful and really untruthful in the name of entertainment And then they knocked on the front door of your home and asked to film their next movie in your house? Hollywood, I love you. And I hope you come to realize how much I am pulling for you. My mission is to support and serve the great things you do. A part of that mission is to help a Catholic market dialogue and understand the beauty of certain films that normally they would place judgment on and dismiss. But the problem here is that the filmmakers of the Da Vinci Code did not dialogue with the Catholic Church about seeking truth and beauty, particularly as it involves the Church. Instead, the danger is that “art” is produced that places an unfair judgment on the Catholic Church, and really does not do a service to humanity. I realize the book is "only entertainment" and this will "only be a movie" but we all know the use of the term "only" is not really being truthful, or ignorant at best. What is absurd about the book, “Angles & Demons” (I have read the book), is that the Catholic Church in the end is implicated for being an enemy to science. Ironically, tough I am a priest, I love science and do have a degree in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University. I am a scientist, thanks to that God given ability being fostered in me through Catholic Elementary and High Schools. Catholic schools and numerous Catholic universities support the sciences and dedicate extensive funding to further advances in sciences. The Catholic Church has always been a proponent that faith and science are complementary, though faith can legitimately be regarded as a “metaphysical” science that transcends the natural sciences. Natural sciences without faith are like a body without a heart. New Ethos’ mission is to be an advocate for truth, beauty, and goodness in entertainment. Sony Pictures has every right to make this film as they see it. Given this artistic freedom, Sony Pictures, we encourage you to take responsibility in this freedom and invite more dialogue in the future that seeks truth, particularly with those faith-based institutions you try to depict. This dialogue may help you avoid, shall we say, “unreasonable” premises. In the end, this is just bad business. New Ethos' ultimate desire is for Sony Pictures and all of Hollywood to be successful in what they do, especially when its in the great service of building up humanity. |