Peter Jackson’s film adaption of Alice Sebold’s novel ‘The Lovely Bones’ has been greatly anticipated, but also eminently feared by fans of the book. The final release shows a very mainstream narrative with a focus on the director’s style rather than the remaking of the novel. Sadly, Jackson has taken any depth that may have existed out of his adaptation in favour of aesthetic.

BY LAURA SHEARER

The first half of the film pays attention to its source, but the screenplay is bland and the intimate sophistication of Sebold’s narrative is lost. On a more positive note, this film exhibits what Jackson is as a director, a visionary and a genius, exuding his talent to take that which seems almost impossible to imagine onto film. It’s a must see for Sebold fans and anyone who’s the least bit curious. The ideas that remain fixed in your mind after viewing are the possibilities that both the novel and film explore.