Review of The Movie 'The Lovely Bones'

The Lovely Bones was directed in 2009 by Peter Jackson and has gone on to become a well-known film which still holds a great message today. The Lovely Bones has several themes that include love, loss, grief, unity and death. Although, throughout the movie out of all those themes the one that begins the film and is woven all throughout is mortality. These themes would appeal to a younger audience because they’re relatable and understandable especially the focus on family and love. While watching the film the audience is positioned to sympathize towards Susie’s family and frustration towards Mr. Harvey as the story progresses.

In this scene, Susie’s neighbor, Mr. Harvey invites Susie down into his underground bunker which he claimed to have made for the kids in the community. The idea of Susie being taken down into the bunker is based on isolation. Mr. Harvey uses this area that he has made usefully in the fact that Susie will be unable to call for help or make it possible for her to escape. As the camera tilts vertically from above ground, it passes the protective barrier of the ground and enters the bunker. The movement of the camera is to depict how isolated and trapped Susie become when she enters the bunker. For the viewer to see Susie in this situation would make them feel uncomfortable for Susie and wish for her to get home to her family.

In this particular scene, it is after Susie’s death when the detective responsible for investigating her disappearance and murder visits George Harvey’s home. He is there to get information about Susie’s death and to see if he saw anything on the day or days leading up to the tragic event. I chose this scene because it gives us a look into Harvey’s character and his deceiving nature. Through different camera shots we’re able to see Mr. Harvey become nervous. The realization on Mr. Harvey’s face when he looks at the picture of Susie with the bracelet on and looks up as the camera focuses on the exact bracelet sitting behind the detective. As they leave the couch he makes a calculated decision to secretly hide Susie’s bracelet. Mr. Harvey has an unnerving fascination with lying and control. Throughout this scene a sense of anger or frustration could be felt as we know that Mr. Harvey is hiding something and the detective was completely oblivious. All aspects of this help, like sound, props and cinematography help illustrate these ideas and feelings all in a matter of moments.

This is a scene which resembles colours that are all throughout the movie. These colours would remind viewers of what Susie was wearing before she died, on the day she died, she was wearing a blue coat with yellow striped and she was also wearing a pair of Dijon pants along with a red sweater. Through these colours, traces of Susie will always be left behind in memories. This scene also does have a darker, less memorable interpretation of the colour scheme. The use of colours are strategic and carefully chosen. I think the use of these colors are strategic and carefully chosen. Darker colours are chosen for George Harvey’s home as it shows he has a dark personality which shows why doesn’t see worth for Susie or taking her away from her loving family.

The Lovely Bones is a phenomenal film which displays a number of different themes and in those themes, different values and beliefs come through. Altering the camera shots from heaven back to earth adds variety and reminds us that Susie is up above watching down on her family. Through the film there are devices like sounds, colours and objects which are carefully placed to link to Susie’s tragedy. Through different traits of the characters which are carefully chosen we are positioned to feel a certain way towards them and it keeps viewers intrigued. The Lovely Bones is a movie that’s worth watching because its hold a valuable message that is important and relevant for everyone.