After a gestation period longer than several female whales, we’re finally closing in on the UK release of Where the Wild Things Are.
Based on the ‘children’s’ book by Maurice Sendak, the film has been a labour of love for director Spike Jonze. Telling the story of one boy’s adventure and an imaginary world of wild monsters, the story has sold nearly 20 million copies worldwide. Despite having Sendak’s own illustrations as a guide, there is always a danger in creating a film that so many people picture in different ways.
From the look of the trailer, Jonze has worked wonders. The beautifully realised creatures look funny and a little bit scary but most of all empathetic. They remind me - and this is being said as a massive compliment - of the Gorgs - the wonderful creatures who lived above ground in Fraggle Rock. Jim Henson was always the master of humanising his creations. If we cannot suspend our disbelief, the story has no chance.
For a time it seemed Spike Jonze could do no wrong. From nearly stealing Three Kings from Clooney and Wahlberg to his fabulously inventive music videos for Fatboy Slim’s Praise You and Weapon of Choice. Everybody wanted to work with him. And he married into Sophia Coppola!
Two astonishing collaborations with writer Charlie Kaufman followed – Being John Malkovich and Adaptation. Since then though, he has virtually disappeared off the radar. Rumours of creative problems on the set of Where the Wild Things Are set leaked but very little else. If the film bombs, it may permanently damage Jonze’s reputation.
Sometimes when a director talks about a story they’ve wanted to adapt for years, it comes out as boring and self indulgent. On other days it becomes The Lord of The Rings trilogy. Let’s hope Spike has come down on the right side and created a wonderful film for adults and children alike.
The film also features an enrapturing soundtrack from the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Karen O and a chorus of children. Not at all typical but then nothing about this film is. Sometimes in movies you have to take a punt.
Where the Wild Things Are is release on 11 December.
