The Golden Compass

[dfwtheatreguy]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 12:30am

Has anyone read this book?

I saw a trailer for the film version with Nicole Kidman online and it looks interesting, but how juvenile is it? Is it something along the lines of "Narnia" or "Potter" or is it geared specifically to kids.

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 12:43am

LINK!

i love these books .very mature, but still totally accesible (if not most accesible) to teens

[Taryn]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 12:48am

It's a GREAT book, you should consider reading it. It's a trilogy, in fact. I'd put it in the young adult category. It's extremely anti-organized religion, though, and it kind've beats you over the head with it by the third book in a very obvious manner.

I'm rather excited about the cast, though--they all seem perfectly suited for their roles.

[wonderwaiter]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 12:48am

Link.

[BroadwayChica]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 12:52am

It's part of a trilogy called "His Dark Materials", which is inspired by Milton's "Paradise Lost" (the title of the series is a quote from that text). It's definitely more catered to adults than it is children, though I've known many kids who've enjoyed them. Like Taryn said, it's a very scathing look at organized religion. That shouldn't detract people from enjoying the story, though, as it's quite beautifully crafted. Very enjoyable, and thought provoking.

I hope they don't dumb down some of the politics for the movie, though I'm sure they will...
Updated On: 3/29/07 at 12:52 AM

[wonderwaiter]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 12:58am

There have been rumors that religion was removed from the movie version and replaced with a non-specific "Authority". The news worried me, but Phillip Pullman oversaw the screenplay and he doesn't strike me as the kind of person who would allow his story to get toyed with too much. If he's okay with the final output it must retain the original tone and intent.

[pemberlee]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 7:55am

I heard the rumor about cutting out the religion aspect as well. I would still watch the film, but think it would lose some of the punch of the book.