The Lovely Bones (2009)

Director:

Peter Jackson

Writers (WGA):

Fran Walsh (screenplay) &
Philippa Boyens (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

15 January 2010 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Fantasy | Horror | Thriller

Tagline:

The story of a life and everything that came after...

Plot:

Centers on a young girl who has been murdered and watches over her family - and her killer - from heaven. She must weigh her desire for vengeance against her desire for her family to heal.

Plot Keywords:

Murder | Afterlife | Rape | Dead Child | Funeral

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 9 nominations

Cast

  (Credited cast)

Saoirse Ronan	...	Susie Salmon
Mark Wahlberg	...	Jack Salmon
Rachel Weisz	...	Abigail Salmon
Stanley Tucci	...	George Harvey
Susan Sarandon	...	Grandma Lynn
Amanda Michalka	...	Clarissa
Jake Abel	...	Brian Nelson
Rose McIver	...	Lindsey Salmon
Michael Imperioli	...	Len Fenerman
Nikki SooHoo	...	Holly
Reece Ritchie	...	Ray Singh
Thomas McCarthy	...	Principal Caden
Andrew James Allen	...	Samuel Heckler
Carolyn Dando	...	Ruth
Anna George	...	Mrs. Singh
Charlie Saxton	...	Ronald Drake
Christian Thomas Ashdale	...	Buckley Salmon
Robyn Malcolm	...	Foremans Wife
Stink Fisher	...	Mr. Connors
Stefania Owen	...	Flora Hernandez
Bravo	...	Holiday - Dog
Steven Moreti	...	Diner Customer
Tina Graham	...	Sophie Cichetti
Seth F. Miller	...	Soccer Coach

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material involving disturbing violent content and images, and some language.

Runtime:

135 min

Country:

USA | UK | New Zealand

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:PG-13 | Japan:G | UK:12A | Ireland:12A (re-rating after appeal) | Portugal:M/12 (Qualidade) | Norway:15 | Australia:M | Singapore:PG | Ireland:12A (re-rating on appeal) | Finland:K-13 | Canada:14A (Manitoba) | Canada:G (Quebec) | Canada:PG (Alberta/British Columbia/Ontario)

Filming Locations:

Camperdown Studios, Camperdown Road, Miramar, Wellington, New Zealand

Company:

WingNut Films

Trivia:

Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz were the first actors who got an offer to appear in the film, which would have supposed their second collaboration together (after The Fountain (2006)). However, while Weisz accepted her part, Jackman had to turn it down. 'Ryan Gosling' was cast instead, although he would drop out as well, three days before the shooting started. Eventually, 'Mark Wahlberg' got the part.

Quotes:

Grandma Lynn: [from trailer] You have a tomb in the middle of your house!

Movie Connections:

Featured in "The Jay Leno Show: (#1.59)" (2009)

Soundtrack:

Alice

Simply Brilliant

"The Lovely Bones" is one of, if not the singular best film I've seen in the past year. This is certainly Peter Jackson's best directorial work - showcasing creativity and originality in his shots that was missing from some of his more generic work, while still being palatable enough for the average theater goer to avoid feeling "art house." The picture beautifully juxtaposes and interweaves the sharply contrasting visuals of 1970s mid-west suburbia with the brilliance and dream-like qualities of "the in-between" world. It's a feast for the eyes, and visually enjoyable in the same way that one might spend hours lost in the intricacy of a masterful painting.

In terms of plot and story flow, "The Lovely Bones" demands some participation from the audience. The flow is slightly non-linear and tends to follow several different characters at the same time. Judging from the reviews on this page, this bothered some viewers. I found it a refreshing changing of pace from the all too predictable Hollywood standard.

Also to be praised is Jackson's ability create moments of nearly unbearable suspense and tension. In the theater I was in, he made the audience literally scream with the simple action of a loose floorboard creaking. You'll find yourself gripping the seat in anticipation of what's going to happen next.

Every element of this film was perfectly executed. If I had my say, we'd see it in the running for Best Picture this year.