October 16, 2009

A Wild Movie

TFK Kid Reporter Andrew Ravaschiere attends the red-carpet premiere of Where the Wild Things Are

By TFK Kid Reporter Andrew Ravaschiere

Almost 50 years ago, in nine short sentences, author and illustrator Maurice Sendack captivated readers with his picture book Where the Wild Things Are. He created a magical world in which a mischievous boy is sent to his room, conquers a land of monsters and returns to a home that welcomes him. Now, director Spike Jonze has undertaken the difficult task of expanding this beloved classic into a full-length, feature film. It opens in theaters nationwide on October 16.

BRENDA IASEVOLI FOR TIME FOR KIDS TFK Kid Reporter Andrew Ravaschiere chats with Tom Hanks on the red carpet.

At the recent red-carpet preview, the actor Tom Hanks, who is one of the film's producers, told TFK, "I called Maurice Sendak about twelve years ago and said, 'Look, I'm a big fan of your book, and if you ever want to make it into a movie, let us help you.'"

What's the Story?

The basic story line in the book and the film are the same: Max, wearing a wolf costume, is banished to his room without dinner by his mother. Newcomer Max Records plays Max in the film. He revealed that, like the story's hero, he too, has been sent to his room. As Records told TFK, "Who hasn't?"

In both the book and movie, Max travels to a faraway island where monsters, the wild things, are. Although he has no power at home, he gains control over these creatures and is named the "King of All Wild Things." On the island, Max can order the wild things around. But in both the book and movie, Max's power is not secure.

Sendak said that his inspiration for the monsters was his own overbearing relatives who would coo fiercely over him and say, "You're so cute, I could eat you up!"

Making Music

Director Spike Jonze worked with co-screenwriter David Eggers, along with Sendak, Hanks and a crew of animators, artists and puppeteers from Jim Henson studios to make the film.

Composer Karen O told TFK that as a kid she was "obsessed with the book." She helped to bring Where the Wild Things Are to life with her music. "I'd start a song by humming something," she says. "It was like a really easy, improvised jam-fest with a bunch of rock musicians playing really sweet music that they wouldn't normally play." The results are spectacular, with music that can be melodic, rocking or dramatic.

While the movie, Where the Wild Things Are, is a fantasy, Max's feelings of anger and fear feel true to life. Be warned: There is some violence in the film, such as hitting and stomping. But, Where the Wild Things Are is a movie you must see. "Kids will love the movie," says Max Records. "It is awesome."

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