The Golden Compass Controversy

[MBuzzy]

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/Story?id=3970783&page=1

Despite the fantastical scenery, talking armor-wearing polar bears and even a swarm of flying witches, "The Golden Compass" is getting more attention not for its use of fantasy, but instead for something very real: Religion.


The film, now open nationwide, is based on "His Dark Materials," a trilogy of books by English author Philip Pullman, a self-proclaimed atheist.
Ever since the film was commissioned – and even before shooting began – religious groups were outraged, pegging "The Golden Compass" as a direct attack on organized religion, particularly Catholicism.

Although I have not seen the movie, I'm curious about what other's thoughts are on the subject? Are the makers of this movie somehow in the wrong for producing the movie? Was the writer of the book in the wrong? Does anyone have a right to condemn the movie based on the themes it may or may not present?

 

[terryl965]

I believe to many people try to put to much into things. It is a movie for entertainment only. Go see and enjoy yourself.

 

[michaeledward]

We went to the movie today. There is very little indication of an anti-religious sentiment in the movie; even if it is the premise of the book. The Ministry building looks like something from the planet Courasant in the new Star Wars films, rather than a religious building. There are a couple of scenes with Derek Jacobi and Christopher Lee which do lean toward high religious figures; they are appropriately nefarious.

Seems to me there wasn't a controversy when 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe' was released. I understand that this book could be read in a Catholic Mass (Ok, that is a small exaggeration).

Seems to me that religious folks are happy unless they are complaining about people who don't believe like them.

The movie wasn't that good, by the way. Too much of the plot just happens too convienently, to fit the story, or set up the next scene.

Although, the arc of the story with the Fighting, Armored, Polar Bears is pretty impressive and enjoyable. And, that is the voice of Gandalf playing the bear. We like Gandalf.

 

[Kacey]

Although I have not seen the movie, I'm curious about what other's thoughts are on the subject?

I have not seen the movie nor read the books; however, based on a news interview I saw, the controversy arises from the lack of God - specifically, the author's complete rejection of the concept of God and organized religion in the novels - something that was, apparently, totally omitted from the movie. The parent I saw in the interview was concerned that her children might watch the movie and then decide to read the novels - and the novels totally contradict the religious values she is trying to teach. Based on that, she was, apparently, convinced that her children would become heretical atheists purely from the exposure to the novels - which, as far as I'm concerned, bespeaks a total lack in her own teachings, if she thinks that's all it would take.

Are the makers of this movie somehow in the wrong for producing the movie?

I don't believe so. If movies are only made about non-controversial topics, they would for the most part, IMHO, be quite boring.

Was the writer of the book in the wrong?

Again, I don't believe so. Like movies, if books are only written on non-controversial topics, the majority would be quite boring.

Does anyone have a right to condemn the movie based on the themes it may or may not present?

Yet again, I don't think so. If you don't like the topic of a movie or book - don't watch it or read it. Just remember that the protest itself tends to increase interest in the movie or book.

Objecting to novels and movies that specifically dismiss religion - or any other controversial topics - is like the groups that try to ban books such as Huckleberry Finn because of the use of a particular derogatory word, which was not seen as derogatory at the time the book was written; rather, the word in question was considered descriptive... but the book has been banned in many places, and a lawsuit is underway by a student who is claiming mental distress for having been required to read it. Or the groups that banned a particular version of Little Red Riding Hood, because the picture of the basket she was carrying to Grandma had a bottle in it that could have been a wine bottle - totally appropriate for the time at which that version was printed, but it might give children the idea the Grandma drank alcohol - oh, the horrors! :xtrmshock

 

[MBuzzy]

I believe to many people try to put to much into things. It is a movie for entertainment only. Go see and enjoy yourself.

I agree, Terry. People put way too much into stuff like this. People are going to see what they want to see and I'm sure that the same people who have a problem with this movie see the same problems with lots of other things.

I also wonder....if the opposite was done, a highly religious movie, how would the same people react? I tend to think that all of the Atheists out there wouldn't say a word about it. Which is the problem that I really have with the argument.

Like Kacey said, if we have to stop making movies or books about anything that doesn't fit within a certain range of beliefs......well, we're communists.

 

[Blindside]

I've read "the Golden Compass" and I really liked it. The Church is protrayed as extremely political (internally and externally) and powerful, essentially being a major world power in its own right. You know, exactly like how the church was historically, capable of doing some fairly dispicable things in order to maintain power for itself.

