Emerald Elvis joins protesters against film

WELL-KNOWN showbusiness personality Mark Leen was among the protestors outside a cinema in Tralee where The Da Vinci Code was shown last night.

He claimed the movie was blasphemous and an insult to the teachings of his Catholic faith and Jesus Christ.

Known as the Emerald Elvis, the Elvis tribute artist said he and other protesters were standing up for Jesus Christ, who was being attacked in the film.

He also said he was disappointed the Catholic Church was not taking a stronger stand on the issue, claiming it was “pretty passive” on the controversy.Mr Leen, 34, and other protestors stood outside the Omniplex cinema, distributing copies of a booklet entitled The Da Vinci Code — Separating Fact from Fiction.

However, he said they were not urging people to boycott the film.

“People have their own free will if they want to go and see it, but we’re just informing them of the true facts. The film is distorted and could influence vulnerable people,” he said.

“We’re standing up for what we believe in — the teachings of Jesus Christ through the Bible.

“I believe the Church could be doing more to highlight the inaccuracies in the film. Someone has to stand up for our faith, which is being insulted.”

A separate protest took place outside the Gate Cinema in Cork yesterday lunchtime.

What did the audience think?

Rev Andrew Furlong, former Dean of Clonmacnoise from Dublin: “It raises lots of questions for people in the 21st Century. If you hadn’t read the book you would have missed out on a lot of what was happening.”

Stephen Walshe, 22, Drumcondra in Dublin: “I thought it was very good as what it is, which is fiction. It was certainly a good film, but a bit dragged out.”

Karen McDonald, 25, Tallaght in Dublin: “I thought it was good but not worth the hype. The acting was cheesy.”

Brendan King, Clarina, Co Limerick: “The film was not as compelling as the book — not enough detail.”

Mike Daly, Bruree, Co Limerick: “I went to the film as I had nothing to do. I thought it was rubbish.”

Angela Fitzmaurice, Glin, Co Limerick: “It was weak enough. I was disappointed and expected more.”

Matt Ryan, San Francisco: “It would have been almost impossible to eclipse the book but I think they managed to do the best they could.”

Nicola Baldwin, Rosscarbery, Co Cork: “I was expecting to be disappointed, but I thought it was marvellous ... fast-paced and exciting all the way.”

Jane Ryan, San Francisco: “I haven’t read the book yet but I was blown away.”