Where the Wild Things Are Movie Review

If you were like me, after having caught wind of a movie being made after one of the most beloved children's books, I'm sure there was an amount of intrigue for its premier and a slight skepticism on how a feature film could sustain a storyline from a simple picture book. It could have gone one or two ways: a light-hearted family film of a young boy learning his lesson, the end. Or a slightly different interpretation that probes carefully at the human psychology thus causing a reflective lesson in itself. And while this film presents many of humorous and endearing scenes fit for the young hearted, I consider ourselves lucky to have its rudimentary cinematic objective the latter execution.

Based on children's picture book by Maurice Sendak and directed by Spike Jonze (surprisingly the director of the notorious MTV Jackass movies), this film- released on October 16, 2009- delves into very nuanced psychological realms that are paradoxical to the typical optimistic and clear cut plot lines of children's films and literature. Director Jonze admitted to have made this movie with the adult audience in mind as opposed to the children audience, and his specific target is easily acknowledged.

There are so many things that could go unnoticed by a child; notions that are highly reflective of the post-modern world that comes into cognition after maturation: loneliness, rage, no hope of control of the outer environment, no God (or in the words of this movie a "king") and the silence of a voice that just wants to be heard. I can honestly say that there were several times where the emotional burden conveyed through Max (played by Max Records) and his monster friends seemed unusually heavy, and while they were dealing with very real and raw emotions with no clear cut solution, its conclusion left me feeling some degree of comfort. For an hour and a half long film, each scene seems to provide a weighty purposefulness that leaves you with your fill of poignancy.

The mere settings of this movie are something to be impressed by. Filmed in Australia, the movie presents milieus of a huge sand desert, woody forests, winding rocky tunnels, and serene sea shores. And despite the movie's over all neural tone of color, I can recall several striking screen shots that were simply breathtaking.

The acting was a delight. Actor Max Records embodied the perfect young protagonist of the story. In the picture book, I recall the young boy because very impish and not a likely recipient of my sympathy. However, in this movie there is a huge depth to his character that brings forth a sense of pathos from the viewer. And surprisingly enough, the scenes that had me choking back some tears were delivered by the half puppet, half CG animated monsters (Lauren Ambrose, Chris Cooper, James Gandolfini, Catherine O'Hara, Paul Dano, and Forest Whitaker are the list of actors who lent their voice to these characters).

But I must say, the most impressive thing about this film is the outstanding interpretive execution. There are constant motifs of loneliness coupled with the motif of a regressive state of comfort. One is able to realize the pieces of Max's personality in his monster friends on the island. In the beginning of the film, Max is threatened by the possibility of his mother getting into a new relationship and as a result raises hell at their very own kitchen table. Similarly, in Max's first encounter with Carol, he witnesses this monster going on a demolition rampage of his friends' homes because the threat of them drifting apart poses before them.

Carol represents Max's urgent desire for certainty and control as well as his destructive nature when the slightest indication of uncertainty rears its head. Furthermore, Max's isolation is reflected by K.W, his defensive and judgmental side reflected by Judith, his unheard opinion reflected by Alexander, and his meek longing for comfort and contentment reflected from Ira. And while the viewer recognizes these sharp similarities, this film presents a humble coming-of-age story for Max as he slowly comes to grips with these attributes himself.

This article is not to discourage you from bringing your children to watch this movie. Children will undoubtedly adore the endearing characters of the monsters as well as their fun, realistic CG animated appearance. Children will enjoy the playful scenes of King Max and his monster followers running through the forest kingdom and partaking in teamed sports. Children will love the quaint humor of the dialogue and scenes. However, don't think that this movie is below you- there are plenty of things for you to appreciate as well!

Credit:

imdb.com - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386117/
wherethewildthingsare.warnerbros.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Where_the_Wild_Things_Are_(film)