I didn’t love Alice Sebold’s book, thought it was slightly overhyped, but I am looking forward to the movie. This trailer (watch it here; they won’t let me embed it) looks good and creepy. The cinematography is gorgeous and Stanley Tucci’s doing something really different from how we usually see him. I think Peter Jackson has pulled off another Oscar contender in multiple categories. What I wouldn’t give to live inside that man’s brain for a day.
Speaking of overhyped and Oscar nominations, I didn’t understand Saoirse Ronan’s Best Supporting Actress nod for Atonement at all. She had one expression in that whole movie. Looks like she gets to show more dimensions here as Susie Salmon, the murdered girl who lingers in the in-between and narrates the story. And though I think Ryan Gosling is the superior actor, it makes sense that Mark Wahlberg replaced him as the dad since Gosling isn’t quite 30 and too young to play the father of a teen.
The cast also includes Rachel Weisz as Susie’s mom, Susan Sarandon as the grandmother and Michael Imperioli as the detective trying to find the girl’s killer. The movie opens December 11.
Are you a fan of the book? What do you think of this trailer? Is it me or does Peter Jackson look just like Dominic Monaghan in the intro?
9 Comments
BIZMAN5
August 5, 2009 at 9:52 pmI LOVED the book. It reminded me of The Education of Oversoul 7, but let’s not get into that.
Great trailer! It wasn’t until the end that I realized I was holding my breath the entire time! Never a fan of horror movies, but this feels classy, like The Sixth Sense.
Why couldn’t they put something intelligent like this out during the Summer? Man, I can’t wait.
And, yes, Peter Jackson does look like Dominic Monaghan. Hmmm, does this mean Mr. Jackson will be portraying a hobbit in the Rings prequel? LOL!
Poncho
August 5, 2009 at 10:05 pmThat would be hilarious! Jackson as a hobbit, that is. I mean, he’s played all kinds of humans but never a Middle-Earth endemic race!
Poncho
August 5, 2009 at 10:03 pmI haven’t read the book (I might have to before the movie comes out), but the movie definitely seems worth waiting for. I do think Jackson has a knack for making his films attractive -LotR, King Kong…
By the way, I have to disagree, if slightly with you. Though I didn’t think it was Oscar-worthy, Ronan in Atonement played what she was supposed to play -a stuck-up, spoiled brat, jealous at her sister yet afraid- and I did get that from her. I just think Keira Knightley -and even James McAvoy- were better, IMHO.
But else, the cast is amazing: you cannot ask nothing from Sarandon or Weisz that won’t be delivered, and Stanley Tucci seems to be showing another face of himself -as you said! And I do have trust in Mark Wahlberg, I personally think he’s a better actor than his choices have allowed him to be.
But yet again, thank you PCN for the news! I can’t believe the trailer’s already come up and now I’m marking the days ’til Dec. 11 (or the date for the release in Mexico, when I find out about it).
Shelley P
August 6, 2009 at 1:37 amI was scared to watch the trailer {I know, I know} but couldn’t resist. Then it wouldn’t work for me. How ironic. I guess I’m meant to stay in suspense for now. I haven’t read the book but the premise intrigues me, and Peter Jackson plus that cast? If it’s more suspenseful a la Sixth Sense than horror, I think I’ll have to brave it.
Reader#9
August 6, 2009 at 8:21 amWhile reading the book I imagined it frame by frame and, with Peter Jackson on board, this is going to be great. What can I say, I’m a believer.
…and, yeah, Jackson could be Dominic Monaghan’s long lost Hobbit brother…
Thanks for grabbing the trailer, PCN!
Donna
August 6, 2009 at 11:23 amI read the book when it came out; liked it. I don’t plan on re-reading it though. Left me disturbed, sad, angry and thoughtful. Haven’t read her second book and doubt any others she may write simply because they touch a nerve I prefer left alone.
EIREGO
August 6, 2009 at 3:05 pmRead it a while ago, but thought I’d heard it was supposed to be in production with someone else at the helm.
It’s obvious the book is in good hands because the trailer looks awesome.
Pop Culture Nerd
August 6, 2009 at 4:11 pmBIZMAN5, The Sixth Sense is a very good comparison! Seems like Jackson amped up the thriller aspect. I remember the book being more melancholy. Jackson playing a Hobbit would be hilarious!
Poncho, I agree Ronan played the spoiled brat very well, but that’s the only note we saw. I like Oscar-winning performances to have more layers and depth. I like Mark Wahlberg, too, just think Gosling is a better actor. Bones comes out January 22, 2010 in Mexico, by the way.
Shelley P, the link should work now. Don’t worry—it’s more suspenseful than gory. I can’t handle horror, either.
Reader#9, I never imagined Peter Jackson as the right director for it while I was reading the book, but thought it was a fantastic idea when it was announced.
Donna, I know what you mean. There are certain movies and books I cannot touch because of things they trigger. Sorry to hear this was one of them for you.
EIREGO, this might be the rare instance where the movie will surpass the book for me.
ponchopadilla
August 7, 2009 at 2:03 amDamn it! I hate that about movie releases here in Mexico, you know. And I have a friend who does dubbing and he says it shouldn’t take that long (a month!) to have a movie ready… so subtitling shouldn’t either.
The thing I hate the most is that it happens mostly during Holiday’s season, and it’s just before Awards season, and its halfway through it and most movies (which get nominated or even win) haven’t been released. It’s such a turnoff!!