This weekend, set your iPod to repeat one song over and over: “Wake Up” by Arcade Fire. It became the anthem for the film “Where the Wild Things Are” when the trailer premiered earlier this year, with lyrics that resonate a touching story, and images that play like a music video. It fits right into the tradition of songs that become recognizable through a film. “Eternal Sunshine for the Spotless Mind” had “Mr. Blue Sky” by ELO, and “Watchmen” had Smashing Pumpkin’s “The Beginning is the End is the Beginning.” I know I will be playing the song over an over to get in the spirit to see one of my most anticipated films of the year.
Based on the popular children’s book by Maurice Sendak “Where the Wild Things Are” is extended way beyond the 48 illustrated pages. Director and co-writer Spike Jonze adapted the work with the help of Dave Egger’s. This will only be Jonze’s third feature film, but if there is any indication from his others (“Adaptation” and “Being John Malkovich”) this film could be up for awards come next year. His style as seen through the trailer, perfectly captures the perspective of a ten-year old, using low angles and a feel of innocent wonder.
If the camera doesn’t capture that mood, then I can assure you that the soundtrack does. The complete album is available for streaming on Myspace, so I decided to listen to it while doing homework one night. It features children singing indie music with light tempos yet sometimes darker tones.
The darker tones will not be constrained to the soundtrack. The film has been in limbo for quite a while because of its tone. Originally scheduled to release in May of 2008, Warner Brothers pushed the release to October 2008 and then to this weekend. The main reason for delay: the studio thought the film was way too dark and not family friendly enough. They wanted the whole thing re-shot, but Jonze managed to recut it and please the studio. Point is, don’t expect the most light-hearted of stories.
The shining aspect in the film seems to be Max Records, the actor who plays the child Max. Earlier this year he was in “The Brothers Bloom” as the young Mark Ruffalo, and in his 10 minutes in the film, he shined. He has the charisma to carry a film, yet the innocence to be completely believable as an every-child. This is his first starring role, but he seems to be one of those kids who can last a long time without fading into oblivion.
If you have never read the book, which is a shame, it is about Max being sent to his room without dinner and envisioning himself into his own kingdom, full of monsters, adventure, and danger. As for the film, Jonze inserted backstory into the parent-child relationship, and also more plotline with the wild things.
The wild things are wondrous creatures to look at. Because Jonze opted to use actual actors in suits, rather than animated characters, everything seems much more realistic. The suits are enhanced digitally, but the Jim Henson Company designed some stellar looking monsters. They were so thoroughly designed that the heads weighed too much for actors, so they had to strip out moving eyes and other expressive mechanics, to cut weight down. Actor’s still toughed it out and wore the suits, although they got many more breaks than stuntmen who wore the suits. That’s dedication to craft.
Finally I have to mention the supporting cast and monsters themselves. This is one all-star lineup; to name a few: Chris Cooper, James Gandolfini, Paul Dano, Mark Ruffalo , Catherine Keener , and Forest Whitaker . They have numerous awards and nominations between them, and hopefully they can garner more from this film.
Return to the nostalgia of childhood, much in a way the “Toy Story” did a few weeks ago, this time with a completely fresh retelling. “Where the Wild Things Are” looks to be one of the best films of the year and an inspiring and moving tale for the child within all of us.
‘Where The Wild Things Are’ Videos
Where the Wild Things Are – Featurette Where the Wild Things Are Illustrator and Author Maurice Sendak talks about his book, and how he feels writer/director Spike Jonze has enhanced it for a new generation.
Where the Wild Things Are Clip – You better run! Max (Max Records) has a dirt fight with the wild things in Warner Bros. Pictures’, Legendary Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ adventure film WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE.
Where the Wild Things Are Clip – I’m an explorer Max (Max Records) has a deep conversation with KW (voiced by Lauren Ambrose) in Warner Bros. Pictures’, Legendary Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ adventure film WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE.
Where the Wild Things Are Clip – This is our family Carol (voiced by James Gandolfini) introduces Max (Max Records) to the rest of his family in Warner Bros. Pictures’, Legendary Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ adventure film WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE.
Where the Wild Things Are Clip – I don’t even know what comes after dust Carol (voiced by James Gandolfini) shows Max (Max Records) around his kingdom in Warner Bros. Pictures’, Legendary Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ adventure film WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE.
Where the Wild Things Are Clip – Weird little thing Max (Max Records) is first introduced to Carol (voiced by James Gandolfini) in Warner Bros. Pictures’, Legendary Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ adventure film WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE.
Where the Wild Things Are – Trailer Directed by Spike Jonze (Adaptation,Being John Malkovich), Where the Wild Things Are stars: Max Records, Catherine Keener and Mark Ruffalo.
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