I could see a Catholic being upset with the portrayal, of course if that was the case, they should be more upset at the actual history of the Church.

Lamont

 

[tshadowchaser]

My thought on it is that if you have religious problems with the film don’t go see it. If you do not have these problems it most likely will be an entertaining film for you

Personaly I am sick of any religious group telling me what I should see or believe

 

[theletch1]

We went to the movie today. There is very little indication of an anti-religious sentiment in the movie; even if it is the premise of the book. The Ministry building looks like something from the planet Courasant in the new Star Wars films, rather than a religious building. There are a couple of scenes with Derek Jacobi and Christopher Lee which do lean toward high religious figures; they are appropriately nefarious.

Seems to me there wasn't a controversy when 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe' was released. I understand that this book could be read in a Catholic Mass (Ok, that is a small exaggeration).

Seems to me that religious folks are happy unless they are complaining about people who don't believe like them.

The movie wasn't that good, by the way. Too much of the plot just happens too convienently, to fit the story, or set up the next scene.

Although, the arc of the story with the Fighting, Armored, Polar Bears is pretty impressive and enjoyable. And, that is the voice of Gandalf playing the bear. We like Gandalf.

We like Gandalf, too.

It isn't always the religious that cry foul. And if I remember correctly there was quite a bit of hoopla surrounding The lion, witch and wardrobe as being "christian propaganda".
Link to article.

Cries of propaganda
This unusual genesis for a Christmas blockbuster has produced widespread suspicion that the finished film will function as religious propaganda. Americans United for Separation of Church and State denounced a statewide reading contest in Florida timed to coincide with public interest in the film. "This whole contest is just totally inappropriate because of the themes of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," Barry Lynn, the group's director, told the Palm Beach (Fla.) Post. "It is simply a retelling of the story of Christ."

As for me I couldn't care less about controversy on either side. I don't go to movies for the possible messages. I don't go at all, actually. I watch movies for entertainment. If the religious groups don't like the message of the movie, well, just don't support it with your ticket purchase. Same goes for the folks that had a problem with the Lion, witch and wardrobe.

 

[tellner]

If you actually read the books you'll find that Pullman is a theist wrapped in a cloak of atheism. He does have an abiding hatred for those who conspire against the freedom of the human spirit. In this case it's the Church. In the male lead's world - ours - it's others maybe the State maybe the Rich. Even in Heaven it is not the Almighty, but someone who claims to speak for Him who is the cause of so much misery. Tyranny, lies, oppression and the destruction of human potential are the real enemies in His Dark Materials. And if that means that the Church as an institution deserves damnation, well, a good case could be made that the last time Jesus showed up in a church they killed him.

 

[Big Don]

Two things you can be sure of:
1-No one hates the Catholic Church more than Catholics: Carlin, etc
2-No Christians will be blowing themselves up or demanding beheadings over this.

 

[tahuti]

Can't understand where atheist came from. When I read books, story reminded me of gnostics, where false god rules material world (in books it is Authority) while true god is god of spirit (Dust) and serpent (knowledge) is actually showing way to escape false god.
Movie has removed most religious references so generic fantasy elements applies. Check review from US conference of catholic bishops http://www.usccb.org/movies/g/thegoldencompass.shtml

Would say author is more anti-bureaucratic, against stupidity than anti-religious. Faith is acceptable but dogma is not.

 

[michaeledward]

Jeff, just a couple of thoughts ....

It is hardly unusual that someone would claim that The Chronicles of Narnia is proganda for the Catholic Church, because, well, that is exactly what it is. C.S. Lewis wrote the series as a re-telling of the story of Jesus. This is not just speculation, as I understand it. There are writings by C.S. Lewis that tell us this very fact.

The article you quote is, interestingly, not a claim being raised by athiests, or agnostics. Americans United for the Separation of Church and State is a non-sectarian organization (as such, member of the group may be athiests or agnostics). The organization, as I understand, is found on the idea of keeping government out of religion. Currently, this organization is headed by 'Reverend Barry Lynn', an ordained minister.

 

[ArmorOfGod]

I believe to many people try to put to much into things. It is a movie for entertainment only. Go see and enjoy yourself.

I have to agree with this.
I am a devout Christian and have recieved countless uninformed conspiracy filled emails from my Christian friends denouncing the movie.
The bottom line for me is one flash in the pan movie is not going to turn an entire generation against God.
It's just a movie and in general, us Americans are not bright enough to see a hidden plot or message within a movie. This mediocre movie will go unnoticed to video and will be in the bargain bin at Wal-Mart with a year. Within 2 years, no one will even be able to remember it even exists.

