Keith, you are assuming the US audience is intelligent and open to alternative perspectives, like yourself. I was reading an American blog for Blood+, an anime on Adult Swim, in which the US creates a global plague for which they have the cure and thus power. The blogger was shocked that a lot of Anime positioned the US as a corrupt bad guy. I understand why they are inclined to see our government that way. But, most Americans perceive us as "the men in White," always doing good, even when we do wrong; Many unenlightened White Americans, also have no interest in seeing Black on Black love. While I have heard backlash over Will Smith being the lead in "I am Legend", I have not yet heard anything negative about Salli Richardson being his love interest. If movie makers, who make decisions based on the bottom line, start raising their expectations of viewers and moviegoer, when all evidence is pointing to the fact that Americans are not as smart as they once were, then they will start to lose money. Just remember, we who seek out new, different and challenging stories, are not their target audience.
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > yeah, i'd read that. That's one of the strangest ironies: that the film > actually pulling back from the more overt anti-religious themes of the books > angers some Christians, becuase they fear that makes it a stealth film, > harmless in and of itself, but then leading kids to the heathen books. > Again, i haven't read any of the books, but i have to say, the more i see the > trailers the more i want to see this movie. I believe in God--and you better > believe as a self-styled scientist, engineer, and someone who seeks > knowledgeable friends, i've heard all the "it's stupid to believe in a God" > arguments. So for me, the subject matter isn't a problem. > > I do find myself always sighing when i read the words "such-and-such was > changed to appeal to US audiences". That's the same crap that allowed Will > Smith to punk out and not cast a black female love interest in "Hitch" (white > Americans wouldn't see the resultant "black" movie), the reason the movie > "Master and Commander" changed the bad guys from the US (as it was in the > book) to the French (didn't want to piss off US audiences), and the reason > "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" was changed to "Harry Potter and > the Sorcerers's Stone (they were afraid American kids didn't know what a > Philosopher's Stone was). > > Geez, anyone ever think of American audiences freakin' *increasing* their > intelligence instead of expecting movies to dumb down theres??! > > -------------- Original message -------------- > From: "Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > You probably saw this, but just incase I thought I would post this text > from wikipedia > > Controversies > > Several key themes of the novels, the rejection of organized religion > and the abuse of power in a fictionalized Catholic Church, are to be > diluted in the adaptation. Director Weitz said "in the books the > Magisterium is a version of the Catholic Church gone wildly astray from > its roots" but that the organization portrayed in his film would not > directly match that of Pullman's books. Instead, the Magisterium will > represent all dogmatic <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogma> > organizations.^[34] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-telegraph> > Weitz said that New Line Cinema had feared the story's anti-religious > themes would make the film financially unviable in the US, and so > religion and God <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God> will not be > referenced directly. Attempting to reassure fans of the novels, Weitz > said that religion would instead appear in euphemistic > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphemistic> terms, yet the decision has > been attacked by some fans,^[35] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-btts-weitz> > anti-censorship groups, and the National Secular Society > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Secular_Society> (of which > Pullman is an honorary associate), which said "they are taking the heart > out of it, losing the point of it, castrating it",^[36] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-observer> > "this is part of a long-term problem over freedom of speech." The > changes from the novel have been present since Tom Stoppard > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Stoppard>'s rejected version of the > script,^[23] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-nyt> > and Pullman himself believes the film will be "faithful."^[34] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-telegraph> > > On October 7 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_7>, 2007 > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007> the Catholic League > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_League_%28US%29> called for a > boycott of the film.^[37] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-CL> > League president William A. Donohue > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_A._Donohue> said he would not > ordinarily object to the film, but that while the religious elements > will be diluted from the source material, the film will encourage > children to read the novels, which he says "denigrate Christianity" and > promote "atheism for kids."