What Do The Critics Say?

"Although this might be a tad convoluted and distant for the younger set, The Golden Compass is still a truly fantastical journey filled with wondrous imagery." Kit Bowen HOLLYWOOD.COM "There is enough fire in Dakota Blue Richards' first film performance to make you eager for the next installment in the series." Bruce Newman SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS "Like Lord Of The Rings and Chronicles Of Narnia it's a visual feast that transports you to an alternate world of jaw-dropping awe, unforgettable images and pure adventure." Pete Hammond MAXIM "Weitz's film is short, punchy and efficient, and it's full of engaging spectacle." Amy Biancolli HOUSTON CHRONICLE "The film works splendidly. It's big-screen entertainment at its best." Baz Bamigboye UK DAILY MAIL "By the last reel The Golden Compass has created a magical environment we believe in completely. It’s a Herculean task that Weitz and his collaborators handle with seeming effortlessness, leaving us ready for more." Robert W Butler KANSAS CITY STAR

"Visually, The Golden Compass is dazzling, hopscotching from hallowed halls of academe to the Nordic tundra, from luxe manors to creepy, sci-fi-like facilities. The effects couldn't be better." Steven Rea PHILADELPHIA ENQUIRER "Sweeping, imaginative, epic, thrilling." Nell Minow BELIEFNET "Top notch holiday season entertainment." Robin Clifford REELING REVIEWS "The movie is an honorable work and especially impressive, given the far smaller, more intimate scale of Chris Weitz's last film as a director (with his brother, Paul), "About a Boy". I would have liked to spend some quality time with Lyra’s friend and protector the warrior bear Iorek Byrnison (voiced by Mr McKellen), a gorgeous creature whose ferocity is, alas, tempered by his resemblance to some familiar cuddly polar bears." Manohla Dargis NEW YORK TIMES "An auspicious and grandiose entertainment. Thoroughly immersive and genuinely wondrous. One of the great pleasures of "The Golden Compass" is drinking in the innovative world that author Philip Pullman masterminded in his prose and director Chris Weitz has brought to life for the screen. Simply put, it is thoroughly immersive and genuinely wondrous, a place where one's imagination and senses can run wild and where every viewer can warmly ponder what it would be like to forever be paired up with a dæmon of his or her own." Dustin Putman THEMOVIEBOY.COM

