One of the big reasons that The Da Vinci Code is such a brilliant movie is the intelligence that the characters have. The writing is clever and the characters in the story are constantly looking to make smart decisions to try and achieve their goals within the plot.
Whether it's Robert Langdon's ability to solve puzzles and look at symbols in a different manner or the way in which the police operate, there's smart behavior around every corner. It's one of the reasons that the movie is so exciting to watch, as it's a question of who is going to out-think the other. But out of everybody in this story, which character is the smartest?
Silas
Silas is the monk who works for 'The Teacher,' blindly following his instructions no matter what he is asked to do, including murder. There's no doubt that Silas is effective in the role he has, often following out what he's told to do to perfection.
However, Silas never sits back and looks at a situation to assess what is actually happening. He is simply used by 'The Teacher,' not actually being needed, and he never attempts to think about that. Silas blindly takes people out but showcases no thoughts of his own.
Remy Jean
Remy Jean finds himself in a similar position to Silas in the fact he is being used for a clear purpose. He's originally introduced as the butler for Sir Leigh, and he initially seems to be someone who goes against the man that employs him.
However, that's not the case, as he ends up helping him anyway when it's revealed that he is 'The Teacher.' However, Remy is simply used by him, and at no point does Remy seem to know what is about to happen.
Bishop Aringarosa
Bishop Aringarosa is a supporting character and his full personality isn't fleshed out too much. However, he is in a great position of power within the church set up as the Bishop, and that is where his intelligence comes in, as it is needed.
He is also able to work slyly on the side as well, helping 'The Teacher' as he tries to pull strings to work out the secrets behind the Holy Grail, and his ability to do that showcases his smartness as well.
Lieutenant Jérôme Collet
Another supporting role goes to Lieutenant Jérôme Collet. He is the man initially in charge of trying to catch both Robert and Sophie, but he takes more of a backseat towards Bezu as the movie goes on.
His position in the police force showcases that he is a smart individual. He knows when to question Bezu as he thinks he is taking things too far, but after he learns the reasoning behind that, he's also smart enough to allow him to head off and continue the chase.
André Vernet
André Vernet is the manager of the Depository Bank of Zurich, and someone who only has a minor role within the movie. He proves himself to be smart enough to immediately understand the power of what Sophie and Robert find, and he is also shown to be quick-witted when he gets away from the police.
Ultimately his plan to steal the Holy Grail is one that falls through, as Robert Langdon is one step ahead of him. However, in the limited time he is shown, it's clear that he's a smart person.
Jacques Saunière
While Jacques Saunière does die right at the start of the movie, it is clear he's an intelligent character. He dies with his secrets, but he is smart enough to leave clues and secrets behind, creating a trail to lead Robert and Sophie to all the answers they need.
While he lived a life of secrecy, there are plenty of old shots of him from the past, which showcases his caring side, even though he's doing it for a purpose. His ability to think ahead of time showcases how smart he is.
Sophie Neveu
Sophie Neveu is taught all about puzzles and games as she grows up, and when she's shown in the movie as an adult, it is clear that she's taken a lot from that. Sophie might be taught a lot during the movie by Robert, but she adds just as much herself.
She's a smart character who is able to work out plenty of the puzzles and situations herself, without needing any help. She showcases her own intelligence countless times during the movie, such as knowing that Bezu was treating Robert like a criminal, saving him right at the start.
Police Captain Bezu Fache
While Police Captain Bezu Fache is ultimately always one step behind Robert and Sophie, he does do a great job of keeping up with them and tries his best to arrest them. He is ultimately played by 'The Teacher' like many of the characters in this movie, however, unlike the rest, he clicks onto that.
The fact that he is able to understand and see what is happening allows him to arrest the right people at the very end, despite who he chases up until that point. Bezu Fache's ability to analyze a situation and think about what is happening around him shows why he's one of the smartest people in the movie.
Sir Leigh Teabing
Sir Leigh Teabing is a wise character who brings a lot of great intelligence into the movie when he arrives. His knowledge of everything about the Holy Grail is unparalleled, and his ability to play different people with his mind games at the same time makes it even more impressive.
He is secretly working in the shadows as 'The Teacher' which is something that he does well. His ability to pull the strings and get as close as he does to achieving his goal showcases that he has supreme intelligence, which is the reason Robert seeks him out in the first place.
Robert Langdon
There's not much in it between Robert Langdon and Sir Leigh Teabing in terms of intelligence. Both men are smart, they know a lot about religion and decisions of the past, and they're good at analyzing situations. While Robert is smarter when it comes to symbols and their meanings, Leigh has the edge on the past and topics surrounding the Holy Grail.
However, it is Robert who just outshines him with his brainpower. He's able to crack every possible puzzle that is put in front of him, knowing exactly what to do and when ultimately outsmarting Leigh at the end.