^[5] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-fox> > He cited author Pullman as saying that he is "trying to undermine the > basis of Christian belief."^[38] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-13> > The League hopes that "the film [will fail] to meet box office > expectations and that [Pullman's] books attract few buyers."^[39] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-14> > Other evangelical groups, such as The Christian Film and Television > Commission <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Baehr>, are adopting a > "wait-and-see" approach to the film before deciding upon any > action,^[40] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-15> as > is the Roman Catholic Church in Britain > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Church_in_England_and_Wales>,^[41] > > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-nitwits> > while the /Catholic News Service/ suggests that instead of a boycott, it > may be appropriate for Catholic parents to "talk through any thorny > philosophical issues" with their children.^[42] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-16> > > Pullman has since said that the books do not have a religious agenda, > saying of Donohue's call for a boycott, "Why don't we trust readers? Why > don't we trust filmgoers? Oh, it causes me to shake my head with sorrow > that such nitwits could be loose in the world."^[41] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-nitwits> > In a 28 November <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/November_28> 2007 > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007> discussion with Donohue on CBS > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CBS>'s /Early Show > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Show>/, Ellen Johnson > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Johnson>, president of American > Atheists <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Atheists>, said that > rather than promote atheism, the film would encourage children to > question authority <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Authority>, saying that > would not be a bad thing for children to learn.^[43] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-17> > Director Weitz says that he believes /His Dark Materials/ is "not an > atheistic work, but a highly spiritual and reverent piece of > writing",^[35] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-btts-weitz> > and Nicole Kidman has defended her decision to star in the film, saying > that "the Catholic Church is part of my essence. I wouldn't be able to > do this film if I thought it were at all anti-Catholic".^[26] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-kidman> > > Some commentators have indicated they believe both sides' criticism will > prove ultimately impotent and that the negative publicity will prove a > boon for the film's box office.^[44] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-18> > ^[45] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-19> > ^[41] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-nitwits> > > Reception > > The film has been met with a mixed-to-good reaction, with some feeling > that the movie was at times too fast paced and overlooking the core > elements of the novel, whilst also arguing that select scenes were well > made and the technical dimensions of the movie were excellent. James > Christopher of The Times <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Times> was > disappointed, praising the "marvellous" special effects and casting, but > saying that the "books weave a magic the film simply cannot match and > citing a "lack of genuine drama."^[46] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-20> > The Sun <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sun> called it a "magical > tale" and a "star-studded rollercoaster ride," praising the cast and > concluding the film was "a well-written, beautifully delivered > adventure."^[47] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-21> > The Guardian <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Guardian> gave it a mark > of four stars out of five, praising Nicole Kidman's casting in > particular and saying it had "no other challengers as this year's big > Christmas movie."^[48] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-22> > /The Hollywood Reporter > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hollywood_Reporter>/ predicts a > "substantial" box office <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Box_office> for > the film, praising the special effects and stunts, strong storyline, > viable characters and the acting.^[49] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-23> > > Martin wrote: > >> I bought the first two when they came out, and I just dug them out for >> reading. (Never did read them- back when I worked steadily, I bought >> books right and left, and never had the chance to read them, because I >> worked steadily.) First few pages come across as though written for >> young adults. I won't let that stop me, because I've read a couple of >> YA books that came out as really good. >> >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:KeithBJohnson%40comcast.net> wrote: >> I'm actually looking forward to seeing this film. I know nothing about >> the books, but the trailer looks cool. Reminds me of "Narnia" or some >> aspects of "Lord of the Rings". For me, being able to see a scifi or >> fantasy film based on material that's completely unfamiliar is a >> really exciting