Thursday 21 May 2009

To Dan Brown or not to Dan Brown....

Yesterday evening I went to the cinema to see Angels and Demons starring Tom Hanks. I was a bit dubious about seeing this movie as I am a big Dan Brown fan; Angels and Demons is by far my favourite of all his novels. But the film didn't disappoint. Okay, it didn't stick exactly to the book - what film ever does? - but it stuck enough to the storyline to satisfy me and, I'm sure, countless other Brown fans.

If indeed you are a Dan Brown fan....

Many are not.

But why?

I think his books well written, fast paced (which I love) with brilliant storylines, and thoroughly researched.

The added bonus of this recent movie, is, that it is perfectly easy to understand - even if you've not read the book. I don't think the same can be said for the Da Vinci Code. I enjoyed this film too, but my hubby and daughter (neither of whom had read the novels) found this first film confusing, but they both loved watching Angels and Demons. Hubby said it was the best film he'd seen in ages. We did come out of the cinema feeling as if we'd had our money's worth for once.

So? What do you think of Dan Brown? Do you love him or hate him?

Either way, his books are earning him cash!

7 comments:

Middle Ditch said...

Love him but I haven't seen the film.

I usually like to see the film first before attempting to read the book and as I have not read this one yet might just go and see it. Thanks for the tip.

Vesper said...

I'm sorry, I'm not one of his fans. I admire his success and his mastery of technique (despite the much too obvious tricks of suspense), not so much his literary skills...
You're right, "Angels and Demons" is probably his best. I'm glad that you enjoyed the movie.

Leigh Russell said...

I found the Da Vinci Code really annoying. I couldn't put it down, it was such a page turner. Every chapter led the protagonist into a situation even more impossible to escape from and I had to keep reading for find out how he got out of that one. At the same time, (I'm sorry but) it was so badly written (had the MS been edited or proof read at all?) that it irritated me immensely.
But yes, what a commercial triumph - hats off to Dan Brown for that. Of course I'm a little envious, but my response to the Da Vinci Code came long before I started writing myself. My first thriller, published in 2 weeks, isn't likely to be a blockbuster, despite meticulous editing and proofreading... Then again, you never know... gotta dream the dream!

Leigh Russell said...

ps I haven't read 'Angels and Demons'. Too busy writing (and blogging.)

Stewart Sternberg (half of L.P. Styles) said...

I love him. I admit it. I read "DaVinci Code" with rapt attention.I nodded and said: "God..what a wonderful idea." I was astonished by the concept of the bloodline and it certainly explained the development of antisemitism. No, I don't care about the history, it was fun.

Akasha Savage. said...

Middle Ditch - I think you should go see the film. It's a good excuse for a night out, if nothing else!

Vesper - I just enjoyed it as a good old suspense read. It kept me on the edge of my seat.

Leigh - don't knock yourself...someone has to write the bestsellers, why shouldn't it be one of us!!

Stewart - welcome kindred soul!

Rabid Fox said...

I had a Dan Brown novel given to me a couple years ago. "Deception Point", I believe. I ended up exchanging it at a used-book store before bothering to read it. Maybe it's the cynicism people put out towards his work, but I just didn't feel compelled to read it. I may give "Angels & Demons" a go, however.