| THE LOVELY BONES: an acrostic analysis |
| Written by Olive Ann Walden |
| Monday, 31 August 2009 08:43 |
 How does one come to grips with the fact that they are dead? How does a family cope with the loss of a daughter and a sister? Part murder-mystery, part coming-of-age, 'The Lovely Bones' begins in 1973: a fourteen year old girl named Susie Salmon is raped and murdered by her neighbour, Mr Harvey. But, while her physical life on Earth ceases, her spiritual life continues in ‘the in-between’ – a heaven-like place from which Susie narrates the story of her life and of those she left behind. She maintains youthful sanguinity throughout: a stark contrast to the horrendous events that led to her death. Suzie must watch, helpless, as her family are torn apart by grief, anger and guilt. But, gradually, she learns how to influence, and interact with those still alive. Eternal afterlife, a.k.a. ‘Heaven’ in 'The Lovely Bones' is not associated with any religion. You can interpret its existence however you like. Each person lives in their own individual heaven. Individual heavens overlap enabling the deceased interact with each other in the afterlife. Although they are dead, life (or at least a form of it) goes on. Peter Jackson’s interpretation of ‘the in-between’ is luminous: it is ether-worldly... a moon-clock, expansive skies, life-sized bottled ships crashing ashore, mountains divide, and the leaves on a lone tree transfigure into birds and fly away.  “I could not have what I wanted: Mr Harvey dead and me living. Heaven wasn’t perfect. But I came to believe that if I watched closely, and desired, I might change the lives of those I loved on Earth.”
Little by little, the mystery of Suzie Salmons death becomes apparent to her father, her sister, and detective Len Fenerman. But will they uncover the truth before death visits once more? Overly endowed casting enhances the eager anticipation of ‘The Lovely Bones’ film. Saoirse Ronan plays Susie Salmon. Ronan was nominated for an Oscar for her role in 'Atonement', and has been described, by Peter Jackson no less, as a young Cate Blanchett. The enchanting Rachel Weisz is Abigail Salmon, Susie’s mother. Susie’s father, Jack Salmon, is played by Mark Walberg. Originally Ryan Gosling was cast as Jack, but citing “creative differences”, Gosling pulled out the day before filming was to commence. Susan Saradon is Lynn, Susie’s eccentric grandmother. Vivacious, young New Zealand actresses; Rose McIver and Carolyn Dando, play Susie’s sister Lindsey, and classmate Ruth Conners respectively. They look to be extremely talented! And Kiwi’s no less! Enlisted as the musical genius to compose the score for ‘The Lovely Bones’ was Brian Eno, known as the father of ambient music. Check out his MySpace HERE – close your eyes and listen to ‘An Ending Ascents’. Fran Walsh is a fan, and I think I will be too after the movie. Like Peter Jackson’s earlier film ‘Heavenly Creatures’, ‘The Lovely Bones’ looks to possess a similar quirky, make-believe ambience. Depictions of ‘the in-between’ have an almost Tim Burton-esque feel to them, with bold colours, and over the top surroundings. It’s looking magical! You there!... Explore the magic - take a look at the following featurette: Bad (and good) experiences shape who we are, and the stories we tell. Alice Sebold was raped as a teenager. 'The Lovely Bones' draws on this, with Sebold infusing Susie’s story with her own emotions and encounters. The responses from the characters to Susie’s disappearance are more genuine and convincing because of this. Originally scheduled for release in March 2009, the film has been delayed until December 2009 to tie in with the ‘awards season’. Peter Jackson used this extra time to expand the special effects to momentous heights! Never, or at least not in a long time, have I been so excited about a movie coming out! Except maybe the film version of ‘The Time Travellers Wife’ – which is based on book by Audrey Niffenegger. If you enjoyed reading 'The Lovely Bones', give ‘The Time Travellers Wife’ a go. It’s another amazing book! So, to conclude... Alice Sebold’s book... in one word... inspired. Peter Jackson’s interpretation of 'The Lovely Bones' looks... in one word... illuminating.  'The Lovely Bones' comes out in New Zealand on Boxing Day – 26th December 2009. Start reading the book now. Then go and see the movie. That way round. Watch 'The Lovely Bones' trailer HERE.  |
