Remember the time when your art teacher gave you a blank sheet and asked you to doodle whatever you felt like ? Well, Spike Jonze has done something similar with WTWTA.
Where The Wild Things Are
U/A; Drama
Dir: Spike Jonze
Cast: Catherine Keener, Max Records, Mark Ruffalo, Lauren Ambrose, James Gandolfini, Catherine O'Hara, and Forrest Whitaker, Chris Cooperu00a0
***1/2
What's it about: Remember the time when your art teacher gave you a blank sheet and asked you to doodle whatever you felt like ? Well, Spike Jonze has done something similar with WTWTA. Creating an imaginary world full of enchantment and bewilderness, he tells a simple story of a boy who escapes the dark reality of his dysfunctional family and travels in a makeshift boat to an island full of weird-looking hairy creatures.
u00a0
Based on Maurice Sendak's book of the same name, the film has Max (Records) spend time with the cuddly creatures Ira (Forrest), Carol (Gandolfini), Judith (O'Hara), Douglas (Cooper) and Alexander (Paul Dano).
u00a0
Proclaiming himself the King, he soon entrusts them with the mammoth task of building a fort and an imperishable kingdom.
Things however do not go as planned as reality bites Max who returns back home after having an adventure of a lifetime.
What's hot: This isn't a children's film and the teasers or posters shouldn't deceive you. Despite it's childlike traits and characters, the subject matter here is quite serious. Dealing with issues like depression, family issues and suicide, Jonze has a series of undercurrents of various emotions running beneath the surface of what you see. Rich in colour and vivid in landscape, the film has been beautifully captured in contrasting natural surroundings (forests, deserts, oceans).
u00a0
The talented ensemble bring life to these SFX muppets who seem tangible and life like in most parts. Max has a certain vulnerability that isn't yet spoilt by Hollywood's studios. He plays his part seamlessly, bringing alive the child in each and every one of us.
The background score gives the film an impetus that takes it to another level. Hauntingly melodic the voices and instruments weave a magical charm on you. Jonze is a genius when it comes to creating an alternate world that doesn't justify or explain its setting.
What's not: It's lengthy. There are portions that drag. After Max meets the wild things and becomes one of them, the novelty soon wears off. Also the main subtext is simple a child questioning the adult world. Making an entire movie based on that idea is far-fetched. You need to be patient and let yourself follow Jonze's vision without questioning his motive. There is a constant air of gloom and despair in the proceedings.
ADVERTISEMENT
What to do: Visually, a winner with an amazing soundtrack, the film is a feast for anyone who appreciates art.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
