Have you ever seen a movie trailer that is both terrifying and intriguing, one that both repulsed you and drew you in? The Lovely Bones is that movie for me. When it came out in 2009, the trailer alone scared me out of my wits. It has taken me nine years to build up the courage to watch it. And, honestly, I’m not so glad that I did.
Set in the 1970s, this supernatural drama is narrated by young murder victim Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan). The film shows her life before her murder and after, as she is stuck in an in-between world, halfway between earth and heaven. It also follows the story of her family, as they cope with their loss and struggle to find her killer.
Set in the 1970s, this supernatural drama is narrated by young murder victim Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan). The film shows her life before her murder and after, as she is stuck in an in-between world, halfway between earth and heaven. It also follows the story of her family, as they cope with their loss and struggle to find her killer.
Some of the only strengths in this movie are the acting performances by Stanley Tucci as sinister neighbor Mr. Harvey and Mark Wahlberg as the Salmon family patriarch who is tortured by his daughter’s untimely death. Tucci, who earned an Oscar nomination for his role, manages to completely transform into something different from any other character I've seen him play. His mannerisms, facial expressions, and tone of voice sent chills down my spine. Wahlberg, on the other hand, gives a heartbreaking performance, as he desperately tries to both accept and solve his daughter’s murder.
Unfortunately, director Peter Jackson did not manage to achieve the standard of filmmaking that he has with other movies, such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy. There were several Jackson trademarks; however, they were not well executed. For instance, he tends to create movies based on fantasy or the supernatural. While this film did have supernatural elements, such as Susie’s being caught in the in-between world, these did not have much purpose. At only two or three points throughout the story, she is able to vaguely communicate with her family. Other than that, there is almost no reason for her to even appear in the film after her death.
Unfortunately, director Peter Jackson did not manage to achieve the standard of filmmaking that he has with other movies, such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy. There were several Jackson trademarks; however, they were not well executed. For instance, he tends to create movies based on fantasy or the supernatural. While this film did have supernatural elements, such as Susie’s being caught in the in-between world, these did not have much purpose. At only two or three points throughout the story, she is able to vaguely communicate with her family. Other than that, there is almost no reason for her to even appear in the film after her death.
The cinematography is both a strength and a weakness within the film. For instance, many of Tucci’s scenes utilize low-angle shots, very stylistically reminiscent of a horror film. These shots make the audience feel vulnerable and helpless, as we so badly want to expose the evil of this man, but can see that the characters within the film are completely at his mercy. However, there are other scenes that fail to make such an impression. For example, many of the scenes that involve the in-between world are a mix between beautiful landscapes and obvious green screen technology. It was incredibly disappointing to see breath-taking imagery in one moment and cheap effects in the other.
Another weak aspect of the film is the narration. More than anything, it just adds to the confusion of the story. The subject matter is contradictory and very hard to follow. For instance, throughout the movie, Susie talks about the unwavering love that her father has for her and his resolve to bring her killer to justice. But, she also talks about how no one remembers a loved one once they have died. These mixed signals left me wondering what exactly the message was that the filmmakers were trying to convey.
Another weak aspect of the film is the narration. More than anything, it just adds to the confusion of the story. The subject matter is contradictory and very hard to follow. For instance, throughout the movie, Susie talks about the unwavering love that her father has for her and his resolve to bring her killer to justice. But, she also talks about how no one remembers a loved one once they have died. These mixed signals left me wondering what exactly the message was that the filmmakers were trying to convey.
As someone who can typically find enough redeeming qualities that make a film worthwhile, it’s frustrating to say that this isn’t one of them. Although there were some standout acting performances and photography choices, they weren’t enough to outweigh the poor directing, writing, and effects.
Film Grade: D+
Until Next Time,
Kathryn (The Redhead Behind the Reviews)
4/18/18
Sources:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0380510/
http://www.amc.com/talk/2010/02/qa-stanley-tu
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/mick2chrit/the-lovely-bones/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0380510/awards?ref_=tt_awd
Film Grade: D+
Until Next Time,
Kathryn (The Redhead Behind the Reviews)
4/18/18
Sources:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0380510/
http://www.amc.com/talk/2010/02/qa-stanley-tu
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/mick2chrit/the-lovely-bones/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0380510/awards?ref_=tt_awd