Where the Wild Things Are is the film based on everyone’s favourite childhood book written by Maurice Sendak’s classic book of the same name, in this version it is director Spike Jonze who brings the short but charming children's story to life. The story revolves around a boy called Max (Records – a real future find) a lonely, stubborn boy with a bug imagination.
One day after a game he is playing goes wrong he runs away – in his imagination as well as physically, he sails over the sea and lands on an island – where the Wild Things live. Max joins in the Wild Things wild rumpus and is declared King.
Where the Wild Things Are is a strangely haunting and atmospheric, this is not a children's film despite its source material. The film has no flashy effects – yes the effects are there in nearly every scene but on screen but they are so subtle you actually believe the Wild Things exist. As for the Wild Things they are beautifully realised – everything you can remember from the book but here in Jonze’s world they are given personalities, neurosis and worries. Actually Max gives them these parts of his personality, it is more than strange though watching a huge monster talk about insecurities rather than roaring and just fighting. As Max is verging on adolescence he and the Wild Things cling onto what they know.
Its not for kids, and its not for people who want high action and fast paced films, it is though visually beautiful, touching and thought provoking – and I never thought I would write that about a film that contains a giant goat!
Director: Spike Jonze
Cast:
Max Records – Max
James Gandolfini – Carol (voice only)
Paul Dano – Alexander (voice only)
Catherine O’Hara – Judith (voice only)
Forrest Whitaker – Ira (voice)
For the official website click here
Coming Next - Harry Brown starring Michael Caine
Posts
