The Lovely Bones has had some controversy in the past. If you’ll recall, Jackson released Ryan Gosling from the picture immediately before shooting was to begin reportedly because Gosling had gained too much weight and was becoming a bit of a nuisance. This story was never officially confirmed, but Mark Wahlberg did take over Gosling’s role as the father in the film.

The Lovely Bones tells the story of a 14-year-old girl named Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan) who is raped, murdered, and dismembered by a neighbor. Over the next few years Susie watches from a personalized heaven as her family and friends deal with their grief even as Susie continues to keep an eye on the man who murdered her.

I read the book and found it to be a fairly good book full of drama and a lot of potential for a film. I’m a little worried about what Jackson has in mind, however, after hearing what some of the actors have said. His casting was already a bit sketchy as Mark Wahlberg and Rachel Weisz as the parents is a bit of a stretch. But then Susan Sarandon, who plays the grandmother in the film, had this to say while she was on the red carpet for Speed Racer:

“I just finished that yes,” she said. “I play the comic relief, an alcoholic grandmother – my first grandma – but she doesn’t really seem like a real grandmother because she has a lot of hair and jewellery and nails and liquor. I don’t think I ever talk without a cigarette and a drink in my hand.”

“Peter Jackson is really a nice guy and very interesting. It was really a very different way of working. We had a good time, I’m really curious to see what it’s like because he kept pushing me to be more and more extreme and sometimes that’s when you make your big mistakes so I’m not sure how it will come off – it will be interesting to see it from the point of view of the audience.”

I’m not exactly sure what Peter Jackson is having Sarandon doing that she would be the “comic relief” in this story (and I don’t think Sarandon had much of an idea either). There’s not much comic relief in the book for obvious reasons. Somehow I think the emotional impact of the film could be hurt if this is played too far to the comedy side. Seems strange.

At any rate, The Lovely Bones should be out sometime in the Fall of 2009 and we can all see for ourselves. I recommend reading the book if you get a chance just to see how the film stacks up when it comes out.

Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Stanley Tucci, Susan Sarandon, Michael Imperioli, Rose McIver and Carolyn Dando star in the film, co-written by Jackson and his King Kong and Lord of the Rings partners Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh.

I mention this bookstore because not so long ago I picked up a copy of Alice Sebold’s, The Lovely Bones, in the bargain bin for $1. I had already heard that Peter Jackson was planning to direct the movie version of “The Lovely Bones” and that Ryan Gosling was set to star so I bought the book without thinking. I actually started reading it this past weekend.

Having a picture of Ryan Gosling in my head as I read the story makes it harder for me now to adjust to the idea that Ryan Gosling will no longer be playing the part of the father in this story. If you’ve never heard of The Lovely Bones it’s basically a story about a 14-year-old girl from suburban Pennsylvania who is murdered by her neighbor. She tells the story from Heaven, showing the lives of the people around her and how they have changed while attempting (hoping?) to get someone to find her lost body.

Gosling had gained 20 pounds and grew out a beard to play the role of the grieving father. Variety is reporting, however, that he dropped out the day before shooting was to start due to “creative differences” which is pretty much a blanket reason in Hollywood that could mean almost anything.

The script was passed to Mark Wahlberg yesterday who read it and quickly committed to taking over Gosling’s former role. He will be joining Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, Stanley Tucci, and a remaining cast of relative unknowns.

I have only read two-thirds of the book but I can certainly see why Jackson would be drawn to the material. It’s an emotional and moving story about love and loss that almost everyone can relate to in some way. It does, however, seem an odd choice of material for Jackson to direct. It is unlike anything he’s done to this point. I suppose it makes sense that he would want to do something other than the big Hollywood tent-pole film, but it will be interesting to see if he has the subtle touch this material will require to make the audience respond.

The film begins shooting today in Pennsylvania, where Wahlberg most recently wrapped the lead in the M. Night Shyamalan directed “The Happening” for Fox. Peter Jackson wrote the script adaptation with his “The Lord of the Rings” partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens.

The film does not yet have a release date.