I have read all of the His Dark Materials trilogy (of which, The Golden Compass is the first part, although its true title is Northern Lights, they altered it for the US release, why do we keep pandering to them?) and while I was pleased they decided to make them into films (it helps broaden the audience for a start) I wasn’t sure how well they would do.
Watching the trailer my first thoughts were that it didn’t fit my imagination, it wasn’t just a little off, it was a whole lot off. For those unfamiliar with the books they take place in kind of an alternative England (to start with) where coal is still the primary means of power. It’s very Victorian in my mind, although I see it as metal girders and rough edges, whereas the trailer shows it to be all gleaming brass and glass, which just doesn’t fit in my eyes. Iorek Byrnison (the polar bear king) doesn’t look right, although I can’t put my finger on why, Lyra is a little off too, but good enough.
I think my main gripe is that the whole thing seems a little too clean and shiny, not a lived in universe. It reminds me a little too much of the Disney version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, all pompous music and shiny metal under a bright, blue sky. Part of the success of Star Wars is attributed to the fact Lucas wanted his universe ‘used.’
You can check out the trailer yourself at Apple.
There’s a second trailer out too, although it doesn’t add much to the first.
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Actually, I think The Golden Compass is a better title, particularly as it fits in with the objects-fixated sequels Subtle Knife and Amber Spyglass. I do agree that the trailer doesn’t fit MY imagination either… yes, I thought Lyra’s England was essentially a Victorian England with subtle tweaks and magical elements. The film looks sort of “future-Victoriana”. Not a major concern, as it may prove to be a far better word than the book gave us. But yes… the trailer somehow didn’t give me any thrills. It looked a bit like one of those Hallmark serials Channel 4 show over Easter, didn’t it?