Pullman's 'Compass' saga points to Tucker
Thu 11 Aug, 2005

Anand Tucker is in negotiations to direct "The Golden Compass," the feature film adaptation of the first installment of author Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy.

Chris Weitz ("About A Boy"), who adapted the book, was slated to direct the New Line project but withdrew in December saying it was beyond his expertise. The search for his replacement extended to more than 50 filmmakers.

Tucker, known for character-oriented work, such as 1998's "Hilary and Jackie"and the upcoming "Shopgirl," got the job in part because his presentation included conceptual art, visual effects demos and a 20-page director's manifesto.
Tucker also had extensive meetings with Pullman as well as Weitz. Tucker and Weitz willnow work together to further develop the film's screenplay.

The trilogy -- its individual books are titled "The Golden Compass," "The Subtle Knife" and "The Amber Spyglass" -- revolves around two children who live in parallel worldssurrounded by a cast of shape-shifting creatures. Described as darker in tone than the "Harry Potter" books, the series tackles themes of childhood, innocence and sin and combines magic, science and theology.

"Compass" author Pullman welcomed the addition of Tucker, saying, "He respects the integrity of the narrative and will maintain that integrity in the filmmaking process. His ideas are exciting and well thought out, and I greatly look forward to seeing the project go forward in his hands."