Meet The Author 'I started telling stories as soon as I knew what stories were. I was fascinated by them; that something could happen and be connected to another thing, and that someone could put the two things together and show how the first thing caused the second thing, which then caused the third thing. I loved it. I love it still.' Philip Pullman was born in Norwich, England, on 19 October, 1946. He was educated at Ysgol Ardudyw school in Harlech, Gwynedd, an area known for it's incredible beauty, beaches, mountains, lakes and wide range of accomodation and later at Oxford University. Having taught at primary school for several years, he worked from 1988 to 1996 as a Senior Lecturer in English at Westminster College, Oxford. His father was killed in a plane crash in 1953 when Pullman was seven. His mother remarried and with a move to Australia came Pullman's discovery of comic books including Superman and Batman. The creator of the spellbinding fantasy series "His Dark Materials" comprising: The Golden Compass (1995); The Subtle Knife (1997); The Amber Spyglass(2000). These books won many awards including the Whitbread Book of the Year for The Amber Spyglass, the first time the award has gone to a children’s book. To date the trilogy has sold fourteen million copies around the world. Pullman first gained renown in the United States with his young-adult trilogy: "The Ruby in Smoke", "The Shadow in the North" and "The Tiger in the Well". His readers continue to be captivated by his intricately plotted, cleverly imagined stories and memorable characters. I was sure I was going to write stories when I grew up. It’s important to put it like that; not "I am a writer", but rather "I write stories". If you put the emphasis on yourself rather than your work, you’re in danger of thinking that you’re the most important thing. But you’re not. The story is what matters, and you’re only the servant, and your job is to get it out on time and in good order. Today, Philip Pullman lives with his family in Oxford, England, where he writes from his shed at the bottom of the garden. 'I write three pages every day (one side of the paper only). That’s about eleven hundred words. Then I stop, having made sure to write the first sentence on the next page, so I never have a blank page facing me in the morning.' He is currently writing a sequel to His Dark Materials, entitled 'The Book of Dust'. Laura Miller, a journalist with The New Yorker, reportedly described Philip Pullman as "one of England's most outspoken atheists." The Inside Story The Golden Compass tells an epic tale centered around precocious 12 year-old Lyra Belacqua, whose curiosity and willful nature open the door to mysteries upon which the fate of her world comes to rest. A ward of Jordan College in Oxford, Lyra is being raised among the mostly paternal company of the Master, where her best and most trusted friend is a kitchen boy named Roger. "When the story opens, Lyra is going through her life doing her daily activities with no knowledge that the decisions she makes affect anything else in this world, or any of the parallel worlds that exist," says writer/director Chris Weitz. "Essentially, she is still forming, and she is wild, willful and precocious." 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 ® in the Best Original Screenplay category. "I had heard from friends of mine about a fantastic British fantasy series," Weitz recalled. "I was absolutely stunned by the imagination 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," he explained. "It’s a fantastic story, about things that matter, like the human spirit, loyalty and kindness. 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." For producer Deborah Forte ("The Baby-Sitters Club" & "Tuck Everlasting"), the journey to bring Pullman’s novels to the screen had begun nearly eleven years ago when she first read "The Golden Compass" in manuscript form and immediately pursued the rights on behalf of Scholastic Media. She recalls thinking at the time, "this is an extraordinary writer, and wherever he’s going, I want to go with him." Executive producer Ileen Maisel ("Onegin" & "Ripley's Game") of New Line Cinema discovered the books and found that a number of her colleagues 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 power of her own free will, set against an extraordinary worldl," Maisel comments. "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." "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 author Philip Pullman himself. "I’ve done my part," says Pullman. "I handed it over to Chris and his team to make the film. I couldn’t have found a more trustworthy group, and I know my story is in good hands." "I believed in the film’s potential when Chris first turned in his one hundred and fifty six page draft two and a half years ago," recalls executive producer Andrew Miano ("In Good Company" & "American Dreamz"). "He poured so much of his own heart and soul into the material, along with a deep faith in the universe Pullman created." Producer Bill Carraro ("Frequency" & "My Super Ex-Girlfriend") adds, "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 next stage was to cast the role of Lyra Belacqua. To find the right young person to embody the critical role of Lyra, casting directors Fiona Weir ("Love Actually" & "Elizabeth: