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Posted by Ian on December 8, 2007 at 3:43 am
Mtv.com report that members of The Golden Compass cast, including Daniel Craig and Eva Green, are ‘pining’ for an extended version of the movie when it is released on DVD. The article suggests that one aspect that might be looked at more in a director’s cut would be the past relationship between Serafina Pekkala and Farder Coram, whilst also quoting director Chris Weitz’s belief that a select moment of the footage from the previously intended finale of the movie could be added as a ‘taster’. You can read the article in full here.
Posted by Ian on December 6, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Golden Compass director spoke briefly to the Washington Post yesterday, and they’ve today published an article in which much of what has been previously said is rehashed. BridgetotheStars is mentioned however, thanks to our interview with Weitz a few years ago and because some of us are ‘grumbling’ about the religious aspects! An interesting quotation from the article, which stands as a reminder to the origins of the movie is.
‘As a serious fan of the “His Dark Materials” trilogy, Weitz says he’d be a little wary, too, if he heard that the dude from “American Pie” would direct “The Golden Compass.” In fact, when his name first surfaced on fan sites, he barely beat out “nobody at all” in a poll of candidates for the director’s job.’
Read the article in full here.
Posted by jessia on December 4, 2007 at 7:14 pm
The Christian Post reports the Church of Scotland had rejected the call to boycott The Golden Compass, instead describing the story as a hagiography, ‘The Church of Scotland said she is “one of the powerless who turns out to be a saint, and so the film is an invitation to dialogue on human purpose and destiny, the abuse of power, the making of choices and the meaning of life.”‘ The Church will instead release a leaflet accompanying the release, hoping that it will help stimulate discussion among and engage young people in its congregations in a way they can relate. Read more.
Posted by Ian on December 4, 2007 at 8:15 am
Evangelical magazine Christianity Today features an interview with Philip Pullman, which while covering a number of similar issues as many other current publications, does in some ways bring a new twist to light, due to the editorial stance of the magazine. It’s certainly worth a read for anyone who wants to be fully informed of the arguments about The Golden Compass. You can read it in full here.
Posted by Ian on December 4, 2007 at 6:49 am
Bridgetothestars recently got their hands on a copy of the official The Golden Compass board game, made by Sophisticated Games, and Ian Giles and a couple of other willing volunteers offered to try it out. Find out what they thought in Ian’s review which you can read here.
We also have one copy of the game to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is find the name of one game, other than The Golden Compass, made by Sophisticated Games (Hint: You might like to read through the review for some help). Then email you entry to contest@bridgetothestars.net entitling the email ‘Board Game Contest’, and including your full name and postal details. Due to the size and weight of the game this contest is open only to those in Europe. The contest will close at 24.00 GMT on Monday December 10th. - Read more -
Posted by Ian on December 3, 2007 at 11:12 pm
The current edition of Big Issue Scotland features an article about the religious aspects and impacts of the upcoming Golden Compass movie. However, the article is something of a rarity, covering not the controversy, nor the opponents of the film (e.g. The Catholic League) - rather it discusses the themes of atheism within the books and film and whether they are appropriate for a Christmas movie.
The scientist, God denier and friend of Philip Pullman, Richard Dawkins, is quoted as saying
“Censoring a story like this is completely deplorable. I think it’s pathetic to change a story just to suit religious sensitivities.”
The article also features input from the president of the national secular society, Terry Sanderson, who argues that despite the lack of religion found in the movie, it will promote Pullman’s values as people are driven to read the novels.
Perhaps most interestingly, are a number of quotations from Richard F. Holloway, the retired Bishop of Edinburgh and current head of the Scottish Arts Council (and was paired with Pullman for a book a festival debate a couple of years ago). The highlight of the article is his response to ‘all the fuss’ surrounding the movie:
“I don’t think God’s that bothered to tell you the truth.”
To read the article in full, click on the thumbnails below.
    
Posted by jessia on December 3, 2007 at 7:24 am
Newsweek’s Devin Gordon discusses Chris Weitz’s work in the production of the New Line adaptation of The Golden Compass, including his departure from and return to the project. Pullman was instrumental in Weitz’s return, personally petitioning him to reconsider. “It suddenly seemed possible,” Weitz says. His fears didn’t vanish, but his years away from the film, during which he met his future wife, helped put matters in perspective.’ Gordon also delves into Toby Emmerich’s (head of production for New Line Cinema) interference in the recasting of Ian McKellen for armoured bear Iorek Brynison in place of British stage actor Nonso Anozie. Read more.
Posted by Will on December 3, 2007 at 7:09 am
The Golden Compass was shown ( report here) in select cinemas across the US last Saturday and fan reviews are starting to come in. We’re collecting them here, so if you want to hear what fans who have seen the movie think of it, click away.
If you’ve seen the movie yourself and want to share your own review with everyone, email us.
Posted by jessia on December 2, 2007 at 6:38 am
Philip Pullman has contributed an editorial for this week’s Sunday Times, defending his story in face of the religious controversy raised by the Catholic League. He also defends Christ Weitz and New Line Cinema from fans’ preemptive criticism. He finds himself happy with the film treatment of his story and says: “The movie isn’t perfect, but then neither is the book: if you want perfection, go and read a haiku.” Read more.
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Bridgetothestars recently got their hands on a copy of the official The Golden Compass board game, made by Sophisticated Games, and Ian Giles and a couple of other willing volunteers offered to try it out. Find out what they thought in Ian’s review which you can read here.
Tonight, New York City’s Zeigfield Theatre hosted the American red carpet premiere of The Golden Compass. See WireImage’s galleries for Countess’ photo coverage of the arrivals.