AoG

 

[FearlessFreep]

This mediocre movie will go unnoticed to video and will be in the bargain bin at Wal-Mart with a year. Within 2 years, no one will even be able to remember it even exists.

AoG

From Box Office: Golden Compass disaster!


New Line’s The Golden Compass, which has a reported budget of $200M+, has staggered out of the starting gate with an opening day of $9M or so, and it will likely muster only an estimated $27M for the weekend. In the realm of big budget, family-oriented family films, The Golden Compass opening is absolutely anemic.

 

[theletch1]

I wonder how long it will be before this low opening will be blamed on counter-advertising? Hell, I had no idea of the controversy 'til this thread popped up here and had already decided from the commercials that it was at best a DVD purchase later on. As I've said before, I don't do movies in theater. Too loud, too pricey and always too many people. It may be a good movie for all I know and I'll probably buy it on DVD but the CG fantasy movie has been somewhat disappointing of late and I think that has a lot to do with these low numbers.

 

[Lisa]

Why are people always looking at things to complain about and get their panties in a knot? It is a book/movie. Choose to see/read it or don't. It is meant for entertainment purposes. Stop raining on my parade.

 

[Andrew Green]

Well, Pullman has stated pretty clearly that he is a atheist, and his books are refelective of that:

Pullman has left little doubt about his books' intended thrust in discussions of his works, such as noting in a 2003 interview that "My books are about killing God" and in a 2001 interview that he was "trying to undermine the basis of Christian belief."

http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp

The Catholic League put out a booklet on how the movie is out to corrupt your kids:

http://www.catholicleague.org/images/upload/image_200710053349.pdf

Basically stating that while the movie has it's anti-religious themes largely stripped out, seeing the movie might lead to wanting to read the books.

But really I think it comes down to one thing. No one complains if someone writes a book or movie promoting theism, the same people doing all the complaining are perfectly ok handing out propaganda to kids telling them to be Christians. Why is one side ok and not the other?

I find it a little offensive that people think exposing kids to Christian beliefs is good for them, but exposing them to non-christian beliefs will corrupt them. If that is the case, I'm left wondering how flawed the beliefs those people are teaching in the first place, that a set of books could be enough to convince there kids to abandon them.

 

[Omar B]

I'm a fan of the books and an atheist so I'm the type who these boycotter s hate. Oddly enough though, the books themselves are not exclusively anti-religion. It's about control, a governing body taking away people's freedom of choice and that'll illustrated by them trying to take the children's deamons. It's an alagory for indoctrinating kids into belief systems as a child, these same children who grow up to be zealots who think the entire world is wrong because they don't think of believe the same way.

It's just like any extremist religion out there. Kids are indoctrinated, they grow up to become suicide bombers for the sake of their religion, or they become tireless crusaders to win people over to their beliefs if people want to hear it or not.

Also, in the series of books by the end of it you get to see that the characters kill god. The Catholics have a problem with this but if they read closer they would have seen that it was the Magesterium's stand in for god. He's essentially a false idol that the Church uses for their purpose, but then as an atheist like myself I see that as what the church does anyway.

 

[Live True]

It has always made me curious...Why some people believe one book or one movie will corrupt the faithful. In my mind, that means they either don't understand their faith deeply enough, there is a flaw in what they believe, or they believe for all the wrong reasons.

IMHO, the more you read about your own faith and that of others, the better your own personal understanding will be and the stronger your faith, whatever that faith may be. Yes, it can lead to moments of crisis....but you come out stronger in the end...or at least wiser. We are creatures that grow and learn...how can our understanding of faith be any different?

Interesting side thought, my husband and I come from two totally different faiths. Our conversations actually help us find many commonalities. We have some concepts that are different, but we can peacefully coexist. I believe it has made us both more secure in our own beliefts, rather than creating conflict. Neither of us is interested in blending our faiths or changing our beliefs. Our children will be brought up with both faiths, and they will choose what speaks to thier hearts. Faith is a very personal choice!

So, to those complainers and protesters out there, I believe this phrase says it best: "Remove the log from your own eye before attending to the splinter in another's" (Matt 7:1–5)

 

[Omar B]

It scares them because faith is just belief without evidence. I can have all the faith in the world that Superman exists and treat DC comics as holy text yet it won't make it true. Religion is shaken to the core so easily because like any other fairy tale it does not stand up to logic and scrutiny. They are afraid kids might like Pullman's fiction more than the bible's fiction.