O Masterpiece
X Excellent
O Good
O OK
O Mediocre
O Avoid
Review by Jason Pyles / October 16, 2009
Writer-director Spike Jonze has somehow taken the abstract concept of childhood and remarkably projected it onto the silver screen. His new film, “Where the Wild Things Are,” is based on the much loved, 1963 book of the same name, by Maurice Sendak.
Though it will be unpopular, I must note that Sendak’s book is another overrated, under-plotted children’s book, much like “Goodnight Moon,” whose affection among adults likely comes from nostalgia rather than literary impact.
In other words, there’s not much story in the book’s 40-some pages to adapt into a feature-length film. But Jonze and his co-writer, Dave Eggers, have provided an example of a filmic adaption that’s still successful, despite having scarce source material.
As in the book, an unruly kid named Max (Max Records) misbehaves wildly before dinner, which incites a conflict with his mother (Catherine Keener). Max is scolded — and in his estimation — banished. His feelings of alienation lead the feral, wolf-suited boy on an adventure where he sojourns in another land, a place where he fits in, where the wild things are.
It is on this undomesticated island that the film’s magic happens. The characters of Max’s new world are patterned after his everyday relationships, much like “The Wizard of Oz,” where Dorothy’s acquaintances, friend or foe, have counterparts back in Kansas.
These thematic parallels of Max’s life are surprisingly poignant. The film is skillfully subtle in the way it represents the boy’s psyche through the circumstances of his wild kingdom, repeatedly calling to mind the introductory plot line that preceded them. This exceptional storytelling technique imitates the manner in which aspects of our lives sometimes show up in our dreams.
Though “Where the Wild Things Are” is rated PG and is considered a family movie, it’s probably not suitable for young children. My fatherly recommendation would be for ages 8 and up, depending on the child. This film is not always warm and cuddly; in fact, it has violent, menacing sequences and portrays a child with serious behavioral problems.
Perhaps most notably, “Where the Wild Things Are” has a bizarre and affecting undercurrent that I can only describe as a longing, melancholy ache that left me with a remnant of sadness. Maybe what stayed with me was the film’s uncanny ability to peer into the minds of children, illustrating their fears, vulnerability and need for validation.
Directed by Spike Jonze
Max Records / James Gandolfini / Catherine Keener
Fantasy 101 min.
MPAA: PG (for mild thematic elements, some adventure action and brief language)
2 comments:
it's interesting how polarizing this movie is, some people say WTWTA is the best movie of the year while others say it's the worst; i tend to lean toward the latter opinion just because it didn't really have a plot
Samantha K,
Yes, the primary story arc of this film is as bare-bones as it gets: boy misbehaves, gets in trouble, then whisks himself away to an imaginary place where he subconsciously confronts some of his emotions through the parallelism of his conjured characters. So yes, I’d agree that the film’s premise is thin — and the book’s, even thinner.
But as for the meandering second act that transpires on the island (which takes up the majority of the movie and is, I assume, what you’re referring to), I believe Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers intentionally wrote it to be aimless in order to reflect the wandering imagination of a child. To me Max’s nonsensical notions and illogical plans capture a child at play. I think the film’s ability to portray such a phenomenon through its “plotlessness” is precisely what makes it great.
Thanks for your comment.
Jason
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