The Lead

The Catholic League is warning parents against the film The Golden Compass, based on the first book in Phillip Pullman's brilliant "His Dark Materials" trilogy, and Mark Mordford of the San Francisco Chronicle thinks he knows why--and it has less to do with defending the faith, than defending itself:

While the books have as their evil antagonist a sinister cabal called the Magisterium (obvious parallel: Catholic Church), they also have a slew of dark characters in service of the Magisterium, various assassins and double-agents and robot drones running around trying to annihilate the children's spirit and destroy magic and lock down faith forever. Let us call these robotic drones, oh, say, the Catholic League. Or Focus on the Family. Gosh, no wonder they're a little peeved.

Read it all.

Then have a look at Maev Kennedy's profile of Pullman in the Guardian, which includes this:

His editor of 25 years, David Fickling, says: "He is one of the greatest storytellers of all time, and he's right here among us, writing now. It's like having Thomas Hardy about to write Far From the Madding Crowd. It's just thrilling to be around."

Comments (4)

When I read the books a few years ago, I assumed the Magisterium was the Church of England.

The story is set in an alternative Universe that looks rather like Oxford. In such an alternative world, the CoE could be as oppressive and dangerous as any other hierarchical church.

Some think it is in this world.

Posted by Bryant A. Hudson | December 1, 2007 9:51 AM

Hi Jim,

Mordford uses the word "boycott" but no page on the Catholic League website calls for it. They are urging parents to use "caution" when considering the movie. But "boycott" never comes up: even the page to which Mordford links fails to call for it.

Personally, I think all the Anti-Pullman noise on the right wing is just free PR for the movie (rather like the "Last Temptation of Christ"). I had no interest at all in the books until all this stuff started. I was also attended Opening Night for "Last Temptation", during which I fell asleep.

The best thing ever for the movie would be a call for boycott. But it's not yet gone out: maybe the right has finally learned their lesson?

Posted by Huw Richardson | December 1, 2007 11:55 AM

Thanks for the catch, Huw. I have done a little rewording. My brother's kids attend a Catholic school. They came home with a flyer warning parents against the film.

Posted by Jim Naughton | December 1, 2007 12:32 PM

An interesting piece in this month's Atlantic pointed out that almost all religious references have been stripped. Pullman, surprisingly, is not too upset because he wants to see all three movies made. But you can tell from the interview that he wonders why everyone gets worked up about Harry Potter when his thesis is so much more provocative ...

Posted by Kit Carlson | December 1, 2007 2:49 PM

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