A columnist for FOX News, who has seen about half an hour of footage (Cannes preview and some production material) from The Golden Compass, expects that the film will "without a doubt be the big holiday smash hit for which Hollywood is so desperate". The columnist also mentions hearing the possibility that UK band Coldplay might contribute to the film's soundtrack. If true, then it would appear likely to be played over the closing credits of the film similar to the use of songs in the soundtracks to New Line's previous film trilogy, The Lord of the Rings.
Nicole Kidman Is Golden In Holiday Smash
Forget whatever you might have read elsewhere last week about Nicole Kidman in “The Golden Compass.”
This column told you a few weeks ago that Kidman was in a slump after the terrible performance of “The Invasion” co-starring Daniel Craig. But never in my wildest imagination did I think that would be interpreted into a story elsewhere that Kidman was finito. Ridiculous! My point was that the Oscar-winning actress, who’s not yet 40, has only made very interesting choices with a series of indie films.
Now comes Kidman in “The Golden Compass,” the first part of a trilogy based on very popular novels by Philip Pullman called “His Dark Materials.” New Line Cinema, the folks who brought you “The Lord of the Rings” is behind this one, too, with Mark Ordesky again taking up the reins. I’ve now seen about a half hour of it, and without a doubt, “The Golden Compass” will be the big holiday smash hit for which Hollywood is so desperate.
Kidman is not the heroine. Rather, she gets to be deliciously sinister as an evil pot-stirrer who has a big plot point secret. She is also sensationally beautiful, wearing clingy full length gold lame dresses to slink around in, sort of Cruella de Vil at a swanky cocktail party.
And her co-star again is Daniel Craig, only this time their chemistry clicks. Since no one saw “The Invasion,” it should be easy to forget. Once this trilogy is a smash, that earlier film will make a good trivia question.
But above and beyond Kidman, Craig and winning preteen star Dakota Blue Roberts as main character Lyra, “The Golden Compass” will be wildly popular for its special effects. It’s full of fantastic animals, all busy shape shifting, talking and clawing their way to the front of the screen. Yes, the gray tabby cat who follows Dakota around talks, and that’s not all!
From what I’ve seen, not only kids but adults too will want to go back and see “The Golden Compass” a second time for the menagerie alone.
Meantime, message boards on the Internet seem to be panicking that somehow “The Golden Compass” is being re-edited or changed in some way by the studio. But what I’ve seen indicates that director Chris Weitz — who still has two more episodes to go — is in charge, and that what’s coming is his vision. Nothing can change Ian McKellen as the voice of a wise (but dangerous) polar bear. I think when we see the finished product — scheduled to open in London on Nov. 27 — fans will be more than pleasantly surprised.
By the way, Oscar-winner Alexandre Desplat is responsible for the film’s lovely score. But I’m told that some popular music may make it into the final soundtrack, including Coldplay. After seeing the footage, I can tell you they’d fit right in.
7 comments - Add yours
#1
Coldplay may be featured in the soundtrack for the movie? How interesting. I can’t say anything until I see the final product about this.
This words from Fox News are definitely reassuring and comforting, considering what the attitude of much of the fandom has been as of late. Considering the origin of these sentiments, we should be even happier.
# October 29, 2007 17:00 by cantado
#2
Only rumors or not? Anyway, it would be great to listen what Chris Martin and co. can do for the soundtrack…
# October 29, 2007 18:19 by Lyrael
#3
How reliable is this? ‘Dakota Blue Roberts’- Right, anyone else catch that?
I really didn’t like this article. It sounds just off somehow, and I’m skeptical.
# October 29, 2007 23:36 by Lady Friday
#4
It might “sound off” because a mere four hours later Fox News re-highlights the religious controversy, basically adding Bill Donahue’s stamp approval - on their front page.
Fair and balanced or a complete teeter-totter?
# October 30, 2007 01:00 by Phit
#5
Seems like there’s a bit of miscommunication in the reigns of Fox News.
# October 30, 2007 10:33 by L!NK
#6
Coldplay? Ew.
# October 30, 2007 12:21 by anna11
#7
I think the original negative article might have prompted a movie executive at New Line to call a movie executive at Fox followed by this backtracking. It might also having something to do with offending Kidman.
The original piece was just gossip and probably meaningless. The second piece seems like CYA.
# October 30, 2007 13:28 by Larry