Comments on: The Golden Compass Trailer

By: kdeb

kdeb — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 14:55:42 +0000

All the use of historically Christian terms as part of evil forces in another world, and the denial of life after death (in the traditional non-pantheistic sense), could and should IMHO be easily ignored in a fantasy book.
However, Ms. Malone (the former nun), in effect, is proselytizing for the rejection of Catholicism and Christianity. Her views are aired completely and affirmed by the remaining story.
This is much more blatant than the Christian themes of Narnia. "Christianity was just a big mistake," as Malone's expressed opinion, is a major theme of this stunningly written, imaginative series.
I ask the producers to consider the appropriateness of similar jabs at Mohammedism, Judaism, Hinduism or any other religion. Or to remove the clear acceptance of the Wiccan religion, or of Shamanism.
Pullman is incredibly gifted. His books are just biased, that's all.

By: hugh

hugh — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 23:24:11 +0000

The books are not specifically anti-christian; they are against organised religion, dogma, and the evils these things spread. When you think about it, what right do religious leaders have to interpret "holy" books their own way and tell you how to live your life? Well, they only have the power that you give them. Ignore them for long enough, and the whole structure will collapse. And not before time. Most people who complain about the anti-christian nature of things aren't real christians anyway. In any case, we had this whole religious nonsense thing in the UK decades ago when "Life of Brian" came out. That film was condemned for being anti-christian, and it was quite obvious to anybody who had seen the film that those complainants either hadn't seen it, or hadn't understood it (or, perhaps, were too embarrassed at the film taking the mickey out of them).

By: matt

matt — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 20:51:41 +0000

omg i read the trilogy back in grade 6-7(4-5years ago)... wow.. hope its as good as the books.. AND I WANNA SEE BEAR! he was like my fave... but i have to read the book again cuz i dint really fully understand it.

btw im christian, it really doesnt borther me. I was a fan of pullmans since i was back in elementary. anyways. I never saw the book as anti-christian, the book was put in the teen section in the library for cryin out loud. its just the way people put it make it seem like it. people thought about that about harry potter too, but the thing is.. ITS ALL FICTION. so dont let stories bother you. christian or not its a must watch if you read the books...

JUST HOPE ITS TRUE TO THE BOOKS...
and I pictured the the setting to be more grittier and less final fantasyish when i was reading the books... i guess i need to read all 3 again!

By: David

David — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 13:30:38 +0000

I am half way through the second book- began reading as soon as I saw the trailer. I am intrigued.

I agree with Rosi. I am a Christian and I do not have a problem with his literary approach or his theology (once I truly determine what that is).

Sure, if anti-Christian, I suppose I should be concerned. Nevertheless, dialogue about theology and ANY mystery is what it's all about. I have no true answers - neither does Pullman. (I'd be arrogant in the extreme to claim authoritive knowledge. So would he.) The nature of good and evil and the universe or creation is open for analysis and certainly honest discussion.

Biltmore says he is tired of all the "christian crap these days." Me too- mainly when it is a corrupted version of what is actually quite a beautiful thing. I have no wonder sometimes that people avoid or openly hate Christianity- especially when it fears confrontation or discussion.

BTW- I am very excited to see the film. i am a sucker for a good trailer- especially when the trailer's music builds the tension and wnder as well as this one does.

By: loxycoon

loxycoon — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 13:29:40 +0000

â€˜The books are too blatantly atheistic and anti-Christianâ€™

Interesting - I seem to recall that the books rammed Christianity (or at least religion) down your throat, specifically the last book. I remember being really upset with the religious overtones of the third book, and how it essentially ruined the series for me since I felt as if I were being preached at. Are you making the assumption that they are anti-Christian based on that brief scene from this trailer? Or maybe I just need to read the books again...

By: Nora

Nora — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 23:26:23 +0000

I think this looks really cool. I hope the art and design style stays as impressive throughout the movie as it does in the previews.

By: Chad

Chad — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 22:42:27 +0000

@rosi I immediately thought of the final fantasy series when I saw this also!

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:39:16 +0000

Oh noes! It's da neat poliz!

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:19:05 +0000

movie trailer sucks
will wait for the movie to go on tv...

By: Akiro

Akiro — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:12:17 +0000

Are movie trailers really that neat? I really don't think so myself.

By: Michael

Michael — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:24:37 +0000

As a conservative Christian, who has read the books, I don't see why a big deal should be made out of this movie or the books. Yes, the villains are agents of "the church", but what is wrong with fiction painting a picture that exposes the potential corruption of the human aspect of religion? Can't we learn just as much from watching this as one could from watching Narnia?

By: Rosi

Rosi — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 08:41:02 +0000

I agree with psamanthe. The books were reasonably good but they weren't as good as most people make out. Then again, I did read them when I was a bit older, probably about thirteen or fourteen, so maybe I missed out a little here. I think the actress playing Lyra was a bad choice too. But I'd like to say to the Christians: so what if it's anti christian? If atheists can watch Chronicles of Narnia (which is pretty much the Bible with animals) and not be bothered, why should Christians have to avoid films like this? Surely you're secure enough in your religion to not be worried by a film like this? Also, did this remind anyone else of Final Fantasy? The airships, the city in general (kind of like Rabanastre from FFXII) and even the music sounds a bit like Prelud e from FFVII. I'm not complaining though. If you're going to rip something off, you could do a lot worse than Final Fantasy.

By: Janice

Janice — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 06:23:55 +0000

To be honest - "boring" ... quite boring ... it really looks the same way as Narnia ... But this is just my opinion, you are not asked for

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 06:10:08 +0000

So... this is the atheists' answer to The Chronicles of Narnia?

By: biltmore

biltmore — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 05:56:40 +0000

'The books are too blatantly atheistic and anti-Christian'

Oooo ... then I'm sold!!! Can't stand all that Christian crap these days.

By: psamathe

psamathe — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 05:15:13 +0000

I liked the books a couple of years ago at the age of like, ten, but to be honest I think they are rather undeserving of the hype and praise bestowed upon them.

And the daemons are slightly fucked up because they need more (better) CG, not less.

By: vandoo

vandoo — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 04:18:42 +0000

Hooray for blatant atheism!

By: Scott K

Scott K — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 04:01:23 +0000

"The books are too blatantly atheistic and anti-Christian, so the movie is right out, tooâ€¦"

Well, I'm sold!

By: erik

erik — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 03:32:53 +0000

i forgot all about these books. they were great to read but it looks like they screwed up the daemons (too much cg). anyway, hope it turns out as great as the books were.

By: JD Longmire

JD Longmire — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 03:18:57 +0000

The books are too blatantly atheistic and anti-Christian, so the movie is right out, too...

By: salgorski

salgorski — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 02:37:13 +0000

Cool

By: elissa

elissa — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 02:06:38 +0000

Wow. I can't wait to see that movie. I didn't realize they had the trailer out already!

By: rob

rob — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 01:51:46 +0000

i'm very hopeful the movie[s] are faithful to the
book[s]. the 3 books are killer and while the first book, the golden compass is very good, the trilogy doesn't really cook until the second book. i hope new line cinema is patient and produces all three movies.