The Golden Age") and Lucy Bevan ("The Libertine") cast a wide net across the UK, ultimately seeing over 10,000 young actresses. "We had casting sessions in multiple cities," recalls Weir. "Literally thousands of young girls came out, really brave, wonderful personalities, and it was then honed down to a core group for the director. And when we found our Lyra, she just seemed born for the part." Overwhelmingly, one young actress stood out: Dakota Blue Richards. "Dakota had a particular spirit that made you sit up and take notice," Weitz recalls. "I was looking at the tapes and there was this waif of a girl, yet there was something very strong and interesting about her." "She is an extraordinary young woman," says Forte. "She’s just twelve years old, and has never acted professionally before, but when she gets in front of the camera, she possesses an intelligence and feral quality, a little bit of wildness, that is perfect for Lyra." Richards, who had read the books and seen the stage adaptation of "The Golden Compass", jumped at the opportunity to play a character for whom she had a passionate affinity. She particularly admired Lyra’s bravery and determination. "Because Lyra never had parents, she thinks no one can tell her what to do, so she never really does what she’s told," Richards explained. "She does things other people would be scared of, like climbing the roofs of Jordan College, where she lives, and getting in trouble." Lyra’s life changes dramatically when she meets Mrs Coulter, the beautiful and entrancing head of the Magisterium’s General Oblation Board, who visits the college on business. A scholar and an explorer, Mrs Coulter embodies everything Lyra hopes she’ll someday be. "I don’t think there are many people in the world who could convincingly play this character," says Weitz. “Nicole Kidman was the first person that everyone on the creative side wanted for Mrs. Coulter." Ileen Maisel had previously worked with Kidman and knew she would be intrigued by such a complex character. "Nicole immediately understood the nature of Mrs Coulter," Maisel notes. "Nicole was the only actress that we ever talked about for the role, and Chris’s script went to her first. She was the only choice. Luckily for us, she shared our enthusiasm for this project," says Executive Producer Andrew Miano. The Academy Award ® winning actress ("The Hours") embraced the intricacies of Marisa Coulter. "I’ve obviously played characters before that have done despicable things," Kidman recounted. "Rarely do you judge the character you’re playing. You have to work from within and try to find the motivations as to why she feels that what she’s doing is right, and you hope that her humanity bleeds through." Weitz says "Nicole brings such experience, compassion, intelligence and insight to this role." Another great force and a role model in Lyra’s life is Lord Asriel. Lyra’s powerful and enigmatic uncle is played by Daniel Craig, who recently appeared with Kidman in the box-office disaster "The Invasion". He describes his character Lord Asriel as "an explorer and scientist. He has a mission. It’s the most important thing, he thinks, in his life, and probably the most important thing in the history of the world that he lives in." And his onscreen niece Lyra? "Lyra wants parents, like every child does, and the way that Lord Asriel behaves towards her is what forms Lyra and makes her into this wonderful human being that she’s becoming," Craig explained. "He is very tough with her, but he feels it’s the only way to be because she’s got to be as tough as he is." Lyra finds three major allies in the wise Gyptian Farder Coram, Lee Scoresby and an ice bear named Iorek Byrnison, who has been cast out of the tribe of Panserbjørne (armored bears). How does Lyra see the bear? "When she first sees him, she is kind of scared because he’s really big, strong and wounded," Richards offers. "But she knows he’s her only chance of having an armored bear as a friend." Toby Emmerich ("Elf", "Wedding Crashers" & "Hairspray"), President of Production for New Line Cinema’s and one of the films Executive Producers says, "When I read the book, I fell in love with the relationship between Lyra and Iorek. Chris Weitz has beautifully realized this in the film, capturing great performances from Dakota and Ian and marrying them seamlessly with incredible computer technology." Lee Scoresby (an aeronaut from Texas) is played by 1992, '99 and 2000 Western Heritage Bronze Wrangler Award winning actor Sam Elliott ("Tombstone"). "Sam has this extraordinary ability to sum up everything we mean by the idea of cowboy. The grizzled veteran. The white moustache. The eyes that look a thousand yards. All these things. And he has this capacity to be both tough and wise; dangerous and warm," notes author Pullman. As for Lyra's journey, it is one of transformation. "She goes from innocence to experience and wisdom, and is put through enormous physical and emotional trials as she is swept up in this vast adventure," Weitz says. Craig notes "It’s a very exciting story about being a human being, and how difficult that is. It’s about growing up and how what happens in your childhood is the most important part of your life." Lets hope that Lyra's journey continues. Only an alethiometer could foretell this franchises fate. Synopsis

