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"The Lovely Bones" trailer gives us a glimpse of heaven

Dorothy Snarker

A movie about a 14-year-old girl who is brutally raped and murdered does not sound like prime popcorn fare. But when it is based on Alice Sebold‘s critically-acclaimed novel The Lovely Bones, directed by Lord of the Rings mastermind Peter Jackson and could potentially include a lesbian leading character, I’m ready to buy my ticket now. After keeping much of the production under wraps, the first full-length trailer has further upped my anticipation.

The film features a great cast, with Atonement star Saoirse Ronan as the murdered girl, Susie Salmon, who watches the aftermath of her murder from the afterlife. Joining her are Rachel Weisz and Mark Wahlberg as her parents, Susan Sarandon as her grandmother, Michael Imperioli as a detective and Stanley Tucci as her killer. The trailer, like the book, is pretty riveting. Unfortunately, it's not embeddable now as it's only available on Apple.com.

Jackson’s vision of Susie’s personal heaven, which plays a central role in the novel, is gorgeous. The brief glimpses we see feel dreamy yet isolated.

I’m sold on Sarandon as Susie’s sassy grandmother and Weisz in what appears to be an expanded role as her fed-up mother.

I’m less excited about Wahlberg, whose acting range to me has always seemed to be somewhere between smell-a-fart and just aggressive scowling. Ryan Gosling was originally cast as Susie’s father. Man, that would have been great. I bet he would have had better hair, too.

But the movie and the trailer rest on the slim shoulders of 15-year-old Irish actress Ronan. She earned an Oscar nomination for her intense work in 2007’s Atonement, as the little girl whose lie ruins the lives of those around her. She certainly has the eyes, clear blue and haunting, to pull off Susie.

What the trailer doesn’t reveal is if Susie’s friend Ruth (played by newcomer Carolyn Dando) will be shown in her later years as a lesbian, as she is in the book. (Warning: Spoilers from the book through the remainder of the post!) In the novel, Ruth is brushed by Susie’s spirit as it departs her body and develops a heightened sensitivity to spirits. She also befriends the boy Susie had a crush on before her death, Ray (Reece Ritchie).

Hmm, if the hat is any indication maybe she’ll be gay after all.

The book is a gripping read with the rare ability to be both intense and meditative. Narrated entirely by Susie, the story is reflective as she is forced to watch passively from above as her family struggles with her murder and her killer goes on with his life unabated. I was thoroughly engrossed until, well, until the very end. And then Sebold went all Ghost on the situation with a full-on spirit/body switcheroo.

Still, the story is told so overall and Jackson is such a skilled director, I only expect the best when it comes to the movie. And if nothing else, holy crap, how creepy does Stanley Tucci look? I have never considered him in any way menacing. Now he is the stuff of nightmares. Shiver.

So, what do you think? Does The Lovely Bones look like heaven?

Dorothy Snarker's blog

Submitted by

Dorothy Snarker

on August 5, 2009 - 11:00am.

TAGS ::

wow

Submitted by

strict machine (4434 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 11:07am.

it gave me goosebumps and misty eyes. i loved this book and this trailer makes me think the adaptation will be perfect

one to go see

Submitted by

pebbsy (12 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 11:13am.

looks like they've done a good job at putting an amazing book on the big screen... looking forward to it being released here

omggg

Submitted by

_*Alyssa (1059 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 11:22am.

I can't waittt. Love the book, love the trailer...YAY

I'll be your Edward Cullen, with boobs.

WOW

Submitted by

Sara (1042 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 11:25am.

Looks absolutely awesome, exactly how I pictured it reading the book. I'm just not too thrilled about Wahlberg, but Sarandon and Weisz more than make up for that.

Its the first movie this year that I'm really looking foreward to seeing.

Very Aesthetically Pleasing

Submitted by

Miss Hessika (70 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 11:42am.

It looks like a very "pretty" movie. The book was fantastic. One of those I read when I want a good cry. I'm really excited about this as well. Gosling would have been better as the dad but Wahlberg isn't a bad actor. He can do pensive and distraught.

