Film Review: Where The Wild Things Are

Director Spike Jonze Brings Maurice Sendak’s Book to the Big Screen

Oct 16, 2009

Director Jonze and his co-writer Dave Eggers teamed up with the author of the classic picture book to recreate Max's adventure-fantasy, and his beastly friends, on film.

The story, Where The Wild Things Are, centers on a vulnerable young boy, who copes with strong and frightening emotions by creating a whimsical world inhabited by ferocious creatures.

The film version has a heavy melancholic mood, which is accentuated both by the musical score by Karen O and Carter Burwell and desolate landscape of the film’s Australian setting. Therefore, it’s more successful as an emotional film than an action movie. However, it was the intention of the filmmakers to accomplish both cinematic experiences.

Max Records excels as the rambunctious and sensitive “Max”, with his pensive expressions and roaring bursts of rage. However, his released, untamed fury seems more like boyish horseplay; again, thanks to the film’s dulling gloominess.

If The Wolf Suit Fits…

Max (Max Records) is a lonely little boy, desperate for his family’s attention. His divorced mother (Catherine Keener) is overwhelmed by her responsibilities, and his teenaged sister would rather hang out with her friends.

One evening, his mom’s boyfriend (Mark Ruffalo) is over the house for dinner. An upset Max reacts by putting on his be-whisked wolf costume, and storming around the home. A temper tantrum ensues, and Max races outside, and into the nearby wooded area.

The angry boy finds a small sailboat on the shore of the woods' lake, which he uses to escape away from his present emotional crisis. After a sea-like journey, Max spots glowing fires atop a ruggedly-terrained island, and sets ashore.

The King of Terrible Creatures

On the island, Max befriends the ginormous and strange creatures, who live in circular, bird nest-like huts. The young boy eagerly joins them in their wild demonstrations of impulsive behavior.

Wanting for once to feel in control, Max convinces the terrible beasts to make him their king. The newly crowned royal finds his promise to bring happiness to the kingdom doesn’t come so easily.

Shot as live action with special costumes, the Wild Things' personalities are fully emotionally realized. This is thanks to the talented voice performances, such as James Gandolfini as "Carol" and Catherine O'Hara as "Judith", as well as the combined magic from The Jim Henson Company and CGI effects.

The Cast and Crew of Where The Wild Things Are

Where The Wild Things Are stars Max Records, Catherine Keener and Mark Ruffalo; plus, featuring the voices of James Gandolfini Chris Cooper, Lauren Ambrose, Catherine O'Hara, Forest Whitaker and Paul Dano as the “Wild Things”.

Directed by Spike Jonze. Screenplay written by first-time scriptwriters, Spike Jonze and novelist Dave Eggers; based on the award-winning children’s picture book, “Where The Wild Things Are”, by Maurice Sendak. Cinematography by Lance Acord. Edited by Eric Zumbrunnen. Production design by K.K. Barrett. Costume design by Casey Storm. Music composed by Karen O and Carter Burwell.

Produced by Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, John B. Carls, Vincent Landay and Maurice Sendak. Executive producers are Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni and Bruce Berman. U.S. release by Warner Brothers Pictures in conventional theatres as well as "Where the Wild Things Are: The IMAX Experience" in IMAX® theatres.

(Rated: PG; for mild thematic elements, some adventure action and brief language.)

The copyright of the article Film Review: Where The Wild Things Are in Fantasy Films is owned by Denise Castillón. Permission to republish Film Review: Where The Wild Things Are in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.