rating:
(out of
4 stars)United States, United Kingdom; 2007
Directed by Chris Weitz; produced by Bill Carraro, Deborah Forte; screenplay by Chris Weitz; based on the novel by Philip Pullman
Starring Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Dakota Blue Richards, Sam Elliott, Christopher Lee, Derek Jacobi, (voices of) Ian McKellen, Freddie Highmore, Ian McShane, Kristin Scott Thomas, Kathy Bates
After 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia' a new fantasy world is opened with 'The Golden Compass', the first part of a trilogy based on Philip Pullman's novels. Condemned by most Christian churches, the film tells the story of Lyra on her quest to save herself, friends, family and the world indeed, apparently in an atheism-promoting way. This may have been true about the novels, this film is pure fantasy filmmaking. Looking great , it's easily watched and will be liked by many, but it lacks a real engagement with its audience, partially because it rushes to conclusions to stay within the two hours.
To describe Pullman's world is a lot easier than Middle Earth or Narnia. In this world, a parallel universe to ouw own, paople carry deamons, talking animal companions, being also part of the person it belongs to. Killing the deamon means killing the person. The story gets underway when Lyra (Dakota Blue Richards) and her deamon Pan (voice by Freddie Highmore) are taken by Marisa Coulter (Nicole Kidman), who turns out to be less friendly than she seems at first. Lyra owns a Golden Compass, a device that tells the truth. As the title suggests it turns out to be pretty important. Kidman wants it for the bad side, Lyra wants to keep it for the good side, also including Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott, Eva Green and an armored polar bear named, serisously, Iorek Byrnison (Ian McKellen).
It seems I have not told you that much about the actual story. You are correct, mostly because it is besides the point, as the ending shows. It's entertaining enough, but the film builds on visuals and, in a lesser way, on ideas. This adaptation cuts out the religion from the novel, so certain implications are lost. It is however, the kind of film that creates curiosity for its sequel, since things not working here can be easily resolved for a next adventure. All but one, I guess. I do have problems with the casting, especially when it comes to the famous A-list actors. Kidman simply does not work in her villain-role, and Craig and Green turn up so briefly it is distracting they have famous faces. On the other hand, admittedly, Sam Elliott and that armored bear are perfectly in pace. The voice work is good too.
'The Golden Compass' is recommendable as a viewing experience and as a possible step to something better. All the ingredients for a perfect fantasy adventure are there, and although they are put together nicely, next time I expect something better.