Director Chris Weitz spoke to Gina Piccalo from the Los Angeles Times over the phone from Abbey Road where the Golden Compass’ film score is being recorded. On adapting the book, he said, “If you properly adapt a book, you should do a miniseries of it. But that’s financially impossible. So you’re working in the movie form. You are reducing it to its essentials without making it feel rushed. That’s the tough thing.”
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In a second article for the LA Times, Piccalo describes the different critics the film is facing, Britain’s National Secular Society and America’s Catholic League alike. However, “Thus far, [Catholic League President] Donahue’s blanket mailing to media and other religious groups of his exhaustive 30-page brochure titled “The Golden Compass: Agenda Unmasked” seems to have done little more than help promote the film.” This longer article also speaks to many other concerns for the film, “Riding on the coattails of this fancy yarn are hundreds of millions of dollars, more than a few careers and the loyalties of an army of fans. But if New Line gets this one right, look out Harry, little Lyra’s going to give you a run for your money.”
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