Whilst this $180-205 million budget feature film won both an Oscar and BAFTA for special effects it only grossed $372 million world-wide so was not deemed a box office success and reviews were mixed. It was however better received overseas than in the US. Directed by Chris Weitz, this family adventure story is based on Northern Lights (published as His Dark Materials in the US), a novel by Philip Pullman. There were a number of omissions from the film that appear in the novel and deviations from the book which lead to criticism. The film tells the tale of a parallel universe similar to our own. A twelve year old girl, Lyra (Dakota Blue Richards) goes on a quest to rescue her best friend Roger (Ben Walker) and her Gyptian friend, Billy (Charlie Rowe) who have been kidnapped by dark forces known as the ‘Gobblers’ (General Oblation Board) the Head of which is Mrs Coulter (Nicole Kidman). Daniel Craig starred as Lord Asriel, Christopher Lee as First High Councillor and Ian McKellan provided the voice for Lorek Byrnison.
Release / Airing: 05/12/2007
Locations used for this production:
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Balls Park (not accessible) >
The production filmed 'pick-ups' at Balls Park, which, in film set language, means footage which is shot after shooting wraps. The scene, in which a number of the key cast were present, was filmed in the vestibule of the mansion. It was a one-day shoot that required three days of dressing by the art department. Before leaving to join Mrs Coulter (Nicole Kidman), the college Master (Jack Shepherd) entrusts Lyra (Dakota Blue Richards) with an alethiometer (the Golden Compass) which is supposedly able to reveal the answer to any question asked by a trained user. This is the only one that remains in existence and although unable to operate it, Lyra accepts the gift promising never to reveal to anyone that she has it.
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