Neil Gaiman's The Golden Compass

Neil Gaiman’s novel The Golden Compass was brought to life in a film. While the film is a great representation of the novel, there were distinct differences between the two; such as the means surrounding the alethiometer, and the ending. The movie was an adaptation of the novel, so obviously there would be differences. But some of the changes made were not for the best intention of the story. Both platforms of the story portrayed the plot well, but the book was far superior to the movie. As shown by the title. The Golden Compass, the alethiometer played a significant role in the plot. Although the existence of the object was important in both platforms, there were several small, yet prominent, details that differed between the film and novel. In the novel, the alethiometer that Lyra possessed was often referred to as a “symbol-reader.” The compass-like device would point to various symbols printed on it, and then left it for Lyra to interpret. In the film, Lyra would ask the alethiometer a question then it would show her a vision--completely eliminating the aspect of uncertainty. The novel also makes it seem as though few could work the device; while the film made it look quite simple. Lastly, the number of alethiometers varies between the film and novel. In the novel, Lyra’s alethiometer is described as “one of six.” It was …show more content…
The changes regarding the alethiometer were small, yet impactful to those who read the novel. The ending of the novel brought the entire story together. It greatened the reader’s understanding of Dust and the significance of it. Also the death of Roger was a heartfelt moment, and showed that Lyra could not trust Lord Asriel, and it made all of her efforts in his favor go to waste. The changes made to the story, while adapting the novel into a film, are understandable. Although they were understandable, they were not in the best intention for the story