I am receiving many email requests for information on the upcoming book-into-film, "The Golden Compass." The novel on which the film is based is part of a trilogy by Phillip Pullman called "His Dark Materials," said to come from a line in Milton's "Paradise Lost." The first volume was originally titled "Northern Lights in the UK" when it was published in 1995.
To prepare for the film's December release, I am currently reading "The Golden Compass" and the rest of the trilogy ("The Subtle Knife," 1997 and "The Amber Spyglass," 2000). New Line Cinema has said that if the first film does well, then they will make the others.
"The Golden Compass" has generated a fair amount of controversy prior to its release based on what the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights (and others) have described as Pullman's atheism and hostility toward Christianity. In a recent letter to the head of Scholastic Corporation, which has published the trilogy, Catholic League president William Donohue stated, "It is not the movie, per se, that is the problem, it is the book - and the other volumes that comprise 'His Dark Materials' - that is the issue."
As a proponent of media mindfulness (media literacy within the faith community and faith formation), I suggest that it is more useful to enter into communication and conversation about the books and the issues the books and movie may raise rather than to "just say no." If parents do not wish their children to see the film, they would do well to explain "why" based on their own reading and research. Otherwise, kids may find a way to see the film --- either in the theaters or later, on DVD --- and may be unprepared to question its messages.
One Catholic mother I know listened to "The Golden Compass" on CD with her family and then they talked about it. Education and faith formation is more important to these parents than control (just saying "no"). Control may make some parents feel better, but it doesn't really inform a child, except that it teaches something about power and how it is administered (especially to kids who are old enough to care or want to see the film.)
Children don't see what adults see, and vice versa; children don't have the faith formation or level of religious education to be able to judge subtle (or not so subtle) attacks on the power of an institution like the Catholic Church.
This means some serious faith formation/catechesis (including Church history) needs to take place for adults so they can explain their decision about the film, that their reasons be set within a frame of reference that young people may understand.
My advice, then: Parents, read the book. When the film is reviewed, seek information for guidance and make an informed decision. Remember, your kids may see this film anyway, especially if they are forbidden to. Their peers will see it; the film will influence young people regardless of what anyone says. You, as parents and caregivers, are their best hope for understanding the film and for negotiating and making meaning from it.
As for the thousands of young people who have already read the trilogy, wouldn't this be a good occasion to talk to them about what the books meant to them and what they mean to adults? These readers are probably going to be the first ones in line at theaters to see the film (and if it does not live up to their expectations, word of mouth will take care of the film without much ado on anyone's part.)
One commentator said that the film has been stripped of its religious references and now attacks the power of all big organizations and institutions. I don't think it is ever a mistake to question those who hold power that touches peoples' lives. St. Thomas Aquinas, a good patron of critical thinking (an attitude of inquiry), was never afraid of any question. And neither should we be afraid.
The media-mindful person asks: What's really going on? Why was the film made? Who profits? Who loses, and why? What difference does the film (TV program, book, video game) make to me, to others? What difference can I make?
In other words, does the story inspire me to do something? Does it compel me to think about others and want to live my Christian life in more concrete ways? How? Why? Why not? What is the movie about? Let us recall that the more long-lasting, positive approach and attitude is to respond rather than to react to films and other media.
Your children will thank you for your thoughtful response because you will be communicating relevant life skills and enduring communication values that they will one day use with their own children.
I never pronounce myself on a film until I have seen it. And yes, a good movie (good equals well-made, interesting, a well-told story) can send anyone to seek out the book. Parents who are active in the lives of their children will have the wisdom to know how to work with their young people regarding this film/book and others that will inevitably come our way.
Control is for the moment; communication lasts a lifetime. Daughter of St. Paul Sister Rose Pacatte is director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Culver City, and author of the "Lights, Camera, Faith" film lectionary series published by Pauline Books and Media. |