The Golden Compass is a delicious bit of adventure candy. True, the plot is complex and improbable. But the scenes are vivid, the pacing is tight, and for viewers who can close their eyes and open their hearts, accepting this universe for what it is, this film – adapted by writer-director Chris Weitz from the first novel in Philip Pullman’s trilogy His Dark Materials - has all the ingredients of a magical mid-winter’s tale.
Three Plot Points on the Compass
In an parallel universe, where people’s souls reside in animal familiars, Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards) is a precocious little girl: a wayward ward of Jordan College, Oxford, who is bound and determined not to become a young lady.
Three events collide to interrupt her impish childhood, changing her destiny forever: one, her uncle Lord Asriel’s (Daniel Craig) discovery of the magical “dust” which somehow connects life in the universe, and whose very mention is forbidden by the Magisterium; two, the sudden attentions of the cunningly beautiful Marisa Coulter (Nicole Kidman), one of the college’s most important benefactors, who wishes to take Lyra under her wing; and three, the gift from the Master of Jordan College of a golden compass, otherwise known as an alethiometer, an arcane truth meter providing ethereal visions to those who know its art.
This triple coincidence throws Lyra into an adventure searching for children kidnapped by a mysterious organization. Along the way, world order is set on its head, as the Magisterium, entrusted with public welfare, takes on increasingly sinister tones, and Lyra must learn to trust sylph-like witches, battle-hardened bears and sea-roving Gyptians.
Irresistible Characters
Lyra is an eminently likeable child: smart, courageous and impertinent. She is beautiful in an earthy sort of way so rare in children, and it is almost impossible not to side with her. Moreover, Richards’ acting is sublime.
She finds herself in good company, with Craig and Ian McKellen (the voice of the armored bear Iorek Byrnison), among others. Kidman, as Marisa Coulter, is at her stunningly delectable best, full of nuance and a hidden, palpable evilness which nonetheless is all but irresistible, bringing that rare touch to villains of making the audience feel pity, making her human in spite of her grandeur.
Lovely performances by supporting actors like Jim Carter as the Gyptian leader, John Faa; and Eva Green as the alluring witch queen, Serafina, round out the world, hinting at stories within stories. In contrast to mannered fantasy fluff like Stardust, those inhabiting the world of Compass actually seem to care about the things they do.
Philosophical Paradigm
Regarding the brouhaha over whether the film is an affront to Christianity, candy-coating atheistic ideas for youngsters, that seems a stretch, since religion isn’t overtly dealt with in the film. But how one feels may depend on one’s interpretation of Christianity to begin with.
Compass may well offend those who view Christianity – or any other major religion, for that matter – as little more than an organization composed of self-important hierarchies bent on stifling free thought. Indeed, the underscored criticism of the Magisterium could serve as indictment of the whole Platonic theory of a guardian class protecting the ignorant masses, upon which much doctrinal thinking has been built. On the other hand, Compass may seem uplifting to those who view Christ as a rebel and a truth-seeker, striving to spread faith, hope and love. Whatever one’s view, the film provides ample food for thought, without ramming it down the audience’s throat. It will undoubtedly serve to spark many a conversation, young and old alike.
Grade: B+
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 113 minutes
Randy Walden - Randy has a BA in English/Creative Writing and is working on his MA in Humanities. He has studied both journalism and screenwriting at ...