Stanley Tucci

Submitted by

blunt spoon (38 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 11:44am.

It's the moustache that makes him look so scary.. It's a rule that a movie moustache (with the exception of Tom Selleck) automatically equals scary killer or paedophile.

Totally true

Submitted by

monica_ca (685 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 11:53am.

You're exactly right.

And the eyes...

Submitted by

cakeordeath (51 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 1:02pm.

His eyes aren't normally that color, and the blue is really intense.

Loved, loved the book, so I'm very much looking forward to this movie.

Still

Submitted by

rosebud (198 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 11:49am.

can't get "heavenly creatures" out of my head. And that was many (many!) years ago, and I still can't rewatch it. He's a very powerful filmmaker.

This really looks like a "must-see".

i started to read this book

Submitted by

mandaa (85 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 11:53am.

i started to read this book a few years ago but never finished it, maybe ill give it another go. never could have imagined walhberg as the father..

This book is very dear to me

Submitted by

torirose (6 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 12:00pm.

This book is very dear to me and from the trailer the performances don't match up with the incredible characters I know from the story. I will see it though, as I'm curious to find out how it all turned out.

Just a random FYI: Susie was supposed to be brown-haired.

I think

Submitted by

Aidan P (184 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 12:43pm.

I think this might be a case where the movie actually does the book justice. My mother read it years ago and it has been on my list ever since, but I will definitely be seeing this. Peter Jackson is amazing.

In the top photo how much

Submitted by

Clara (878 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 12:52pm.

In the top photo how much does the girl look like Panda from Skins in the scene where she's getting with Cook?! Crazy, she's prettier though I think

never got around to finishing the book, started it 6 months ago! Oh well, perhaps now I know there's a gay character, is that shallow?

Also, Rachek Weisz used to be my no.1 crush, (now its Rachel Maddow, lol) so want to watch

also, the boy she gets a crush on is so beautiful!

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Yeah, I will watch it, cause

Submitted by

Berna (81 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 1:00pm.

Yeah, I will watch it, cause I'm curious to see if the movie does justice to the book. The book was really powerful and I remember having a hard time now and then to continue reading it, because it really had some tough and sad moments. The trailer looks very interesting, I'm happy about the cast with the exception of Mark Wahlberg.

I just watched the trailer

Submitted by

Kat (80 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 1:09pm.

I just watched the trailer and I have never been so impressed. WOW. I am so excited for this to come out!!!

A former Lynne Ramsay project

Submitted by

Carambar (23 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 1:13pm.

Scottish director Lynne Ramsay had been working on a adaptation of this book before it was announced as a Peter Jackson's project. I'm a little sad that the rights have been transferred. I like Jackson and I think he'll probably do a good job, but Lynne Ramsay's first movie, Ratcatcher, is a masterpiece, and I would have loved to see what she might have done with The Lovely Bones. She has such an amazing cinematography. Jackson does too, but he's a little too demonstrative.

Anyway, do watch Ratcatcher if you can, it's brilliant. Ramsay's second movie, Morvern Callar (with Samantha Morton) is also really good.

And Rachel is love.

Yes!

Submitted by

Amy (24 posts)

on August 6, 2009 - 12:14pm.

I love Ramsay! Ratcatcher definitely has some of the most memorable moments of cinematography and Morvern Callar is fantastic, too. She's adapting "We Need to Talk about Kevin" at the moment, which is exciting but I'm not sure how it'll be done because the book is all letters..still can't wait for it though..I'll always be bitter about the fact she didn't get to make The Lovely Bones!

Saoirse Ronan

Submitted by

tobs1234 (11 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 1:18pm.

Wow thats brilliant that Saoirse (Sore-Sha) cause I know you guys find it difficult to pronounce some of our wonderful names over here in Ireland...

She is such an amazing actress for her age.

OMG (also spoilers)

Submitted by

akiraj (196 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 1:57pm.

