FRIDAY FILM TALK

I was fortunate enough to catch the midnight showing of Spike Jonze’s film adaptation of Where The Wild Things Are last night. It is the best film I’ve seen thus far this year. I’ve seen some mixed reviews, and I’m certain some of those who are particularly attached to Maurice Sendak’s book won’t be completely thrilled. But for a fan of quality cinema and thematic depth, this is a must see movie.

Without throwing out any SPOILERS [which (SPOILER ALERT!) I’ve been reamed for already concerning Bill Murray’s cameo in ZombieLand], this film was visually stunning, riddled with dreamscape set design and incredible cinematography. It makes giant budget flicks like “Spiderman 3” and “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” look like heartless, soulless, visual adolescents. In an age seemingly reliant on multi-million dollar superstar actors recreated in post production with green-screened CGI to top the box offices, I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to see Wild Things in a jam packed opening night theater.

The film is also supported by an enchanting and emotive score by Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeah’s); a soundtrack I’m planning on picking up today in the local San Diego shopping mall down the street. If they have a record store there anymore, that is. If not I guess I can iTunes it.

However, I was a little surprised how melancholy and downright sad the film made me at some points. The emotional depth is something I wasn’t really prepared for. I also think this film is NOT for children 10 and under. A small child around 5 was sitting in my row and was seriously upset numerous times by either frightening imagery or dialogue, at one point towards the end of the film crying hysterically yelling out “You’re mean!” at the screen. And understandably so. I wouldn’t go as far as to say Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers’ screenplay portrays the death of childhood innocence, but it certainly touches on subjects concerning both the end of innocence and the eternal nature of it at the same time. It really is quite beautiful. It is sure to reignite some childishness in some of us jaded adults, whom I think will benefit most from seeing the movie.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE is all that is beautiful and tragic about growing up.

I’d highly recommend seeing it this weekend, and I’d love to hear your thoughts about the film afterwards in the comments.