The Golden Compass

By Nathan Young

Controversy surrounded 'The Golden Compass' before it was even released. Talk of the film's atheistic overtones drowned out any talk of whether or not the movie was actually any good.

The intention of this review is not to discern any hidden spiritual meanings in the film (although I do feel there were some). My job is to review it on it's artistic merit and entertainment value. The film is wonderfully done and fun to watch and I am giving it a 'thumbs up'.

The world in which the film takes place is an alternate universe where the souls of human beings take the form of animals (called daemons). The story begins with Lyra (Dakota Blue Richards), an orphan girl whose soul takes the form of a small ferret. Lyra is approached by the beautiful Marisa Coulter (Nicole Kidman). When Mrs. Coulter offers her an opportunity to travel to her home in the Great North, Lyra jumps at the chance.

It turns out that Mrs. Coulter is the leader of a secret project designed to kidnap children and take them to an undisclosed Arctic location to have their daemons removed. Once Lyra discovers this and that her best friend is one of the children that was taken, she sets in motion a plan to put an end to Mrs. Coulter's plan. What follows is an epic battle of good vs. evil.

Screenwriter/director Chris Weitz and cinematographer Henry Braham deserve kudos because this film looks splendid. Whether it is the dazzling special effects or the beautiful European countryside, the visual aspect of the film is breathtaking.

The performances of the cast are amazing too. The most noteworthy job is turned in by the precocious Richards. Just 12 years old during filming, Richards reportedly beat out over 10,000 girls for the part in an open casting call in England. There is no way the producers could have chosen a more plucky or courageous actress for the role. She displays bravery, stubborness and fierceness in Lyra while still being a cute kid.

Kidman is a good choice for Mrs. Coulter. The character is all over the emotional scale, and Kidman rises to the occassion. Another performance of note is that of Sir Ian McKellan as the animated polar bear Iorek. While McKellan only lends his voice, the role is a crucial one and he plays it well.

The religious symbolism that ignited the controversy is certainly present. However, it seems to be more of an indictment of the Catholic church more than religion in general. The Magisterium is like the Catholic church and the mysterious Dust that is referred to seems to be sin (these theories are all my own, and not that of the filmmakers).

All of the press that I read prior to screening the film said that the religious symbloism was toned down from author Philip Pullman's original novel. One disclaimer I would add is that I do not recommend the film to children. The PG-13 rating is appropriate because of some violent imagery (especially a particularly vicious fight between the polar bears) and complicated content.

I did not feel the controversy around the film kept me from enjoying it. As a devoted follower of Christ, I was not offended in any way. I enjoyed the film and hope that the trilogy is completed. It is a fun film that I recommend to any fan of the fantasy genre.