THE FILMMAKERS
Into this Wild Abyss: Adapting the Golden Compass
Writer/director Chris Weitz encountered the first book in Philip Pullman’s widely read and award-winning trilogy while making his acclaimed film, About A Boy, for which he was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay (along with his brother Paul). “I had heard from friends of mine about a fantastic and life-changing British fantasy series that was ‘written for children but really for adults,’” he recalls. “I was absolutely stunned by the imagination, daring and intelligence of the books. As far as ambition and philosophical depth, they left everything I had read previously in the dust.”
To gain the opportunity to adapt Pullman’s immersive tale for the screen, Weitz presented New Line Cinema with a manifesto describing how he saw the film, and then dedicated the ensuing three years to bringing his vision of the film to life. “It offers everything a filmmaker would be interested in – a compelling story, fascinating characters, psychological and philosophical depth, wonder and the chance to make a beautiful film,” Weitz explains. “It’s a fantastic story, about things that matter, like the human spirit, loyalty, kindness and free will. When you are directing a movie, you have to have utter commitment to every aspect of it, and there was nothing about this project that I didn’t feel absolutely passionate about.”
Like Pullman, Weitz attended an “Oxbridge” college – in his case, Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied 17th century literature and developed an affinity for John Milton, whose work resonates throughout Pullman’s books. Pullman, in fact, titled his trilogy from the enticing thematic connections between Milton’s mention of “His dark materials” in Paradise Lost, Book II, and “dark matter” – the very essence of the universe:
“Into this wild abyss,
the womb of nature and perhaps her grave,
Of neither sea, nor shore, nor fire,
But all these in their pregnant causes mixed
Confusedly, and which thus must ever fight,
Unless the almighty maker them ordain
His dark materials to create more worlds,
Into this wild abyss the wary fiend
Stood on the brink of hell and looked a while,
Pondering his voyage…”
For producer Deborah Forte, the journey to bring Pullman’s novels to the screen had begun nearly 11 years ago when she first read The Golden Compass (called The Northern Lights in the UK) in manuscript form and immediately pursued the rights on behalf of Scholastic Media. “I thought at the time, ‘This is an extraordinary writer, and wherever he’s going, I want to go with him,’” Forte recalls. The Golden Compass unfolds in a world that is, “not traditional fantasy; it’s not traditional science-fiction,” Forte continues. “When people read these books, they are presented with an instantly engaging world that is entirely original and at the same time relatable.”
Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy – comprised of The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass – became a critical success and publishing phenomenon, selling 14 million copies around the world to date. The trilogy also began collecting awards, including the prestigious Whitbread prize, which no novel for children had ever won previously.
Executive producer Ileen Maisel of New Line Cinema discovered the books and found that a number of her colleagues, including Mark Ordesky and Michael Lynne, had also taken the plunge into Lyra’s world. “It’s a story of a young girl’s journey to self awareness and understanding the price of free will,” Maisel describes, “set against extraordinary worlds of fantasy as well as reality. Philip doesn’t call this a fantasy. Philip calls this a reality novel. That’s the way we look at it, and that’s what’s so exciting about it because Lyra does things that all of us wish we had the ability and the courage to do. And that’s why I think we all relate to her and believe in her.”
The ideal synthesis between material and adaptor had been struck. “Chris Weitz is so smart and so thoughtful,” says executive producer and New Line President of Production Toby Emmerich. “He also has great humanism and artistry paired with a real instinct for making fun, entertaining movies. We got very lucky with Chris and have every confidence that he has made a compelling, exciting film.”
“Everyone was fully prepared – each department and every individual working on this movie understood the material from inception,” says Forte. “They appreciated it. They had a vision for it that dovetailed with Chris’s vision for the movie, and so it was off and running the moment Chris walked into this project.”
Weitz, Forte and the entire filmmaking team found a powerful ally and steadfast resource in Pullman himself. “I’m adapting Philip Pullman,” explains Weitz. “So, while there is some compression involved, my commitment is to carry over the spirit of his vision and this world he has created.”
“I’ve done my part,” says Pullman. “I handed it over to Chris and his team to make the film. I couldn’t have people to trust my story to who were more trustworthy, and I know my story is in good hands.”
