The Golden Compass – Please See, if Just to Counter the Boycott
By stephanie - Wednesday, December 12th, 2007
The Golden Compass is a fine fantasy film in it’s own right…but now that certain crazy extreme Christian elements are boycotting it, I think it’s all that more important for sci-fi and fantasy lovers to go see it in the theater.
(For example, see Group to protest ‘Golden Compass’ – but beware of the massive spoiler for the trilogy at the end of the article.)
The irony here is that these so-called Christians (let’s not offend real Christians) are upset because they think the film and the books are trying to make children into atheists. At issue is the portrayal of an all-powerful religious organization patterned after the worst excesses of the Catholic Church in its power. The “Magisterium” suppresses scientific knowledge and wields dictatorial control over the populace.
Now. If you are a Catholic or Christian and upset about this movie, you are basically giving credence to the critique that Christianity (particularly Catholicism) became warped and was used for evil in the wrong hands. Think about it. Because if this is just a fictional portrayal of a religious sect out of control, why even care? (Or, are we trying to whitewash the past and pretend that the entire Inquisition never happened?)
And yet, here these so-called “Christians” are, acting just like the evil people in the film, by trying to suppress information and other ideas. Most of the people protesting haven’t even read the books or seen the film. They are just following the orders of their church leaders. How completely ironic.
The Movie Itself
Enough with the political commentary, on to the film. I have not read the books yet so went in with a fresh slate and no expectations. I found the film to be very enjoyable. The plot was a bit complex and moved a little fast, but still flowed well enough. There was constant action – it never got boring, especially once the basic story was outlined.
The casting was superb. The girl was terrific – she was well-cast and truly made the movie with her performance. Nicole Kidman was also super freaky as the evil Mrs. Coulter. Sam Elliott brought some much-needed levity and personality to the film about halfway through.
Visually, the film was stunning – the sets were absolutely fantastic and the mood created perfect. I just love this type of fantasy sci-fi, where there’s technology mixed with magic and everything is decked out like it’s the late 1800s. Gorgeous.
The film is a bit dark and as such may not be for young children but should appeal to teens and adults. The fight scene between the two polar bears is positively gruesome, but powerful.
In short, I truly do not have many complaints about this film. It is not high art but decent entertainment. If you sit back and enjoy the ride you will find much to appreciate in The Golden Compass.
December 12th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
I’m taking my cousin to see this on Sunday. She read the books and love them. I read quote in USA Today and decided that it was a must see for me as well: “Rarely can one movie annoy stalwart defenders of Christianity and atheists alike.”
My father, unfortunately, is part of the boycott. However, I think the extent of his activism is “Please don’t see it.”
We’re too sensitive and have lost sight of taking care of each other and respecting other ideas. Whatever happened to “live and let live”?
December 12th, 2007 at 5:13 pm
It does appear to me that the controversy was a bit overblown. Apparently there are plenty of religious people who support the film. Here’s a good roundup of opinion that I came across.
http://findingdulcinea.com/news/entertainment/-The-Golden-Compass–Is-a-24-Karat-Controversy.html