FAQ for
The Golden Compass (2007)

The following FAQ entries may contain spoilers. Only the biggest ones (if any) will be covered with spoiler tags. Spoiler tags are used sparingly in order to make the page more readable.

For detailed information about the amounts and types of (a) sex and nudity, (b) violence and gore, (c) profanity, (d) alcohol, drugs, and smoking, and (e) frightening and intense scenes in this movie, consult the IMDb Parents Guide for this movie. The Parents Guide for The Golden Compass can be found at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0385752/parentalguide.

Yes. Compass is based on Northern Lights (1995), published as The Golden Compass in the U.S., the first novel in British writer Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy. The other two books in the trilogy are The Subtle Knife (1997) and The Amber Spyglass (2000).

In Britain, the film is also called The Golden Compass, however the end credits refer to the source novel as The Northern Lights. According to author Philip Pullman, the title The Golden Compass came about when he was deciding what to name his trilogy. He came across a passage by John Milton referring to "golden compasses" as in instruments used to draw perfect circles. Ultimately, he ended up calling the trilogy "His Dark Materials" based on another passage by Milton, and named the first book The Northern Lights. However, the American publishers heard about the term "golden compass", mistaking it for a reference to the alethiometer, and insisted on using it as the title of the first book. Said Pullman: "Meanwhile, back in the USA, the publishers had become so attached to The Golden Compass that nothing I could say could persuade them to call the book Northern Lights. Their obduracy in this matter was accompanied by such generosity in the matter of royalty advances, flattery, promises of publicity, etc, that I thought it would be churlish to deny them this small pleasure." For more information about The Golden Compass versus Northern Lights, see: http://www.bridgetothestars.net/index.php?p=FAQ#4.

Most of these are dæmons, the physical manifestation of one's soul in an animal form. Everyone in Lyra's world has a daemon. Armoured bears such as Iorek are also able to talk.

Philip Pullman himself hand-picked Nicole Kidman for the part of Marisa Coulter, according to an interview with him. He decided on the part based on acting ability, rather than hair colour. Her hair may have been left light (rather than black as in the book) to provide a stronger contrast to Serafina Pekkala's appearance. In an interview Philip Pullman has said that he much prefers Mrs. Coulter played as blonde and that the change (implied as a suggestion from Kidman) made him realize that Mrs. Coulter "had to be blonde."

From discussion board FAQ: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0385752/board/nest/59459692~fleur-11.

Here are Pullman's thoughts on the subject as reported by Robert Butler: "From a very early stage I was keen on promoting the idea of Mrs Coulter being played by Nicole Kidman." Mrs Coulter is the elegant, icy villainess, who adopts the heroine. One performance of Kidman's made him want her for the role: "'To Die For', where she plays the weather girl who's murderously working her way up the corporate ladder." Kidman has made one notable change to the character. "I'd described Mrs Coulter's hair as black. I was clearly wrong. You sometimes are wrong about your characters. She's blonde. She has to be." He is full of praise for Kidman's blonde incarnation. "When she raises an eyebrow, the temperature in the room drops by ten degrees".

The entire interview can be found at http://www.moreintelligentlife.com/node/697.

The film was initially directed by Chris Weitz, based on his own screenplay. In December 2004 he left the project, lacking confidence that he could handle such a major CGI-heavy production. He was replaced by Anand Tucker, who in turn left in early 2006, due to creative differences with the studio. Chris Weitz then returned to complete the project; he felt more confident about the screenplay being technically feasible with so much work already having been done, and he wanted to make sure that the film was finished.

Officially, Chris Weitz is credited as the sole director.

The events which comprise the final portion of the first book had been already filmed, and brief portions can be glimpsed in the trailers. However, the scenes were removed. According to several reviews: "'There was tremendous marketing pressure for that,' Weitz said. 'Everyone really wanted an upbeat ending.'" These scenes will be the first portion of the sequel, The Subtle Knife, if/when that movie is made.

The removal of the ending, and the reordering of the Svalbard and Bolvangar sections, were made late in the production process after test screenings. The video game of the film and much of the supporting merchandise retains the original running order and ending of the book. The video game even includes a film clip of Lyra's reunion with Lord Asriel.

Unknown at this time. Due to the movie performing below expectations at the US box office, New Line refuse to confirm whether a sequel will be produced. The film-makers hope that the overseas performance of the movie will secure a sequel.