Whew, it's over

[altivo]

Went back to the fair at 9:30 this morning and except for a 45 minute lunch break with Gary, stayed until just before it closed at 5:30 pm. Today I got to see most of the exhibits and vendor booths. There were some interesting things, but the only one that I was inspired to buy (after passing it up twice, I went back for it) was a plush llama about a foot high. I'll try to get a photo of him later.

Again most of the questions were reasonably well-formed and showed some understanding of process and materials. Only one person was somehow unable to understand that sewing can be done without a sewing machine, but spinning is not sewing.

We watched The Golden Compass on DVD last night. I was prepared for the worst, but didn't find it as horrendous as Prince Caspian was. It leaves out about half the book, of course, but doesn't invent major plot or character elements that weren't in the original. I really don't see how it could make sense to anyone who didn't read the book, though. So much is omitted that it leaves an extremely superficial summary of the plot and characters.

Comments

[gabrielhorse.livejournal.com]

We watched The Golden Compass on DVD last night. I was prepared for the worst, but didn't find it as horrendous as Prince Caspian was. It leaves out about half the book, of course, but doesn't invent major plot or character elements that weren't in the original. I really don't see how it could make sense to anyone who didn't read the book, though. So much is omitted that it leaves an extremely superficial summary of the plot and characters.

Ah, good to know- I've had several people recommend I see it, even though I know nothing of the Golden Compass... glad I didn't give into peer pressure :P

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Well, I sure wouldn't recommend that you pay theatre prices to see it. If someone offers to lend you the DVD or show it to you, then no harm in watching.

Pullman's books have a fairly deep underlying theme, though, that's tied up in metaphysics and questions of social and ethical responsibility, morality, and spritual growth (in a generic, not "Christian," sense.) All that is lost in this film version.

Deep? *raises eyebrow*

[gabrielhorse.livejournal.com]

Judging by your description, I'd rather borrow the book than deal with the film ^_^

Re: Deep? *raises eyebrow*

[thedeere.livejournal.com]

Yeah I saw the DVD, and while it had disturbing overtones and was entertaining it didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. I loved all the "demons" though!

I'll have to get the book and read it.

Re: Deep? *raises eyebrow*

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Oh definitely read the book. Be prepared for something fairly dark and unresolved, though, even at the end of the entire trilogy. You will really need to read all three books before you see how Pullman's universe fits together, what "dust" really is, and why it matters.

Re: Deep? *raises eyebrow*

[gabrielhorse.livejournal.com]

*scratches head* I get the feeling it would be better if I researched it before watching it ;) I get the basic concept of a being that represents one's inner nature pretty well- being a fan of S-cry-ed, it seems pretty obvious I'd get that, though I'm not sure an animal would work for everyone- but fantasy films in general leave me asking, "So what? So you've got these creatures or this quest and these abilities- big hairy deal." I've seen a lot of movies in my time, and the more I experience, the less interest I have for the medium- and the more I notice how much is changed to fit the short time span of the film and the budget behind it- especially in movies based on books. Safe to say while I'm open to it, it's not something I'm seeking to see any time soon. My interest is very low, despite people's reviews :P