There is a lot of controversy surrounding this film. Here is the first movie based on the bestselling Philip Pullman novels. But, because Pullman is a non-religious humanist, certain religious groups are upset. They fear that Pullman’s non-religious ideas might influence young children to be atheists. “His Dark Materials” trilogy is comprised of “The Golden Compass,” “The Subtle Knife” and “The Amber Spyglass”. It revolves around a young girl who travels to the far north to save her best friend. Along the way she encounters shape-shifting creatures, witches, and a variety of otherworldly characters in parallel universes. So even in this description (witches, otherworldly characters) one can see reasons why some religious people might be upset.

For us, this is a film that opens the door of opportunity. Think of the great discussions that can arise from this film. Also, Pullman is a wonderful man with deeply held ideas about the preciousness of humanity and the immense beauty of this world. He is committed to making this planet a better place for all of us. This, I believe, is reflected in his books. It is an idea that resonates with so many—and part of the reason why his novels are best sellers. He has an important message that should not be overlooked just because he is a committed non-religious humanist. (Comment here)

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PHILIP PULLMAN bio






Bio DAKOTA BLUE RICHARDS (Lyra Belacqua)





















(Comment here)

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A NOTE FROM WRITER/DIRECTOR CHRIS WEITZ (bio)

For Lyra, the child at the center of The Golden Compass, the journey begins in the relative safety of her Oxford home and takes her to the edge of the world. My voyage with this story began in London seven years ago, when a friend suggested I read Philip Pullman's books while I was in the relative safety of directing a movie called About a Boy.

I knew immediately that I wanted to translate these books to film. I was absolutely stunned by the imagination, daring and intelligence of the books. Pullman's insights range from the everyday to the metaphysical, and his great trilogy is a testament to nothing less than the freedom and potential of the human soul. The Golden Compass, the first book of the series, offers everything a filmmaker could want - a compelling story, fascinating characters, psychological and philosophical depth, and an abiding wonder at its heart. For me, there could be no better challenge to turn my hand to over the intervening years.

It takes a great deal of fortitude to watch someone adapt your work to another medium, and I am indebted to Mr. Pullman for trusting me with one of the twentieth century's greatest works of the imagination, and for being a consistent source of advice and support.

I will always be grateful to New Line for giving me the opportunity to make the Golden Compass, for displaying trust in me throughout its long gestation, and for helping to put together an extraordinary cast and crew. I'm just one of the many people working on the film who have been inspired by these books, and I have been consistently amazed by their dedication, and the effort and creativity they have brought to it. For all of us living with the sheer size and scope of this film, which has consumed our days and occasionally our nights, it has been a labor of love. (Comment here)