Origins of the Da Vinci Code

Fans of Dan Brown's bestselling novel will be drawn to this documentary centering on Henry Lincoln, one of the authors of the 30-year-old Holy Blood, Holy Grail, which served as a source for the book's basic “historical” premise. The film follows Lincoln as he revisits the village of Rennes-le-Ch(teau (bemoaning its transformation into a tourist trap) and traces the development of his thesis from the discovery of a secret message in an obscure French paperback in 1969 and his study of documents in various libraries, all of which led to his later series of BBC television programs on the subject, and the eventual publication of his book in 1972. It's an interesting journey, nicely limned by filmmaker Michael Bott, taken by a man who—though somewhat self-important in manner—is agreeably quizzical and non-dogmatic in discussing his views (as well as Brown's book, which he rightly says shouldn't be taken too seriously). But Origins of the Da Vinci Code goes further, introducing the topographical findings of Erling Haagensen, who deepens the mystery inaugurated by Lincoln with the postulation of a larger phenomenon—a strange geometrical organization of structures found not only in France but also on a distant Baltic island (and elsewhere). This is a highly speculative film that raises more questions than it answers—and knowledge of Lincoln's and Brown's books is almost a prerequisite for understanding all of it—but those familiar with the story (whose numbers will only swell following the release of Ron Howard's feature film in May) should find it fascinating. DVD extras include a commentary track with Bott, Lincoln and narrator Sharon Baylis; extended interviews with Lincoln and Haagensen; an impromptu explanation of his research that Lincoln shares with some tourists, as well as his ruminations on Rennes-le-Ch(teau; and brief outtakes. Recommended. Aud: P. (F. Swietek)