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I can’t presume to have read any of Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, though friends are surprised that I haven’t read a fantasy trilogy based so seriously on attacking religious dogma. (Am I a bad atheist? Probably.)

My excitement for the film version of the first novel, Northern Lights, (called “The Golden Compass” here in the states), was limited, mostly because I didn’t know much about the source material. However, the movie had Nicole Kidman (who I adore), Daniel Craig, and fighting polar bears.

Let me reiterate that: FIGHTING POLAR BEARS. WEARING ARMOR. It’s every human being’s dream COME TRUE. (Don’t deny it.)


The Golden Compass opens with a rushed narration that describes the universe this trilogy will operate in. In this world, every person’s soul has a physical manifestation as an animal that walks around with them. I will admit that I am entirely enamored with this idea and, after about 5 minutes of watching all these adorable live-action/CGI animals prancing around, I wanted one. Badly (The main character, Lyra (Dakota Blue Richards), has a “demon” that shifts between a bird, a cat, and a mongoose. !!!!!!!!!!) In this world, the Scholars and the University are at odds with The Magisterial, an organization that believes that if people are told what to do, they’ll be happy. And when it’s discovered that there may be a portal in an alternate universe that would throw the Magisterial’s entire purpose to the wayside, Lyra becomes involved in a battle that, as we’re told, affects every man, woman, and child on the planet.

The problem with this film is evident in the very beginning. I don’t know who over at New Line is responsible for it, but the film has been heavily edited for time. I expected such an epic novel adaptation to last nearly 3 hours. (Especially since they seem to be trying so hard to market the movie as a Lord Of The Rings type adventure.) Clocking in just under 2 hours, there are countless times I’m left wanting more.

As I said, this is obvious in the beginning. Even after the narration tells us what’s going on, I found myself repeatedly thinking, “What the fuck is going on?” (I eventually picked it up.) There’s a complete lack of character development, except with the main character. I wanted to know why Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig) is so committed to opposing the Magisterial. (They’re a clever mask for the Catholic Church, in my opinion.) I want to know why Mrs. Coulter (Nicole Kidman) is associated with The Magisterial.

But perhaps that’s the point. We’re supposed to be intrigued for the coming 2 sequels. I just wish I had known that coming into the movie!

These plot mysteries continue to plague the rest of the movie. It’s not there are holes in the story, per se. It’s just that it appears this first movie is merely an introduction to these characters and ideas. That’s what does work about the movie. I love these characters. I love this world, these parallel universes. I love the way the movie looks. The acting is great, especially for a film that’s supposed to be for children.


But let’s get to what I need to talk about: the polar bears. Jesus Holy Christ, they are so spectacular. SO SPECTACULAR. There shouldn’t be a kid on the planet who isn’t screaming with joy on the screen every time Iorek Byrnison (Ian McKellen!!!!) pounces into view. (He’s Lyra’s armored bear.) The whole concept really does tap into a secret desire of most children (and this 24 year old man) and director Chris Weitz really excels at making their relationship believable and magical.

And when armored bears fight? Seriously, I expected greatness and I received PERFECTION. When Iorek returns to the north to challenge the King of the Bears, Ragnar, be prepared to watch one of the most RIDICULOUSLY FANTASTIC FIGHT SCENES EVER. Just wait for the resolution of the fight. I was cheering and clapping!

I enjoyed the movie because there are so many things that work here, both as a film for children and as a film for the adults who have to accompany them to the theatre. I adore the message this film presents about free thought without going for the jugular. (It’s really not anti-Christian at all; it’s more anti-dogma.) Dakota Richards is an excellent choice to play the lead: she portrays Lyra as a young girl who is willing to stand up for her friends and family, despite her own fears. Nicole Kidman is, as usual, a scene stealer. In one moment, you’re enraptured by her beauty and her apparent concern; in the next moment, you’re left desperately hating her for her malicious ways.

There will be the inevitable comparisons to other epic trilogies, but this almost seems to be a response to C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia series. (Actually, reading up on it, it's been theorized that Pullman actually did intend these as a response to the religious themes found in those novels.) I think with further development, perhaps the other two movies will lift up the prestige of the whole trilogy.

I ultimately had a good time watching the film and I suppose the move had the desired affect: I want to see more. So much more. I know there’s two more films in the work, but I don’t want to wait. I just wish the film hadn’t been so gloriously gutted. I fear that it will leave most people uninterested and annoyed, putting the future movies in jeopardy.

So go see this film, because damn it, I want more of them!