In defending the "DaVinci Code", Ian McKlellan suggests the bible might need a "fiction disclaimer" on it. I knew I liked that old queen.

Matt Lauer, in his second day "On The Road With The Code," was in Cannes for the film festival, where the Code will have its debut.

Lauer took the bull of controversy more directly by the horns when he interviewed the cast and director Howard today. Said Lauer:

"There have been calls from some religious groups, they wanted a disclaimer at the beginning of this movie saying it is fiction because one of the themes in the book really knocks Christianity right on its ear, if Christ survived the crucifixion, he did not die for our sins and therefore was not resurrected. What I'm saying is, people wanted this to say 'fiction, fiction, fiction'. How would you all have felt if there was a disclaimer at the beginning of the movie? Would it have been okay with you?"

There was a pause, and then famed British actor Ian McKellen [Gandalf of Lord of the Rings], piped up:

"Well, I've often thought the Bible should have a disclaimer in the front saying this is fiction. I mean, walking on water, it takes an act of faith. And I have faith in this movie. Not that it's true, not that it's factual, but that it's a jolly good story. And I think audiences are clever enough and bright enough to separate out fact and fiction, and discuss the thing after they've seen it."

Attention Matt Lauer! Do not fuck with Gandalf!

Good for Ian! When I have seen him as a panelist on "Real Time with Bill Maher" he has always presented himself as an intellectual skeptic of the highest order. This statement certainly fits in with my perception that he is a very well read and urbane man with strong opinions.