Weitz met on numerous occasions with Pullman and discussed the film throughout development and production. Weitz also set sail for Svalbard, Norway – 1000 miles north of Oslo and a key location in the story – where he wrote the bulk of his adaptation.
“I believed in the film’s potential when Chris first turned in his 156-page draft 2 ½ years ago,” recalls executive producer Andrew Miano. “He poured so much of his own heart and soul into the material, along with a deep faith in the universe Pullman created.” Adds producer Bill Carraro, “Chris Weitz adapted the book in such a wonderful manner and carried that dedication and commitment into directing. The writer in him was always helpful to everyone working to put together the movie because he could always focus on the elements that were most important, from design to stunts to acting to effects.”
The production would be a vast one, with striking vistas, myriad creatures and next-generation visual effects. But for Weitz, the key factor in his adaptation would always be the truths at the heart of Pullman’s story. “The magic of the piece is as much in the relationships as in the potential for spectacle,” he says. “Though it’s an enormously well-conceived parallel world, it speaks very truthfully about our world, about our lives as children, parents and individuals in society. And although the heroine is a child, there is nothing childish or silly about this story. It must be treated with human sympathy, in terms of the emotions of the characters, and the gulf in scale between the cosmic and the personal must be bridged as well as Pullman bridges it.”
New Line Cinema Production President Toby Emmerich adds, “When I read the book, I fell in love with the relationship between Lyra and Iorek, the armored bear. Chris has beautifully realized this in the film, capturing a great performance from Dakota Blue and marrying it seamlessly with incredible computer technology. It’s an extraordinary relationship that could only exist in Lyra’s world, but it is still very human and very emotional.”
52 COMMENTS:
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Mitchell London
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tio
GREAT!THE BEST!
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John
I’d like to know where to find pictures of London in Lyra’s world.. I’d also like to know how I can get there, possibly?
I just can’t wait for the films. They, I think, will be that fantastic kind that you get so worked up in that when you leave the cinema you’ll be like .. oh . im back in the real world .. how boring .
CANNAE WAIT .
it makes me excitered .
wish i was in the art department .. -
Nisha
I have been waiting for this for 10 years now…I first read Northern Lights (Golden Compass) when I was 12, reading the rest of the trilogy as they were released. I knew of the speculation about a possible movie being made and all the wishing has come true! I can’t wait….feel like a kid on christmas eve all over again
This is the greatest story you’ll ever read!!! -
Jessica
I read these books in 7th grade, then got my mother to read them, and we both fell in love with the story. We have been dreaming of this movie for seven years, and now its finally happening. Its such an amazing story, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the film version will do it justice. From what I’ve seen so far, there is hope! Thank you New Line and everyone who has made our dream a reality!!
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Patricia
Thank you, Chris Weitz and New Line Cinema for converting The Golden Compass into a movie and doing it right. You have chosen the perfect actors. The special effects are flawless and I’m sure the movie will contain all the important details that are essential for the other 2 movies that you’ll make.
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Rose
I actually went to Oxford and saw that they were shooting the Golden Compass in one of the colleges. I took a picture of the sign. My friends were ecstatic to hear that I went to Oxford.
I hope the movie will be fantastic and “bloody hell brilliant” (please excuse my bad language).
Thank you, New Line Cinema and Chris Weitz for adapting this trilogy into movies. I have only read them recently (I’m 12) but I really understand the levels of comprehension. I got hooked when someone mentioned I read it and remembered my sister gave the set to me when I was eight, but at eight years of age, I had absolutely no interest in it. Then, BAM. I fell in love with the series. -
Dawn
Philip Pullman is an amazing writer and I’ve read His Dark Materials over and over again - Lyra is a name I’ve chosen for my daughter if I have a little girl! I’ve waited a long time for this film to be made and I’ve just found this site today and I’m really excited! I got goosebumps too watching the trailer. Chris, thank you very much, you don’t know what this film means to a lot of people. I’m so glad you’re doing this - the actors are so right and I trust you to get it perfect.
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Emily
I saw a trailer on the big screen when I saw the movie Hairspray with my friend. Right away when I noticed it was New Line Cinema , I started squeezing my friend’s hand and didn’t stop the whole preview! I may die of excitement!
