As a lover of mystery and suspense, I was thrilled when I came across the Earthquake Bird, a thrilling novel by Susanna Jones.
This gripping tale of romance, obsession, and murder is set in Tokyo, Japan, and follows the life of a young expatriate, Lucy Fly.
The novel was adapted into a movie in 2019, directed by Wash Westmoreland, and starred Alicia Vikander and Riley Keough.
In this article, we will discuss the book summary, delve into the movie adaptation and the differences between the two, and explore various aspects of the intriguing characters.
Earthquake Bird: Book Summary and Themes
The Earthquake Bird is a psychological thriller that begins with the protagonist, Lucy Fly, a British expatriate working as a translator in Tokyo, being questioned by the police regarding the disappearance and murder of her friend, Lily Bridges.
As Lucy recounts her story, we learn about her complex relationship with two other characters, Teiji, a mysterious photographer, and Lily, an American woman who recently arrived in Tokyo.
The novel explores themes such as cultural dislocation, isolation, and the dark side of human nature. Lucy’s internal struggles are portrayed through her troubled past and her inability to connect with others.
The love triangle between Lucy, Teiji, and Lily adds a layer of tension and suspense to the story.
The novel’s eerie atmosphere, combined with the vivid portrayal of Tokyo’s urban landscape, creates a haunting backdrop for the unfolding mystery.
Earthquake Bird: Movie Adaptation and Key Differences
The movie adaptation of Earthquake Bird, released in 2019, stays true to the original novel in many ways. However, there are also some key differences between the two.
For instance, the movie removes some of the book’s subplots, such as Lucy’s relationship with her brother, which adds depth to her character in the novel.
The movie also alters the ending, which we will discuss later in this article.
The film’s visuals capture the eerie atmosphere of the novel, but it’s worth noting that some of the book’s intricate details and complexities are lost in translation.
Nonetheless, the movie adaptation is successful in portraying the essence of the novel, and fans of the book will likely enjoy seeing the story come to life on screen.
Intriguing Character Insights and Who’s Who
A key aspect of Earthquake Bird is its intriguing characters, who each harbor their own secrets and desires. Lucy Fly, played by Alicia Vikander in the movie, is a complex character, haunted by her past and struggling to find her place in a foreign land.
Teiji, portrayed by Naoki Kobayashi, is a mysterious photographer who becomes romantically involved with Lucy.
His enigmatic nature and dark obsessions add an additional layer of suspense to the story.
Lily Bridges, played by Riley Keough, is an American woman who arrives in Tokyo and befriends Lucy.
Her presence disrupts the relationship between Lucy and Teiji, and her subsequent disappearance becomes the focal point of the mystery.
The tensions and dynamics between these three characters are a crucial aspect of both the novel and the movie adaptation.
Parent Guide and When Earthquake Bird Takes Place
Earthquake Bird is set in the late 1980s and early 1990s in Tokyo, Japan.
The movie adaptation maintains this time period, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in a unique and nostalgic setting. The late 1980s was a time of rapid economic growth in Japan, and the novel and movie capture the energy and vibrancy of the era.
Parents should be aware that both the novel and the movie contain mature themes, including violence, sexual content, and some disturbing imagery.
The movie is rated R, and it may not be suitable for younger audiences. It is recommended for viewers aged 17 and above.
Exploring the Film Locations
The film adaptation of Earthquake Bird was shot primarily in Tokyo, Japan, staying true to the novel’s setting. Some of the key locations featured in the movie include the bustling streets of Shinjuku, the scenic Yoyogi Park, and the iconic Shibuya Crossing.
The movie also takes viewers to the picturesque countryside of Japan, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the country’s landscape.
Fans of the novel and movie may enjoy visiting these real-life locations to experience the captivating world of Earthquake Bird firsthand.
Memorable Quotes from Earthquake Bird
Both the novel and the movie adaptation are filled with memorable quotes that capture the essence of the story and its characters.
Here are a few of my favorites:
- “The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.” – Lucy Fly
- “You can’t let the past blackmail the present.” – Teiji
- “Sometimes I think I can hear earthquakes.” – Lucy Fly
These quotes reflect the themes of the story, such as the struggle to escape one’s past, the complexities of human nature, and the haunting power of memory.
The Soundtrack: A Collaboration of Atticus Ross, Leopold Ross, and Claudia Sarne
The soundtrack of Earthquake Bird is a crucial element of the movie’s atmosphere, enhancing the tension and mystery of the story.
The score was composed by Atticus Ross, Leopold Ross, and Claudia Sarne, who have previously collaborated on projects such as The Book of Eli and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
The music in Earthquake Bird blends traditional Japanese instruments with electronic elements, creating a unique and haunting soundscape that perfectly complements the film’s visuals and narrative.
Curiosities and Tips for Earthquake Bird Cosplay
For fans of Earthquake Bird looking to recreate the looks of the characters for cosplay, here are some tips and ideas:
- Lucy Fly: Opt for clothing that reflects her understated and practical style, such as simple dresses, blouses, and skirts. A wig or hairstyle with short, dark hair will help you capture Lucy’s appearance.
