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Angels and demons and conspiracy theories
Published: 4/20/2009 6:47 PM
Last Modified: 4/20/2009 6:47 PM

The people promoting "Angels & Demons," the film follow-up to "The Da Vinci Code" to be released on May 15, know what they’re doing: Enflaming people on the subject of religion sells books; controversy sells movie tickets.
A brochure I received recently for "Angels & Demons" mystifies with chatter on the subject of the Illuminati, a secret society of "freethinkers" with influences in the areas of government, science and the arts before disbanding in the 1700s.
"Did they really leave us? There are those who believe that the Illuminati have survived as an organization and are with us in secret today, influencing our everyday lives, government policy decisions and corporate strategies," according to promotional materials for "Angels & Demons."
Now there’s a juicy talking point for conspiracy theorists. Any Tulsa World story that details a controversy that in any way involves religion and in particular people’s belief systems are hot-button topics, from Oral Roberts University’s recent troubles to the teaching of evolution.
"Masonic imagery — the pyramid and the all-seeing Eye of Providence — grace the Great Seal of the United States, seen on the dollar bill," the film brochure continues, building up for a big finish. "Some believe these are signs of the Illuminati hiding in plain sight, hinting to all that the New World Order is on its way."
Do you remember how the author previously enraged the Vatican? Did I mention that "Angels & Demons" opens on May 15 with no competition at the box-office? Did you read that Dan Brown announced on Monday his first book in five years — "The Lost Symbol," again with "Da Vinci Code" character Robert Langdon — will be released in September?
No divine mystery here: Both the movie and the book are going to make an unholy amount of Illuminati dollar bills.

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I See Movies for Free

“I was born a poor, black child” … not me, actually, but Steve Martin’s character in the “The Jerk.” That absurd opening line is just one of the absurd number of film facts, quotes and minutiae contained in movie critic Michael Smith’s brain, at his disposal to toss out on a moment’s notice. It’s a key requirement as Tulsa World film critic to know these things. Michael learned a few other life facts along the way (seven years as a Crystal’s Pizza & Spaghetti manager) before attempting journalism and joining the Tulsa World in 1996, where he’s covered everything from a school shooting in Fort Gibson to a tornado in Stroud to witnessing an execution. A little community theater coverage was sprinkled in there, too. Movies engender many of his happiest memories, from standing in line for “Star Wars” and “Grease” at the Southroads Cinema to the James Bond and Pink Panther movies that always premiered at the enormous Continental Theater.

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Archive

Past Articles By Michael Smith

2/16/2013		Broken Arrow movie theater moves to discount showings
2/15/2013		Review: 'Amour'
2/15/2013		Review: 'A Good Day to Die Hard'
2/15/2013		Review: 'Beautiful Creatures'
2/14/2013		Review: 'Quartet'
2/14/2013		Shirley MacLaine to speak at Osage Casino
2/14/2013		Weekly rewind: February 14
2/14/2013		REVIEW: 'Beautiful Creatures'
2/12/2013		Belgian best picture hopeful 'Amour' opens in Tulsa on Friday
2/10/2013		'Die Hard' marathon at AMC Southroads on Wednesday ends with new film
2/9/2013		Review: 'Identity Thief' a stupid movie from stupid idea
2/8/2013		Oscar audit: Critics choices for best picture hold up over time

Michael Smith's Blog Archive:

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