CALL it "The Da Vinci Lode": an almost-anything-goes industry of spinoffs and tie-ins emerging in the shade cast by the mega-bestseller and movie.
A researcher says he can prove the story of Adam and Eve actually describes human evolution. A historian says the Holy Grail is buried in an estate near Stafford, England. A documentarian has linked the Catholic Church's sex abuse scandals to satanic images cunningly concealed in the religion's artwork.
Legions of experts are making themselves available to the press to decode "The Da Vinci Code." As the movie's May 19 opening neared, a publicist touting one biblical expert fired off an e-mail to the media pleading, "Last Call for Da Vinci Expert/Author (I Promise)." The books, TV programs, DVDs and lectures are timed to tap into the phenomenal public interest in ancient secrets and religious quests sparked by Dan Brown's book, many teasing potential audiences by embedding "code" in the title.
The pseudo-historical thriller suggesting that Jesus and Mary Magdalene had sexual relations has sold 40 million copies in hardback and 1.4 million in the first month of its U.S. paperback release.
"It's a hot topic right now," said Debbie Douglas, who is handling public relations for a firm offering to help people whose religious beliefs may be "confused by 'The Da Vinci Code' " by providing spiritually uplifting films that can be downloaded off the Internet.
"Until the movie comes out, people are going to be battered everywhere -- on television, radio and in print -- because there's a good chance of using the book hook to have your pitch heard," the Newport Beach-based Douglas said.
Nate Andrews, a spokesman for lecturer Vishal Mangalwadi, who is scheduled to speak Monday on "Sexual Mysticism: The Da Vinci Code and Beyond" at the Hollywood Presbyterian Church, agreed. "In terms of timing," Andrews said, "we're trying to capitalize on the interest 'The Da Vinci Code' movie will create."
Although some promoters predict "Da Vinci Code"-mania will ebb with the release of the movie -- which critics predominantly panned after a Cannes screening last week -- the bandwagon doesn't seem to be slowing down.
The "Today" show scheduled segments about "The Da Vinci Code" to air each day last week. The Discovery Channel (with four documentaries) and History Channel (with seven) jumped in as well, offering such programs as "Bible Code II: Apocalypse and Beyond" and "Secret History of Jesus," which provocatively asked: "Was the crucifixion of Jesus faked?"