- Teiji: To emulate Teiji’s enigmatic look, choose dark clothing and consider adding a camera as a prop to represent his love for photography.
- Lily Bridges: Lily’s style is more outgoing and bold, so opt for colorful, eye-catching outfits. A blonde wig or hairstyle will help complete the transformation.
Dressing Like the Characters: Costume Ideas and Inspiration
For those looking to dress up as Earthquake Bird characters for Halloween or other costume events, here are some ideas and inspiration:
- Lucy Fly: A simple, dark dress with a cardigan or jacket, paired with short, dark hair, will capture Lucy’s introverted style.
- Teiji: A black shirt, black pants, and a camera accessory will help you embody Teiji’s mysterious persona.
- Lily Bridges: A brightly colored dress or outfit, along with a blonde wig or hairstyle, will bring Lily’s bold and outgoing character to life.
Susanna Jones: Biography and Literary Works
Susanna Jones is a British author known for her captivating and suspenseful novels. Born in 1967 in Yorkshire, England, Jones studied at the University of London and later earned a master’s degree in Writing for Performance at Goldsmiths College.
In addition to Earthquake Bird, she has also published several other novels, including Water Lily, The Missing Person’s Guide to Love, and When Nights Were Cold.
Jones’s work often explores themes of alienation, identity, and the complexities of human relationships.
Her writing is characterized by its evocative atmosphere, rich character development, and engaging storylines.
Analyzing the Ending: Explained and Theories
Without delving into spoilers, the ending of Earthquake Bird leaves readers and viewers with lingering questions and a sense of ambiguity.
The movie adaptation alters the novel’s conclusion, providing a different perspective on the story’s events.
This change has led to various theories and interpretations of the ending, with some fans believing that certain aspects of the story may be open to interpretation.
Ultimately, the ending of Earthquake Bird encourages readers and viewers to reflect on the complexities of the story and its characters.
It is a thought-provoking conclusion that invites discussion and debate.
Remakes, Sequels, and Spin-offs: Possibilities and Speculations
As of now, there have been no official announcements regarding remakes, sequels, or spin-offs related to Earthquake Bird.
However, given the novel’s rich and captivating world, it’s not hard to imagine the potential for further exploration of the story and its characters.
Fans of Earthquake Bird may be interested in other works by Susanna Jones, as well as similar books and movies that delve into themes of mystery, suspense, and complex human relationships.
Wash Westmoreland: Other Media and Projects
Wash Westmoreland is a British-American film director and screenwriter known for his work on Earthquake Bird, as well as other notable films such as Still Alice, Colette, and Quinceañera.
Westmoreland’s films often explore themes of identity, relationships, and the human experience.
His unique directorial vision brings a depth and nuance to the stories he tells, making him a compelling filmmaker to keep an eye on.
Similar Media: Books and Movies to Explore
If you enjoyed Earthquake Bird, here are some other books and movies that explore similar themes and may be of interest:
- The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino
- The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
- Confessions by Kanae Minato
- Mulholland Drive (2001) – Directed by David Lynch
- Lost in Translation (2003) – Directed by Sofia Coppola
- The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) – Directed by Anthony Minghella
These books and films offer engaging narratives, complex characters, and suspenseful storylines that fans of Earthquake Bird are likely to enjoy.
Earthquake Bird Book Club Questions and Discussion
For book clubs reading Earthquake Bird, here are some questions and topics for discussion:
- How does the novel portray themes of isolation and cultural dislocation?
- In what ways do the characters’ pasts influence their actions and relationships?
- How does the novel create a sense of tension and suspense throughout the story?
- How does the setting of Tokyo contribute to the novel’s atmosphere and themes?
- What are your thoughts on the ending of the novel, and how does it compare to the movie adaptation?
Earthquake Bird-Inspired Video Games
While there are no official video games based on Earthquake Bird, fans of the novel and movie may be interested in exploring games that capture a similar atmosphere or explore related themes. Titles like Heavy Rain, Life is Strange, and The Vanishing of Ethan Carter offer engaging narratives, rich character development, and immersive worlds that fans of Earthquake Bird may find appealing.
Travel Guide: Visiting the Real-Life Locations of Earthquake Bird
For those interested in visiting the real-life locations featured in Earthquake Bird, consider planning a trip to Tokyo, Japan.
Key locations to explore include Shinjuku, Yoyogi Park, and Shibuya Crossing.
Additionally, venturing outside of Tokyo to explore the picturesque Japanese countryside can provide a deeper appreciation for the novel and movie’s captivating setting.
Conclusion
Earthquake Bird is a mesmerizing story that captivates readers and viewers alike with its complex characters, suspenseful narrative, and haunting atmosphere.
Whether you are a fan of the novel, the movie adaptation, or both, there is much to discover and explore within the world of Earthquake Bird.
