In conjunction with Banned Books Week in the US, which we reported on earlier this week, Philip Pullman has written an article in the Guardian’s culture section: “When I heard that my novel The Golden Compass … appeared in the top five of the American Library Association’s list of 2007’s most challenged books, my immediate and ignoble response was glee.” Although the film adaptation suffered in the American box office due in large part to the Catholic League’s boycott activities, Pullman’s book sales went a long way up. Read more. Thanks to Kinders for the tip.
Pullman thankful censorship never works
September 29, 2008
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The film’s poor performance in the American box office was largely due to the Catholic League’s boycott activities? I don’t think you can say that as a definitive fact. Personally I think you’re giving the Catholic League far more credit than they deserve.
Yeah the movie failed because it was poorly realized. The Da Vinci Code made a ton of money despite the Catholic boycott.
I think the movie wasn’t as epic either as it was advertised and was poorly made by a studio that churned out the fantastic lord of the rings trilogy. not to mention the ending sucked and would’ve been far better if they had stuck with the original.
I don’t think it did badly at the American box office because it was poorly realized (although that didn’t help). The DaVinci Code was also considered a disappointment, but it did well. I think the difference is that a lot of people were aware of the DaVinci Code book, and not that many North Americans were aware of the Golden Compass book.
I think that Amy is right. I just don’t think the book has as much of a following in the US as it has elsewhere.
I had never heard of it and happened upon it on a table of books at a bookstore that was labeled “If you liked Harry Potter you might like these…” I had just finished the last Harry Potter and was looking for something “fun” to read.
I am so happy that I found it. I bought it, read it(all three were in one volume), and then went out and purchased it in 3 books for my granddaughter who is 11. She wasn’t taken by it, even though she had read all the Harry Potters.
I am hoping that my grandson who is 8 will try reading it sometime.
They were recommended to me by my sixth grade literature teacher, but for some reason I didn’t get around to reading them until the next year. I know this can’t be said for all readers of that age, but I feel like anyone younger than 12 or 13 wouldn’t be able to appreciate them fully. There are some very complex themes in the books.
But of course, if someone younger than that would like to read them, I’m all for it! ^_^ Just don’t push it before then.
The books are there for her if she interested in them. We have talked about them and I told her she can read them if she likes. And I hope she will, maybe next year…
I think a big reason why the controversy effected box office performance is the fact that its a controversial KIDS film.
People are a little less comfortable sending their kids to a film that sounds evil, even if it has been misrepresented then they are to see the same film themselves. It’s the whole “I’m a good parent” thing.
Its so sad to see examples of people that avoid texts because they have been mislead by others. People need to be more open minded and more willing to make judgements based on their own research.
You’re welcome for the tip – here’s another:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/oct/10/conservation-water
Hurray! Well, for the title at least. (Bit misleading imho.)
Yeah, i like some new news from time to time, yano?
anytime now will be great thanks..