MTV have posted the first part of a very illuminating Q&A session with Chris Weitz, the director of The Golden Compass. Weitz addresses the ongoing rows over His Dark Materials’ religious themes, making clear that the overt stating of some of these themes would “never – this is important to make clear – never EVER get across the goal line.” Weitz says he knew he would have to make compromises in order to satisfy New Line, but has tried to make the film as faithful to the books as possible.
Part of his reason for compromising with The Golden Compass, he says, is to build – financially – a “solid foundation on which to deliver a faithful, more literal adaptation of the second and third books.” If the “intellectual depth and the iconoclasm” of The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass can’t be retained, Weitz says he will leave the project. He makes clear: “I will not be involved with any “watering down” of books two and three, since what I have been working towards the whole time in the first film is to be able to deliver on [them].”
On the altered ending to the film, Weitz confirms that the change was due to negative responses from audiences at test screenings. It seems that, contrary to earlier speculation, Lyra won’t meet Lord Asriel again before the end of the film. The movie now ends “before Lyra sets off to find Asriel.” Weitz justifies the changed narrative by saying that Lyra has “fulfilled the initial reason for her journey (to save her friend Roger), but there is a further tangible aim for her.”
Read Chris Weitz’s responses to these and other questions.
I’ve pretty much given up making judgments on these things until I’ve seen the movie.
His answer about changing the ending of TGC was excellent. I absolutely get it now. I think I would have made the same choice.
wow. now i feel so much better. I’m so excited. I have a new respect for him.
From a film standpoint, this makes complete sense, and in a way, it probably would be teh best way to start the second film. I’m feeling damn good about this now.
I am especially glad that he confirmed what we’ve all be hoping for… that the next two, if he returns, will be more faithful to the novels. this gives me a lot more confidence. yes, some sacrifices had to be made, but like he said, it will build a solid foundation for an all-out rendition of TSK and TAS! After all, thats where it really matters. Go Chris!
And the justification for changing the ending makes sense I suppose… It would confuse the hell out of me had I not at least read a synopsis of the books. even though it’s brilliant in novel-terms, it wouldnt really work in the film industry. I guess I can wait a year or so for those brilliant scenes!!! although when i have all the DVD’s, I will still watch the “real” Golden Compass that will include popping in TSK for about 20 minutes or so, lol!!!
Wow, I feel so much better now than I have ever since hearing about the ending change. His explanation re: the ending change makes perfect sense; I had never thought of the ending being perceived in that way, and it’s more than a little regrettable that we’ll have to wait to see the bridge to the stars, but I understand where he’s coming from.
I have such a tremendous respect for the way he’s handling the religious issues; I certainly don’t envy him his position as the creative force behind these films, what with people from opposing parties lashing out at him at every turn. I’ll admit that I was losing my faith (ha!) a bit in this adaptation, but after reading his responses, I think–I *hope*–we’re all in for a treat. 🙂
Chris Weitz is really a very sensible guy whom I have respected in the process of making this film.
I hope he is steadfast in his view on getting 2 and 3 to the silver screen.
i have never had a problem with chris weitz’s decision to move the ending of the film to part II — that seemed like a perfectly reasonable storytelling choice. as far as the rest of it goes, however, i think he’s making a mistake by bowing to new line’s wishes. i would rather have seen a more faithful movie made from a smaller production company than new line, even if they couldn’t deliver as many special effects.
Wait … Roger survives? Does this mean no Tony Markarios?
Yes, h eis gonna keep 2 and 3 faithful … I was asking him the same question, and the way he “watered down” the religious theme a bit in one at first sight just to be able to tell 2 and 3 faithful is as crafty as Lyra lies in HDM. Very well :).
That is what I was wondering about. I absolutely don’t mind the ending change, but the section the describes Weitz simply “leaving 2 and 3 if religion elements gets too complicated” (which it will), scares me that the moved footage could possibly never be shown. I trust Weitz in making all of this a success, but if he leaved a project for merely two reasons, then he could do it again for The Subtle Knife or The Amber Spyglass.
But, I guess I’ll just look on the bright side of things, FOR NOW. 🙂 🙂 🙂
I think it is great that the writers have made changes to the film and twisted the story. It adds excitement and interest to what is going to happen next, it would be boreing if it was the same as the book. I see Lyra and her best friend Roger going on more journey into un-known worlds. Am maybe even Lyra is kidnapped and Roger saves her and maybe the film of the last book Roger sacrifices his own life to save Lyra.
You’re kidding, right? That isn’t funny.
His answers do sound logical. I only hope that moving three chapters does several good things; 1, it leaves More room for a great first movie; 2, That by attaching THREE chapters from book one onto the beginning of Movie Two, it doesn’t CROWD the second movie to the point where it gets cut up; 3, That it convinvices New Line NOT to be afraid of a long movie as the lotr proved to be a good thing. Unlike Weener ; I mean Warner Brothers who as we all know made a mess of at least the last three potter movies simply because they had to shorten them and who knows what other reasons. I also sincerely hope that Chris Weitz Sticks TO HIS GUNS and doesN’T allow the … uneducated ;closed minded ;brainwashed contoversy brandishing PEOPLE… eh hem.. to water down the next two movies. As they (the books), are filled with thought provoking religious context.
Because if that happens then The Lessons Of Kindness, open mindedness, Loyalty to friends, etc. etc. that Pullman’s books are equilly filled with will also get washed down.
Just want to correct a typo….3 ConvinCes not convinVICes.
Sorry if it confused you.