Movies - His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass

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	Movies - His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass

His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass is a forthcoming film based upon the first novel in Philip Pullman's trilogy His Dark Materials, slated for release in 2007 by New Line Cinema. The movie title reflects the US title of the novel The Golden Compass, known elsewhere as Northern Lights. The project was announced in February 2002, following the success of other recent adaptations of fantasy epics, and is expected to be New Line's biggest-budget project since The Lord of the Rings
.

Tom Stoppard was initially engaged as screenwriter for the film, and it was rumoured that Sam Mendes would be directing. However, it was eventually announced that Chris Weitz would direct. Weitz rejected Stoppard's script, preferring to adapt Pullman's work himself.

In an interview published on the internet in December 2004, Weitz indicated that the film would make no direct mention of religion or of God, two of the key themes of the trilogy - a decision attacked by fans of the novels. Weitz claimed New Line Cinema feared that "perceived antireligiosity" would make the film financially unviable in the US, but attempted to reassure fans by saying that religion would appear in euphemistic terms. Weitz also indicated that he believes His Dark Materials is "not an atheistic work but a highly spiritual and reverent piece of writing".

On 15 December, 2004, Weitz announced his resignation as director of the trilogy, citing the enormous technical challenges of the epic, but remained on-board as the screenwriter.

Anand Tucker becomes new director

On 9 August, 2005, the man to take his place was announced to be relatively unknown British director Anand Tucker, known for directing the low-budget biopic Hilary and Jackie
and producing Girl with a Pearl Earring
, a passionate fan of the books who had pursued the role since the film's conception. Tucker was viewed as a surprising appointment to such a big-budget production, much as the then-obscure Peter Jackson was when employed for the $180-million The Lord of the Rings
.

"It is a huge picture, and it is perhaps easy to be overwhelmed by the logistics," Tucker commented, "but at its heart, this is a cracking good story about a reluctant hero. All the effects and scale only work if they're marshaled in service of the story." No word was given on his plans regarding the role of God and religion in the films.

Philip Pullman expressed his satisfaction at the choice. "He has plenty of very good ideas, and he isn't daunted by the technical challenges. But the best thing from the point of view of all who care about the story is his awareness that it isn't about computer graphics; it isn't about fantastic adventures in amazing-looking worlds; it's about Lyra."

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