The Golden Compass

I saw the Golden Compass today, and I'm glad to say I quite enjoyed it. His Dark Materials are one of my favourite series of books, and I read them over and over again - I simply adore them. They're so clever, and so well written, and such a wonderful world(s) to be set in, wonderful characters... it's just brilliant. But could the films really live up to the books?

Well, the answer is no. But do we want them to? The first book even on it's own has hundreds of pages, thousands of characters, millions of thoughts and emotions... the film is 113 minutes long. But film is a completely different medium for it to be expressed in. And it was pretty damn good!

Firstly - it is accurate to the book. Nothing important at all is missed out, and it was all done in relatively the right order. The right characters in the right places, just the right amount of things giving that nod to people who have read the books, and right amount of time spent on each element of a film (characters, action (Iorek kicks more ass then ANYONE), fantasy world, could have had a little more on the relationships between characters I guess). What adaption was done was done well.

One thing they did change was the ending. SPOILER START, HIGHLIGHT TO READ They ended the movie after Lyra sets off with Roger to go to Lord Asriel and bring him the Alethiometer. But at some point, she delivered the line "I'll bring him exactly what he needs" (i.e. Roger), suggesting they will turn the other two books into films - which I think is no bad thing. Also, on the video game there is an unlockable clip they filmed that goes a little bit further into the first book - up to when they arrive at the house and Asriel shouts "I didn't send for you! Anyone but you!" Clip [here] if you want it. SPOILER END.

The actors were pretty awesome. Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman appeared superbly as Lord Asriel and Mrs. Coulter, with Ian McKellen (who ALWAYS sounds like he's eating a McVities Digestive) voicing Iorek (who happens to be more kickass than ANYONE). Derek Jacobi and Christopher Lee popped up briefly for great performances. And Dakota Blue Richards, the pretty new comer playing Lyra, gave a wonderful performance - with the exception of a couple of accent things, she delivered the character perfectly.



All in all, I really enjoyed the film. Not too long, it was pretty faithful to the books, good acting, nothing cringeworthy, and the added bonus of having THE MOST AWESOME THING EVER. Namely, Iorek the Armoured Bear. He kicks so much ass it's unbelievable.

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The Golden Compass is out in cinemas now! But first, buy His Dark Materials (1. Northern Lights, 2. The Subtle Knife, 3. The Amber Spyglass) and read them - they're AWESOME!