Entertainment: November 2007 Archives

Concoct-a-controversy organization, the (Rent-a) Catholic League are asking cinema-goers to boycott the new fantasy film The Golden Compass (click HERE to view trailer), claiming it is "candy-coated atheism." The $150 million New Line movie, which stars Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman, opens on Dec 7th. Written and directed by Chris Weitz (whose previous credits include About A Boy), the film is based on the first installment of English author Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy.

Pullman's stories are set in a parallel universe where witches, magical creatures, and animal spirits walk the earth alongside humans, who are governed by a sinister religious organization called the Magisterium, which some have likened to the Roman Catholic Church. A good against evil battle takes place over the course of the books, which culminates in the death of God at the hand of a child.

Ironically many Christians, including Church of England leader Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, have come out in support of Pullman, claiming his books attack oppressive dogma rather than religion itself. Despite deliberately playing down the questions of religion in the adaptation of the book to film in an attempt to placate more religious American audiences, the Catholic League are still concerned the film will serve as a gateway to Pullman's literature. They accuse the author of having twin goals "to promote atheism and denigrate Christianity. To kids."

A statement on their website says, "The Catholic League wants Christians to stay away from this movie precisely because it knows that the film is bait for the books: unsuspecting parents who take their children to see the movie may be impelled to buy the three books as a Christmas present. And no parent who wants to bring their children up in the faith will want any part of these books." The league are also flogging a pamphlet entitled The Golden Compass: Agenda Unmasked for $5 via their website.

In an interview with the BBC, Pullman dismissed the leagues accusations as "absolute rubbish" saying, "I am a story teller. If I wanted to send a message I would have written a sermon."

The Catholic League, who have a long history of getting upset about things, previously called for a boycott of The Da Vinci Code. The film went on to top box office charts here in America and grossed $758 million worldwide in 2006.

Controversy broke out on the set of NBC’s Phenomenon last night (see video) when celebrity judge Criss Angel challenged one of the show's contestants, causing an uncomfortable altercation between the two which was broadcast live. The show, which premiered on October 24th, pits ten performers against each other in a search for the next great mentalist, and features world-renowned paranormalist Uri Geller as the show's other judge.

The on air fight broke out after Pittsburgh born contestant Jim Callahan successfully identified an object hidden in a locked salt filled box with the help of his spirit guide Raymond. Geller gave a very positive post-performance critique, saying, “Your display of supernatural powers is very controversial but very convincing…I want to believe there is a Raymond on the other side. Besides, there is a flair of honesty about you that brings credibility to what you say.”

Angel however, was not so convinced, telling Callahan, "I just think it’s comic book quite frankly.” He then went on to challenge the validity of both Callahan and fellow judge Geller’s paranormal powers. “I will give you a million dollars of my personal money right now if either one of you can tell me specific details of what’s in here right now,” said Angel, as he pulled an envelope from his pocket and held it up for the cameras.

Callahan, upset that a fellow performer, who also makes a living from mystifying audiences, would make such a challenge, responded angrily, saying, “OK man, I’ll tell you what I will tell you. I find you an ideological bigot.” Angel then rose from his chair as the two came toward each other. Callahan was then seen being restrained by the show’s host as they went to a commercial break.

Angel, an illusionist who became a household name thanks to his A&E series Mindfreak and his showy stunts such as making a Lamborghini disappear, has previously declared his own act does not rely on paranormal powers. "I do not believe that anybody has the ability to do anything that's supernatural," he is quoted as saying. Last night's incident was clearly premeditated, since Angel had prepared the envelope before viewing Callahan's act –– not exactly the open-minded attitude you'd expect from a judge.

The show's producers were clearly courting controversy by pairing Angel with Geller, who first rose to fame in the 1970’s with his paranormal displays of psychokinesis, dowsing, and telepathy. The producers, at least, showed their powers of insight and prediction, getting exactly what they wanted last night.