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Carly
I have just finished reading the His Dark Materials Trilogy and I read them because of the movie coming out. And let me tell you, the books were ah-mazing! I can’t wait for the movie!
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Ang
Thank you, thank you, thank you … why everyone bothers with thelikes of Harry P. when there is Phillip Pullman I will never understand…… can’t wait.
Anyone know who wrote / writes the music?
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def1nt & Lysandra
I have red all three books twice. Release date is december 12, why I have to wait so long??
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melody hagan
i have read the three books so many times now my husband thinks i am crazy. i am so happy they are finally being made into movies. i just watched the trailer and i believe the director has done the book proud. i can’t wait for it to come out.
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veren
In the last part of the trailer, the action packed musical score was written by Brian Tyler, you can hear it originally in the “Children of Dune” mini series. The soundtrack is amazing.
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Jack
I’ve been hoping for a movie version of His Dark Materials for many years–however I doubt I’ll see it.
Some devotion to the material you guys have, cutting out all of the religious aspects to increase ticket sales. If you really cared about a good adaptation you’d be willing to take the chance that fans of the books might not mind accuracy…
Hollywood disgusts me. Enjoy your paycheck, losers -
gerine
When I first pick up this book it was on a fluke I was waiting for some other to come in the store and decided to pick it up. It didn’t take long for me to be hooked. I read for days straight quickly going to the store and completing the collection. this story spoke to me like nothing else, it woke up my spirit and brought me to tears time and again. I at first believed that it had to be made into a movie I wanted so much for this world I loved dear to be brought to life, But it didn’t take long for the unfortunate reality of it to come to me. Hollywood would destroy it and take away all that is special to me and many others. ( like series of unfortunate events of which I only fancied cute) So i am holding my heart close to my chest hoping that this thing that I love will not be destroyed by those afraid of a truth or of the blind. Either way this story will always be their for me and I will pass it on to mine.
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Helen
argh am so annoyed that everyone’s calling it “the golden compass” it’s not a compass! *rant*
anyways
hope you do the other two books, it would be a shame to miss out Will’s character. -
Connor
i first read this series of books when i was in grade 6, and I fell in love immediately. I cant even remember how many times i have read His Dark Materials.
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Niki
I have read the books, and there is some slight joy at there being a movie. I know I’ll watch it, tho I hope that it holds to the books. If the movie strays as most movies from books do, I hope it does not stray far. The books themselves already give you feeling as tho you are there watching.
I myself am very picky about the books I chose to read, and once I find books that make me feel those deep emotions that the characters themselves are feeling, I am dedicated to that author. I know it may be silly to most, but the books made me cry at certain points. So if Pullman can give life to fictional characters and deep feelings in them, and in the happenings, to draw out my own feelings, all I have to say is he is a d@mn good writer. And his work shall be forever on my shelf.
One more thing if I may so add:
To the people who are working on the movie, if they should ever see this, I shall only ask you this… Please hold up to his work, don’t take out the thin lines of what you may think society may look uneasy at. Don’t let the movie sway in one direction away from what was suppose to be because you think it will increase the ticket sales. If at all, if it has come to the mind that it will offend, or may be taken in that degree, but that notion aside. You only offend those who have a reason to be defensive. So Please, do the books justice. That is all I ask.
Thank you~ Mr.Pullman, I look forward to collecting all of the books that you have written.
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Douglas
They really are incredible, imaginative works of art, these three books. It’s extremely hard to put them down once you start reading them. At the movies earlier this summer i was watching the previews before the main feature film and felt chills run up and down my spine when I saw the alethiometer fall to the ground and open and then saw the zeppelin over London - I was just downright speechless. i exclaimed to my mother who was sitting beside me, ‘Oh my God! Do you know what they have done? They;ve made a movie of it!”
It’s a brilliant literay achievement, up there with Tolkien’s work.
Thanks for filming it. -
Michael
Looking forward to it and I hope that new line does not shy away from the strong philosophical messages that form the core of the books.
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Andrea
All I can say of the production team is that they are immensely brave to take this on. For real aficionados of the books - of which I’m one - there is an inevitable element of dread, that the characters and scenes we have all created in our heads will be ruined by someone else’s vision. From the trailers and photos I’m feeling pretty reassured, but my husband is refusing to come with me on my first visit (I’ll watch it at least twice) as he knows I’ll probably moan on about where they didn’t ‘get it right’.
