In a recent Newsweek interview, Maurice Sendak was asked what he would say to concerned parents who feel the new film adapted from his children’s book “Where the Wild Things Are” may be too scary for children.
“I would tell them to go to hell. That’s a question I will not tolerate,” Sendak said. “If they can't handle it, go home. Or wet your pants. Do whatever you like. But it’s not a question that can be answered.”
And this is one major reason why “Where The Wild Things Are” is a fantastic film, wet pants or no. If you do see it, please, bring as many easily-frightened small children as you can along with you.
The film is scary. Really. Freaking. Scary. For those who aren’t familiar with the story, it follows the adventure of a young boy who runs away from home after a particularly terrible tantrum and finds himself (after a very long boat ride) in a land full of giant monsters who enjoy being just as terrible as him.
In one particular scene, Max, the bratty kid in the wolf suit, is being chased by Carol (main Wild Thing, voiced by James Gandolfini) whom he has recently pissed off quite a bit. Carol has a psychological meltdown that can’t be fixed unless he devours Max whole.
What follows is a whole lot of close ups of gnashing teeth and claws all cut together with scenes of Max running the hell away for his life. Add some shaky camera and a dark color palette and you’ve got yourself a nightmare, kid or adult.
“Where The Wild Things Are” is probably the most beautiful thing you are going to see all year. Director Spike Jonze does the source material justice, translating the children’s book into a surreal living and breathing world. The subtly muted colors of the trees. The hyper-realistic way the Wild Things are portrayed, all fuzz and horns and teeth. The intensely bright yellow sand dunes and the sky blue skies that inhabit the other side of Max’s imaginary kingdom.
Jonze makes it all look so real that it flips over and becomes distinctly unreal. Karen O of The Yeah Yeah Yeahs lends her musical talent to the soundtrack, which is littered with a healthy mix of O’s primal yells and children’s choirs. You’d be surprised what a well-placed Karen O roar can do to heighten the mood of the moment.
Somehow, the film manages to remain remarkably true to the tiny 48-page book it was based on. Dave Eggers, well known novelist-turned-screenwriter, should be credited for pulling it off while also adding his own flair. The Wild Things in the film don’t simply roar all the time. They talk—and the way they talk is like a bunch of nondescript average 30-somethings.
While this may seem odd, it works in a strange way by disarming the audience. KW—one of the standout Wild Things in the film (voiced by Lauren Ambrose)—talks like someone’s hippie mom who never fully left the ’70s. Alexander, the smaller goat-looking Wild Thing is transformed into an insecure neurotic wreck by voice actor Paul Dano. “Is anybody listening to me?” is his warbled refrain throughout the film.
Max Records, the child actor who portrays Max in the film, is wonderful because he doesn’t act at all. He’s just a kid. When he cries, he drools all over himself and his mouth hangs open limply. He giggles from his gut when he gets knocked down. And he’s a little lying jerk, too, just like you were when you were a kid. And you love him for it.
So please, don’t be put off by its quirky vibes. Don’t get jaded by Urban Outfitters’ ridiculous and out-of-hand marketing. Go see this movie, because despite whatever preconceived notions you have about it being weird or overhyped or what have you, it’s just a plain good movie.
Be warned though, this film’s ending will make you really want to hug your mom, something that may be hard to do when you are all the way at college.
Kelton can be contacted at ksears@su-spectator.com
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