Where’s the love interest?

There are romance elements weaving through the novel.

• To what extent could you describe The Lovely Bones as a romantic novel?
• In what ways could the conventions of a teen romance be used to make the film of this novel?
• What would be the limitations of such an approach?

Look at the opening of the trailer.

• In what ways does Ray represent a romantic hero?

When you see the whole film, consider what other roles Ray may fulfil within the narrative.