This is one of my favorte books of all time! I'm so glad that they're making a movie about this! I can't wait to see it! The actresses look exactly how I pictured the characters looking. I do think that the lesbian character (I forget her name) is going to stay lesbian since it plays a part in why she was so in touch with the spiritual world. In school she got in trouble for drawing nudes of women and has relationships with women in college. (Susie's spirit brushing past her was one of the reasons why she had relationships with women.) They can't make her straight or I'm gonna be really angry. :(

Spoilers here too

Submitted by

pancreas (314 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 7:38pm.

I agree with Ms Snarker that it's a fantastic book up until just before the end. I hate to say this though, but this time I actually hope they de-gay her (or make her bi?) - there are very slight references to her being gay and I don't remember references to actual relationships with women as she seemed to be such a loner, but maybe I'm wrong. The thing is though, her character's story in the book is exactly the kind of movie storyline we complain about endlessly here, she spends most of the book being a lot more than friends with Susie's crush. Even if it's to feel closer to Susie, this is hardly solid lesbian representation. I'd really prefer they just make this a straight character.

Hmmmm

Submitted by

akiraj (196 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 8:45pm.

You know what my memory is a little fuzzy. If I remember correctly there was one line that referenced her sexuality & she is more than friends with Susie's crush. Now that I think about it, I don't think she should be lesbian or bi in the film. If they make her bi & she gets with Susies crush, it'll push the stereotype that bi women always end up with men.Thats my long-winded way of saying good point :)

I was gripped by the novel

Submitted by

katie (88 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 2:10pm.

I was gripped by the novel even if I didn't love it as it is fairly graphic and sent chills down my spine which in my opinion coloured the rest of the book. I am looking forward to seeing it as it doesn't look like it'll be covered in sugar and sanitized as many adaptions have been in the past.

Yes, looks interesting, if

Submitted by

suff (3 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 2:11pm.

Yes, looks interesting, if somewhat big and pretty. There's nothing wrong with bigness and prettynes, sometimes films like that just tend to leave me a little cold because they only look good but don't feel like anything. But we'll see.

And woohoo, Cocteau Twins!

love, love love

Submitted by

Frankola (188 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 2:42pm.

I love, love love this book, and when I first heard the film was going to be made I was very surprised Peter Jackson was making it, but seeing the trailer I'm hoping for good things.

I real hope it holds all the emotions of the book!

aww man lol

Submitted by

dollparts (1113 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 2:51pm.

ive known about the novel becoming a movie for awhile now but was under the impression that Amanda Michalka was suppose to play the lead role what happened there? i love the book cant wait for the movie

"Hands upon my back again.
Survival is my only friend.
Terrified of what may come.
Remember I will always love you,
Even as I claw your fucking throat away.
But it will end no other way"

Baws!

Submitted by

Thane McAllister (145 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 3:00pm.

Fucking A! I read this book a while back and i cried like a complete bitch the whole way through. I knew they'd adapt it into a film, but i had no idea that Peter Jackson would be directing it (i came a little when i found out, no joke)...add a little Saoirse Ronan to the mix and i'm sure this will fast become one of my favorite movies of all time...Baws!

"...cram?! cram?! Is that all you think about? CRAM?! Well i'm crammed back here, how about that juice?!?!"

Cant Wait

Submitted by

jennytot (119 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 3:15pm.

Wow....really can't wait to get a look at the film, have read and re-read the book, i think its absolutley amazing read!!!

Shouting with the thoughts on repeat's picture

Hmm

Submitted by

Shouting with t... (9 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 5:19pm.

Honestly I can't even wait, I read the book like three years ago and was hooked on it from the first sentence. I should probably read the book again to really remember certain aspects of it. But Im hoping the film will be amazing. Even though my memory is a bit hazy, I kinda pictured Ray to look a lot younger than he looks within the film.

Have the book

Submitted by

iknow11 (29 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 6:13pm.

I have the book but haven't read it yet, i'll get in done before the movie comes. I'm going to see it with my cousin, she says all the time how much she loved the book.