I’m a prolific reader, and HDM promptly bumped my previous favourites (Tolstoy, Achebe etc etc) down the list. It is an awe inspiring work - I think ‘up there with Tolkein’ does it an injustice, sorry Douglas.
Fingers crossed for December 7th.
PS - I’d have cast Christian Bale as Asriel… -
frances
i hope you make all 3 books into film they were all captivating and i could not put them down and i am sure i will watch this magical book on screen a million times
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willi
Well, new line has cut he ending of the film….So…Pathetic! This is insulting the fans.
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Felicity
I am so excited about this movie. I first read “The Golden Compass” under its original title 10 years ago when I was 12 years old. I immediately fell in love with the world that this book opened and I couldn’t wait to know what was going to happen to all these characters. Especially Iorek Byrnison who I became particularly attached too, probably because I was the same age as the heroine at the time. Now, as an adult I have just reread the whole series understanding it on an entirely different level. When I saw the trailer for the movie I became a child again, I’m so incredibly excited to see how it’s going to look compared to how I imagined it. I really hope they don’t cut the ending out though, that’s the whole point!
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Jacklinie
I sincerly hope they don’t mess this up, like they did with the latest Narnia film. I read the books, sometimes staying up till 1am (on school nights too!), just to finish them.
I never expected a movie, but here it is! The site is gourgeous, and I hope the music will be too. The music is (in my opinion) one of the most important parts of the movie.CANNOT WAIT!
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richard
i have read all three boks in the his dark materials trilogy and they where great!
i’m curently re-reading them and had finished northern lights(golden compass) a couple of days a go and i’m now re-reading the subtle knife .
the books where the best books i’ve read and hopefuly the film will be brillant. -
Carole
I’m a 68 year old woman who never cared much aboout fantasy - until I picked up the Golden Compass on a whim. I was hooked, in love with Lyra and the wonderful story. I own all three books in hardback, paperback and audio. They are spectacular audiobooks, since Philip Pullman narrates his own stories using a cast of others to read the other parts. Pretty soon I will have to replace the paperbacks since they are pretty worn out. I agree with the poster who said boo to the reduction of religion. That’s one of the points of the serries. But I’ll go see the movies anyway since I really want to see these magical worlds, as others see them.
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Javics
Looks fantastic, but i can’t work out if all 3 books have been adapted into one film or if there are more to come?
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Stevie
I’m getting really excited about this film; the trilogy is a beautiful story and a modern classic… Although I have to question the choice of casting for Lyra (in my mind she looks too young), I’m sure it will shine!
I look forward to the wonder of seeing Lyras world, and to the inevitable finale in The Amber Spyglass!
Please don’t let us down!
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Matthew Black
This movie is going to be absolutely amazing! I cannot wait! I almost wet my pants when I saw the trailer a few days ago. I have been waiting for this since I read the books..I just hope that they don’t mess it up by overcompacting such a great story into one movie. And what about will? does he feature?
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haroutkaprelian
WOW THIS IS E VERY NISE PIC
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MilesofSmiles
I am 3 chapters in and loving it. Can someone please tell me if this trilogy of books will also be a trilogy of movies. Curious, thanks
SMILES -
Eucaliptòs
It’s fantastic.. a dream comes true. I read the trilogy when I was 13 and I love Philip’s characters, style and story. I hope that these movies will be fabolous like the trilogy of Dark Materials. I attend The Amber Spyglass movie, one of my favourite books!
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Eve
Fantastic books - and as mentioned, the audio book is amazing - casting is spot on and Pullman as narrator is not to be missed. Like others I really hope they haven’t softened the message. And if they have I can’t see how they’ll do The Subtle Knife or the Amber Spyglass. One of the most powerful things about the book is that it challenges the notions of religion,authority, establishment and reaffirms the primary importance of love, freedom and choice. have you noticed that there is every possible kind of loving, loyal relationship in the trilogy? That’s vital. So guys, if you do The Subtle Knife, don’t sit on the fence over the angels. You’ll lose credability if you water it down.
Anyhow - looks good, casting seems great - bring it on!!!!!
I don’t think Dakota looks too young, I’ve always thought of Lyra starting off at 12. Does she look much younger than 12? I wonder how old she is in reality.