There is a world where witches rule the northern skies, where ice bears are the bravest of warriors, and where every human is joined with an animal spirit who is as close to them as their own heart. But this world is dominated by the Magisterium, which seeks to control all of humanity, and whose greatest threat is the last remaining Golden Compass and the one child destined to possess it. Twelve year old Lyra Belacqua lives an extraordinary life as a ward of the distinguished, Jordan College. Her days are spent tearing unsupervised through the streets on mad quests for adventure with her friend Roger and her daemon, Pantalaimon. But Lyra’s world is about to change. She finds herself being drawn into a trap designed to take from her the one thing that the Magisterium desperately seeks: the Golden Compass. Given to her as a gift by the Master of Jordan College, it is a mystical, powerful device that can tell the truth, reveal what others wish to hide and in the right hands, foreshadow and change, the future.

The Verdict "Much has been already written about Nicole's new film, "The Golden Compass". The fact is, this film is not her's alone. While Nicole does very well in the role of Marisa Coulter there are plenty in the cast and 'creature' effects who have a major impact on the film. It's the standout debut performance from newcomer Dakota Blue Richards that will grab everyones attention. This was a role that over ten thousand young girls auditioned for. The role went to Richards because she had a particular 'spirit' that made the production team take notice of her. It was a wise choice as she comes across with the perfect combination of childhood innocence, rebellion, playfulness and innocent charm. I think most who see "The Golden Compass" will agree, that it gets better when the great Sam Elliott hits the screen as Texas airman Lee Scoresby and, we are introduced to the magnificent armored bear Iorek Byrnisont, voiced by Sir Ian McKellen who received the 2007 Annie Award for voicing Toad in "Flushed Away". Another good point is that "The Golden Compass" doesn't try to emmulate other films. It goes its own merry way. The end result is an entertaining film that sets itself up for a sequel. In fact two sequels if the box-office returns are good. Well worth a look at. 3 1/2 STARS." Cast & Crew Bytes "THE GOLDEN COMPASS" stars .......
Nicole Kidman ["The Hours", "The Interpreter" and "Happy Feet"]; Daniel Craig ["Layer Cake", "Munich" and "Casino Royale"]; Dakota Blue Richards ["The Golden Compass"]; Ben Walker ["The Notorious Bettie Page"]; Sam Elliott ["We Were Soldiers", "Thank You For Smoking" and "Ghost Rider"]; Christopher Lee ["Sleepy Hollow", "Corpse Bride" and "Lord of the Rings"] and Ian McKellen ["The Da Vinci Code", "Flushed Away" and "Stardust"] as Iorek Byrnison.
"THE GOLDEN COMPASS" was .......
directed by Chris Weitz ["Down To Earth" and "About a Boy"]; screenplay by Chris Weitz ["Antz", "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps" and "About a Boy"]; set decorator Anna Pinnock ["The Fifth Element", "Gosford Park" and "The Holiday"]; costume design by Ruth Myers ["L.A. Confidential", "Iris" and "Beyond the Sea"]; production design by Dennis Gassner ["O Brother, Where Art Thou?", "The Man Who Wasn't There" and "Big Fish"]; cinematography by Henry Braham ["Bright Young Things", "Nanny McPhee" and "Flyboys"]; original music by Alexandre Desplat ["Syriana", "The Queen" and "Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium"]; adapted from the novel"Northern Lights" by Philip Pullman ["The Ruby in the Smoke", "His Dark Materials" and " Lyra's Oxford "]. Who's Who?

Nicole Kidman Daniel Craig Dakota Blue Richards Ben Walker Sam Elliott Christopher Lee Edward de Souza Simon McBurney Jack Shepherd Magda Szubanski Derek Jacobi Clare Higgins Charlie Rowe Steven Loton Michael Antoniou Mark Mottram Eva Green Jim Carter Tom Courtenay Ian McShane Freddie Highmore Ian McKellen Kristin Scott Thomas Kathy Bates

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Marisa Coulter Lord Asriel Lyra Roger Lee Scoresby First High Councilor Second High Councilor Fra Pavel Master Mrs Lonsdale Magisterial Emissary Ma Costa Billy Costa Tony Costa Kerim Costa Jaxer Costa Serafina Pekkala John Faa Ragnar Sturlusson (voice) Farder Coram Pantalaimon (voice) Iorek Byrnison (voice) Stelmaria (voice) Hester (voice)

Run Time 113 minutes Rated PG [AUST] Copyright ©2007 - New Line Cinema - All Rights Reserved ©2007 All Rights Reserved - Protected by Australian & International Copyright. Trademark Laws Apply.