thing, like discovering new treasure. I understand >> there's quite a bit of controversy because the auther is an avowed >> atheist who said his books are about "killing God". Christians are >> upset because they say the film has been watered down, the atheist >> stuff removed. But then, they say, kids will want to read the books, >> and then be subjected to the anti-religious slant of the author. >> >> Anyone read the books? Are they any good? Are they that overt in their >> preachments against spirituality and do the children indeed kill >> God--or a god--in them? >> >> *************************************** >> http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/blog/us/featured/story/lyras-world/ >> <http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/blog/us/featured/story/lyras-world/> >> >> There is a world where witches rule the northern skies, where ice >> bears are the bravest of warriors, and where every human is joined >> with an animal spirit who is as close to them as their own heart. But >> this world is dominated by the Magisterium, which seeks to control all >> of humanity, and whose greatest threat is the last remaining Golden >> Compass and the one child destined to possess it. >> >> Twelve year-old Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards) lives an >> extraordinary life as a ward of distinguished Jordan College. Tearing >> unsupervised through the streets on mad quests for adventure with her >> loyal friend Roger (Ben Walker), Lyra is accompanied everywhere by her >> daemon, Pantalaimon (voiced by Freddie Highmore) â¤" a small, >> ever-changing animal that serves as a constant voice of reason. >> >> But Lyraâ¤^(TM)s world is changing. >> >> Her uncle, Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig), is embarking on a trip to the >> Arctic Circle to investigate a mysterious element intriguingly called >> Dust, but the Magisterium would go to any lengths â¤" including shutting >> down Jordan College â¤" to stop him. At the same time, rumors of >> children mysteriously disappearing and being taken north become >> terrifyingly real when her best friend Roger goes missing. Lyra swears >> to go to the ends of the earth to rescue him, and when a new figure >> appears at the college â¤" Marisa Coulter (Nicole Kidman), a beguiling >> scientist and world traveler â¤" she sees her best chance to get away. >> >> But Lyra finds that she has been drawn into a trap designed to take >> from her the one thing she possesses that the Magisterium desperately >> seeks â¤" the Golden Compass. Given to her as a gift by the Master of >> Jordan College (Jack Shepherd), it is a mystical, powerful device that >> can tell the truth, reveal what others wish to hide and foreshadow â¤" >> and even change â¤" the future. >> >> At that moment, Lyra realizes that she will have to break away from >> Mrs. Coulter and embark on her own journey to rescue Roger and stop >> the Magisterium. But fate puts her in the company and protection of a >> tribe of seafaring Gyptians led by Lord Faa (Jim Carter), Ma Costa >> (Clare Higgins) and Farder Coram (Tom Courtenay). Banding together an >> unlikely alliance with the Gyptians, the mysterious witch Serafina >> Pekkala (Eva Green) and Texas airman Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott), Lyra >> is flung into an adventure that will take her over sky and ocean, to >> the wilds of the icy north, where she gains a powerful ally in a great >> armored bear named Iorek Byrnison (voiced by Ian McKellen), who >> pledges to serve her in her campaign until she prevails. >> >> A great war is coming â¤" one that threatens not only Lyraâ¤^(TM)s world but >> all the parallel worlds waiting just beyond the northern lights. With >> her band of friends and allies, and the power of the Golden Compass, >> Lyra will need all her skill and all her courage, to stop it. >> >> New Line Cinema presents The Golden Compass, an epic fantasy adventure >> starring Oscar® winner Nicole Kidman (The Hours), newcomer Dakota Blue >> Richards, Sam Elliott (We Were Soldiers), Eva Green (Casino Royale) >> and Daniel Craig (Casino Royale). Based on Philip Pullmanâ¤^(TM)s >> best-selling and award-winning first novel in his Dark Materials >> trilogy, the film is adapted and directed by Academy Award® nominee >> Chris Weitz (About A Boy). >> The Golden Compass is produced by Deborah Forte and Bill Carraro, with >> executive producers Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne. Toby Emmerich, Mark >> Ordesky, Ileen Maisel, Andrew Miano and Paul Weitz also executive produce. >> >> The distinguished cast also includes Academy Award® nominee Tom >> Courtenay (The Dresser), Derek Jacobi (Gosford Park), Jack Shepherd >> (Charlotte Gray), Ben Walker (BBCâ¤^(TM)s ⤽Sweeney Toddâ¤?), Simon >> McBurney >> (The Last King of Scotland), Jim Carter (Shakespeare in Love), Clare >> Higgins (Stage Beauty), Magda Szubanski (Happy Feet) and legendary >> actor Christopher Lee (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) >> >> The film also features voices of Oscar® nominee Ian McKellen (Gods and >> Monsters, The Lord of the Rings trilogy), Oscar® winner Kathy Bates >> (Misery, Titanic), Oscar® nominee Kristin Scott Thomas (The English >> Patient), Freddie Highmore (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and >> Golden Globe winner Ian McShane (TVâ¤^(TM)s ⤽Deadwoodâ¤?). >> >> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >> >> Yahoo! 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