Oh great deamons, deamons more deamons and bears. Its going to be a goooood Christmas. -
Jim
The trailers i’ve seen look superb, and the casting is genius - Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman look EXACTLY as I imagined them when I read the books. I’m itching to see al the moviesl
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Ian
WOOOO GO TEAM!!! i’ve almost finished the maber spyglass and im getting so sad because i dont want it to end!! phillip pullman is nothing shortn of a genious! and i hope this film will do the books justice!! FINGERS CROSSED!! It looks very spectacular at the moment… i cant wait!
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Julie
I started reading Philip Pullman’s trilogy of Dark Materials upon a friend’s recommendation. I got hooked onto all three books and couldn’t put the books down! Although I am excited and can’t wait for the movie release, I hope that the movie, plus other the two if they are going to do them, will do justice to the wonderful creation of Philip Pullman!
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Kitty
Excitement, nerves, should I? shouldn’t I? Pullman’s trillogy stole my heart nearly two years ago. I can remember every scene, twist and turn so vividly as if I had already seen it as a film. The books are so beautifully and uniquely written that I fear the film couldn’t possiibly live up to the magical yet real world that exists in my imagination. I’m a keen reader who gets through over 50 books a year, yet no story has ever taken me on such an emotional journey as this. I cried a little piece of my heart out when I came to the end, not only because of the story itself but also because I felt a sense of loss that my journey with Lyra was over.
I will of course see the film, the trailor looks pretty amazing and the visuals seem to be true to the way my imagination created them.
As I said, I am excited and nervous. x
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Whoa
I don’t think Dakota looks too young, I’ve always thought of Lyra starting off at 12. Does she look much younger than 12? I wonder how old she is in reality.
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Lyra starts of as 11, and is “small for her age” (The Golden Compass, the book) -
rewinn
The Golden Compass: There’s Gold in That There Dust!
I just got out of a sneak preview for “The Golden Compass” and am happy to report it is a better than a solid adaptation.
The soul of the book is in the movie: its sense of fun seriousness, on a scale that ranges effortlessly from a gob of mud in a child’s hand to the entire multiverse.
Visually, it is delightful, as if Maxfield Parrish had discovered steampunk.The quick and efficient script omits what it must (as is usual in adapting a book to the big screen) yet adds much by the fact of acting (who could be a better Mrs. Coulter than Nicole Kidman? Her first smile tells us all we think we need to know.)
I find it very respectful of the audience for the film not to explain too much. For example, book has to have Iorek explain to Lyra how his duel with Ragnar ends, since there are no images except that created in the mind. The movie just has it happen; viewers must figure it out by comparing his state just before the climactic blow and to that immediately afterwards.
The daemons, by literally exposing a person’s soul, take the place of soliloquies or comic sidekicks. The story also goes faster because it keeps its secrets. It is a tale of discovery, and not all the discoveries have been made by its end. Besides, the protagonist is a young teen from whom The Adults Are Keeping Secrets; it’s delightful that the audience shares the protagonist’s mystification.Who should Lyra be trusting anyway?
I hope the trilogy is completed. But should it fail through an irrational Boxoffice or by the intercession of a justly enraged Authority, the sheer coolness of the film should turn viewers to the books, which further exposes them to the perils of Dust.
P.S. You could view this as the start of a triology about the ultimate dysfunctional family.
http://rewinn.blogspot.com/2007/12/golden-compass-theres-gold-in-that.html
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Darryn james
Saw the movie at a sneak preview! It was AMAZING.. Totally stuck to the storyline! I can’t wait for the next ones to be completed! Darryn
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Liz in Pima County
Read the trilogy in a week. Incredible experience, incredible characters, incredible love, incredible chance, incredible courage. I am glad I am alive to have read such a story. The movie will never match the book experience, but, oh, yes, I’ll be there. I, too, think this leaves Harry in the *dust* (sorry, J.K., I love your creation too, but).
Who’s voting in Heaven?? I am! And maybe I’ll pay more attention to the candidates!