I remember when they were shooting the movie and they shot some scenes in my town at a totally out-dated one story mall that only has 2 stores in it now (its suppose to be torn down soon and turned into outlets or something), they didn't have to change much around for it to fit the time period of the film because it still looks like it's from the 1970s. haha.

Lousy book

Submitted by

Ediana (249 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 6:58pm.

I think the book is poorly written and that "switcheroo" is lame. So to me it becomes a question of whether Peter Jackson can make a great film from a lousy book. Meanwhile I am more interested in the adaptation of McCarthy's The Road.

can't wait!

Submitted by

Walker (1 post)

on August 5, 2009 - 7:03pm.

i am so excited for this movie, the book was absolutely incredible. so well written, but disturbing at the same time. it's also cool cause the murderer's house (the green split level one in the trailer) is down the street from mine. when they were shooting at night the stage lights made it feel like noon, it was cool =)

Good, but don't hold your breath for the lesbian

Submitted by

BAS (553 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 7:06pm.

I read the book after reading an excerpt in a magazine that included a section about her best friend who is gay. However, as I recall, that excerpt was about the only mention of the girl's sexuality.

Now, it was a good book, and I'm glad I read it, even if there was only a tiny bit of gayness, but don't watch it just hoping for a "lesbian leading character."

i love alice

Submitted by

Lyndsey (62 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 10:05pm.

i went to Syracuse so of course I read Lucky and The Lovely Bones. The Lovely Bones is not necessarily my favorite style but it was definitely engrossing and I am very excited to see Jackson's work and also the cast!

I agree with everyone...

Submitted by

I'm Always...... (936 posts)

on August 5, 2009 - 10:29pm.

Looks like a REALLY GOOD MOVIE! I can't wait to see it.

Youtube.com/ilikestellar

HOLY CRAP.

Submitted by

summer_sapphire (82 posts)

on August 6, 2009 - 3:29am.

I loved the book and now from the trailer, the movie looks like an awesome movie. I really can't wait to see it! So excited!

i found it on youtube

Submitted by

Melissa Hsu (not verified)

on August 6, 2009 - 8:04am.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWyNYxGZonI

it looks amazing. alot of girls used to do this piece in prose. and i fell in love with it :)

oh MAN

Submitted by

EggFace (60 posts)

on August 6, 2009 - 8:30am.

this book is one of my all-time favorites, and i've been waiting for the movie for years. this actually looks like it might deliver.

Although

Submitted by

Amy (24 posts)

on August 6, 2009 - 12:10pm.

I like the look of the trailer I still think that Lynne Ramsay would have done a better job as director. The Lovely Bones is a girls story, and although I'm sure Jackson has done a fantastic job, Ramsay has the woman factor AND her films are absolutely gorgeous. I'll always be bitter about how she was dropped for the lord of the rings director!

None the less, I'm still looking forward to seeing this, especially for the cast. But I do agree about Mark Wahlberg; he wasn't the best choice. Let's just hope that he can pull it out of the bag because his character is so crucial to the whole story! Guess we'll just have to wait and see. I also hope Rose McIver does a great job as well, because she has some truely nail-biting moments to play out. By the looks of the trailer though, it seems like she's done a good job!

Really, really can't wait for this to come out.

I second that

Submitted by

Carambar (23 posts)

on August 6, 2009 - 12:43pm.

Ramsay is also less naive somehow, and we will never know what her approach to the complete turnaround at the end would have been. Regrets, regrets.

Wahlberg, when he is well directed, can be really good : he was great in the James Gray movies he's done. We'll see what Peter Jackson makes of him. I believe there's more to an actor performance than his/her acting abilities, though they rarely say so in awards ceremony, he :)

WOW!

Submitted by

Renee (20 posts)

on August 6, 2009 - 12:13pm.

That trailer gave me chills. I can't wait to see it, I think I'll have to check out the book in the meantime.

If the book is anything to

Submitted by

lwrdTalice (220 posts)

on August 6, 2009 - 2:08pm.

