My thoughts on The Golden Compass

Posted on | December 11, 2007 | 4 Comments

I had never heard of The Golden Compass until four weeks ago when several people sent me email warnings about its atheistic message (Narnia for atheists!). Since then, this fantasy novel and movie have received lots of press. I decided to read the books (The Golden Compass is the first of a trilogy) and see the film. Here are some observations:

  • Philip Pullman is a talented writer. He has created a compelling story and a fascinating fantasy universe (universes actually – the trilogy is built on the idea of multiple parallel universes).
  • The movie and the first book are not very controversial. The series doesn’t get too theological until book two, and the movie tries its best to make the villains generic.
  • Pullman really hates religion. (You might say that Jesus did too). The villainous church in the books is all about power, control, and persecution, which certainly are some of our more noteworthy sins. It would be hard to exaggerate Philip Pullman’s hostility toward the church and toward God. His heroes are on a quest to destroy both. But something is missing…
  • There is no Jesus in Pullman’s church. The church he describes isn’t the one I know. His church has no good news, no grace, no Jesus or Mother Teresa or Shane Claiborne. No one is drilling wells for the thirsty, feeding the hungry, or setting up medical clinics in poor countries. Pullman’s church is a caricature.
  • The movie is pretty average. Too many details are crammed into too tight a time frame and some key events from the book are rearranged. The lead actress is good and the CGI is great. Sam Elliott always makes me want to trim my mustache.
  • Pullman gets quite preachy in the later books, which probably hurts his ability to persuade. He hates The Chronicles of Narnia, but he mimics C. S. Lewis in that both authors put forth a blatant world view in their books. Pullman dislikes The Lord of the Rings too, but both Gandalf and Saruman made it into The Golden Compass movie.

Film critic Jeffery Overstreet has a thorough and informative article on The Golden Compass at his Looking Closer blog.

Category: Books, Culture, Movies

Comments

4 Responses to “My thoughts on The Golden Compass”

  1. David Osborn
    December 14th, 2007 @ 11:31 am

    Great summary! Thanks for the thoughts and insights. I’m glad you reported on the books and the movie.

  2. Al Perry
    December 17th, 2007 @ 9:30 pm

    Dennis:
    Thanks for your article on this. I have been asked by several people in my church if I’ve read the books or seen the movie, but I haven’t had the time. Think I’m going to do a link to this from my blog.

  3. The Golden Compass « According to Al
    December 17th, 2007 @ 9:56 pm

    [...] My friend, Dennis Mullen, is a pastor in Tennessee and he is a deep thinker whose opinions and views on pop culture often cause me to say, “me, too.”  So check out this link to Dennis’ blog… http://waitingforsunday.com/2007/12/11/my-thoughts-on-the-golden-compass/ [...]

  4. Marsha
    December 18th, 2007 @ 1:12 pm

    This man cannot quench the Narnia fervor by writing his own books. I don’t believe for an instant that he will accomplish his mission. The more negative he speaks about C.S. Lewis, the more interested the kids get. LOL
    I saw the previews the other night for Prince Caspian. LOOKS GREAT!!!
    Even though the first movie didn’t quite capture what was in my mind as a child, it came pretty close.

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