Best, LF
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i
I saw the movie yesterday, totally amazing (whoever did the voice for Iorek was terrific), but I HATED the ending. There’s, like, 100 more pages left in the book! In the previews, they showed the ending. When Lyra tells Mrs. Coulter that “I’m not yours! I’m never yours!” and when it showed Asriel with all that dust coming into him! That wasn’t in the stinkin’ movie. Ugh! Hurry up and make the second.
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Tiffany
Just saw the film and loved it!! Was worried it wouldn’t live up to the books, which blew me away, but it was very good. My partner does not know the books but was also gripped by the film. Really hope next two books are made, the third was my best!!
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Taylor
Loved the movie. I noticed only a few parts left out and the rest was perfect.
One thing I did notice that was in the trailer, you see a few clips that are not in the movie; where Lyra shouts “I’m not your’s, I’ll never be your’s” and a glimpse of the opening of worlds.
This was confusing to me, I assume the movie was too long and they had to cut it out. -
Stefania
In Italy we are still waiting for the movie.
I am really curious because I read HDM many years ago.
Actually, when I tought to Mrs Coulter I imagined someone like Catherine Zeta-Jones (in the book she is a women with dark and long hair), but whatever, I really want to see the adaptation of the philosophical questions. I hope the movie will be not just a tale for children, with a simple story of a child’s journey, bears and whitches, but also the amazing story about philosophical, religious and epical matters that Pullman wrote.
p.s. sorry for my bad English -
christopher
given that you had to take a quite long and complicated storyline and smush it into an enjoyable 2 hour movie.. wow!
that of itself is quite a task. surely they cut a lot out of the story, but you have to make compromises to take a book of that magnitude and shorten it for easy assimilation of the masses, and then include extra junk in it so you can have it make sense for those that were either too lazy or for whatever reason didn’t get to read any of the books so long ago.
you know they did the same thing with the lord of the rings stories and the harry potter novels, and yes perhaps chronicles of narnia as well, and sure enough, as they did with any epic fantasy work…
some churches say don’t go see it. they said so about harry potter because it dealt with witches and magic, mind you, its a fantasy kids book but no bother, they warn people not to go see chronicles of narnia because it may not agree with your version of faith, and likewise the golden compass, which involves such christian elements as god, soul, angels, heaven, hell, etc., though all of it stripped away from the movie (at least, the first in what i hope to be a trilogy of films)..
but you know what i say? i say go see the film even if you’re an atheist or buddhist or hindu or muslim or if you worship banana peels or nothingness or are a jedi or ninja or what-have-you, because its a fantastic movie and a great story regardless of what your spiritual beliefs or philosophy may or may not be.
if you take time to read the books, you will find so much more depth and they are awesome , if you cant read then get the audio book, it is also well done. the movie is the closest thing to what you will hear in the audio book, brilliantly cast, animated well, well done, well done!
thank you!
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Vanessa Wood
I’ve now been to see The Golden Compass, not having read the books, and thought it was visually stunning - every scene, every costume, building and daemon just rich and mesmerising; I am sure I could watch it many times and always find more. Now I have a sense of urgency to buy the complete HDM trilogy, and a hunger for the continuation of the film. Wouldn’t the world be so much more truthful and less selfish if we all had our souls and true natures on show, and always had at least one thing in life to love and care for, and to be loved and valued in return.
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Rachel
The best trilogy I have ever read. I was introduced to Northern Lights when I was 10 by my brother and have never looked back. I have read His Dark Materials countless times - I am obsessed! The movie looks like its going to be amazing! I can’t wait.
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j.c.
can’t wait to see the movie, i will be going for free!
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HDMLover
I spendt my money but I’m happy!! I Pay off!!!!
Mark my words, this movie is going to be…HUGE! After reading all three books over a year ago, I heard rumors that there were talks about the books being made into a movie. I could hardly wait. I searched the web for some trace of the movie being mentioned, to my amazement there was already a website. I looked at it and the first thing that struck me was, “They have already put this much effort into the website alone, and the movie does not even have actors per se. If they are already working this hard, the movie will be fantastic!”
Months later I searched the site again and found the first trailer. I got goosebumps! It was just what I had hoped for, an artistically amazing and believeable world that one can get lost in. I just watched the preview that played at Comicon …oh…my….This one will blow you away! I cannot wait for the other 2 books to be made into movies especially the part where Lyra…well, we’ll just wait till then, but for now…this movie will be. HUGE!