If the book is anything to go by....it should be amazing, and if they change Ruth's character I'll be angry >:(

~~~~~~~~~
Fuffy <3
B: Ready 1, 2, 3
F: Nicely diverted, B.
B: Diverted? That was me fighting for my life, Miss Attention Span.
F: This isn't a Tupperware party. It's a little hard to plan.
B: The count of three isn't a plan, it's sesame street.

i am amazed!!!

Submitted by

delita24 (55 posts)

on August 6, 2009 - 8:24pm.

I can't wait for this movie, I love the book and I'm sure i'll love the movie too!

Spoiler Warning

Submitted by

MissPussyKatz (41 posts)

on August 6, 2009 - 8:32pm.

[Moderator Edit: Please include a spoiler warning if you are posting them]

I was a bit aprahensive about it being turned into a film when I first heard about it, mainly because of the very graphic rape scene which I struggled to read, but after hearing that Peter Jackson is the one Directing it and actually seeing the trailer I am sure it will be excellent...I must agree with your doubts about Mark Wahlberg, I have never been keen on him as an actor. Still i am thoroughly excited about this film.

I did a paper on this book,

Submitted by

s a r a h (211 posts)

on August 6, 2009 - 8:37pm.

I did a paper on this book, centered around the line

"The alcohol had the effect of making the black cloth blacker. This amused her; she had noted in her journal: booze affects material as it does people"

I loved her writing and since then, I had always hoped they would do a movie. Susan Sarandon is perfect, and I find it scary how alike the character Mr.Harvey is to the image I had in my mind.

To every feminist action, there is an equal and opposite beauty reaction- Naomi Wolf

curious to see more

Submitted by

Darcy (3 posts)

on August 6, 2009 - 11:03pm.

this is a book i would never have expected to see in movie theaters, but i'm really warming up to the idea and can't wait to see how it all plays out. the images of heaven in the trailer are gorgeous and unusual enough to be believable, but still mysterious. looking another reason to look forward to december very much!

And if Jackson's work on Heavenly Creatures ...

Submitted by

drbambee (94 posts)

on August 7, 2009 - 1:04am.

... is any indication of the sensitivity, intensity, and beauty that will be in THE LOVELY BONES, I will be there on the first day. Gripped to my seat.

Jackson used to do cheap gory, horror movies until his break out masterpiece, HEAVENLY CREATURES, then he did those LORD OF THE RINGS movies. I've been awaiting his return to more feminine fair for a very long time. BTW, Jackson is no stranger to lesbian content, why wouldn't Ruth be gay?

thats was i was thinking

Submitted by

strict machine (4434 posts)

on August 18, 2009 - 10:17am.

you would never tell the director of heavenly creatures was a straight man as opposed to a woman from seeing that movie which, yes, containned lesbian content

Awesome

Submitted by

Snow Wolf (487 posts)

on August 8, 2009 - 4:13am.

I don't care if the film have lesbian or not. Peter Jackson is an excellent director. The trailer looks awesome. Unfortunately I have to wait till January next year. Definitely go to see it.

Ah I can't wait for this

Submitted by

Lauren (190 posts)

on August 9, 2009 - 2:33pm.

Ah I can't wait for this movie. I need to read the book first.

I really wish Ryan Gosling stayed on for this movie as I thought he'd be much better than Mark Wahlberg but what ya gonna do. Maybe he'll surprise me.

Lauren

I haven't read the book yet

Submitted by

Kim (327 posts)

on August 18, 2009 - 7:38am.

I haven't read the book yet and I don't think I will have the courage to read it. Stories like that totally freak me out because it makes me realize the sad truth about how mad and cruel and monster human beings can be. Making suffer a beautiful person like that girl, just for his dirty perv needs, and taking her life because he's scared to be caught.. that is inhuman. I'm sorry but I will never understand or forgive ppl like that. Too late now, I've read this article and I saw the trailer. I will watch that movie, but stories like that gives me the creeps and yes, it's making me sad.

http://www.flixster.com/user/kimmyedwards

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