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The Golden Compass
Posted: Dec 05, 2007 in Things to do, Movies
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Well, it's finally here, controversy and all.
After a sputtering start, "The Golden Compass" (which opens Friday in Indianapolis) is quite the entertaining, engaging and exciting fantasy film.
In the movie, Lyra Belaqua (Dakota Blue Richards) is an insolent and rebellious orphan who's not afraid to stand up for herself. She has been entrusted with a mystical golden compass that only she knows how to use.
The compass will answer any question, which of course makes it dangerous to the tyrannical Magisterium, headed by the unbalanced Mrs. Coulter (Nicole Kidman). The Magisterium wants the compass, but is unaware that Lyra possesses it.
The film is deeply rooted in mythology and has a rich, layered back story. In fact, its densely packed exposition is complex and confusing, covering the Magisterium, introducing the characters (and their daemons -- animals that have a spiritual bond with humans), and the plot, which involves magical dust that opens a portal between dimensions.
After the often astronomical running times of other genre offerings, such as the "Lord of the Rings," "Narnia" and "Harry Potter" films, the briskness of "Compass" is somewhat refreshing. But the film might have been better served by a pace that gave us the chance to breathe.
Once it gets going, the film is snappy, witty and exciting, with surprisingly brutal battles for a fantasy family film. There are several in-battle deaths involving arrows, swords and animal attacks, though mostly at a relatively safe distance from the camera.
The visuals, at their best, are electrifying. The film hits its peak with a battle between armored polar bears that is jaw-droppingly vicious in more ways than one.
Kidman is adequately wicked as the main villain. Daniel Craig shines in a smaller but equally important role as a loose cannon whose pursuit of knowledge makes him the Magisterium's foe.
The supporting cast performs well -- both "live" actors such as Sam Elliott, who charms as a sort of cowboy balloon pilot, and voice actors such as Ian McKellen, who finds the right blend of menace and pathos as a ferocious fallen warrior polar bear.
And what about the film's allegedly "anti-God" themes?
Draw your own conclusions, but it seems likely that the Catholic League is upset because it believes that the film makes the church look bad (much as "The DaVinci Code" did).
Still, with the slightly higher level of violence and the slow start, "Compass" is probably better suited for older children. If they were old enough for "Narnia" a couple of years ago, they're probably ready for "Compass."
As fantasy films go, "Compass" fits well in the pantheon. It's also a must-see.
Good informative review of the movie. There is a lot of controversy, but it is mostly due to the actual book trilogy. Apparantly, in the final book there is a major cause for concern in not only the Catholic church, but parents and teachers everywhere. Have you heard what happens at the end of the story?
Good informative review of the movie. There is a lot of controversy, but it is ...
Thanks for the nice words!
I've heard, though I admit I've not picked up the books to see what the fuss is myself.
Honestly, unless it advocates violence against church members or tries to incite riots, I'm not concerned neither as a parent nor as a citizen. The film, though it's done in a supposedly milder fashion, is more a critique of religion (i.e. the villains that run it) than it is "anti-God." I suppose we'll have to see what happens, but the way it's going now I don't think it's the athiest manifesto some seem to want it to be. Matter of fact I've read a lot of serious articles (from Newsweek and a few of the more scholarly religious sites) that say it's a serious discussion of religion.
I think a lot of people are just afraid of discussion and of anything that questions something that they believe in. And really, if they firmly believe in it, why shouldn't it hold up to scrutiny? How is that harmful for kids or anyone else?
I understand what you're saying. I myself have neither seen the movie nor read the books, but have also heard about the ending. It may be an interpretation issue, or the author may firmly believe that they are metaphorically expressing their views on religion. I don't believe there is a risk of harming adults as their convictions are pretty solid. The children may possibly get the wrong idea about having a higher power and the benefits of believing in that higher power. I think as long as parents talk to their children when questions arise, it should all be OK!