There is something "wild" going on in theaters this week... Perhaps you've noticed? The award winning children's book Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, has been adapted for the big screen and opened nationwide last weekend. For librarians and booklovers, Sendak's Where The Wild Things Are is a childhood classic. But would it make it as a feature film? I've been waiting in anticipation...As luck would have it, this librarian had the exciting opportunity to attend a private screening of the movie in New York City last week. Director Spike Jonze, screenwriter and author Dave Eggers, cast members Max Records (who plays Max), Catherine Keener, and comedian John Hodgeman were all there. Fellow children's librarian (from the Huntington Public Library), Laura and I, were "wild" with excitment as we got to participate in a Q & A and had the chance to meet these creative and talented people in person. It was a star studded event!
The movie version of Where The Wild Things Are did not disappoint. It was as visually spectacular and as emotionally rich as the book. Many recent reviews have suggested that the movie might not be appropriate for kids due to it's scary and dark undertone. The irony is that many reviewers felt the same way about the book when it was released in 1963, yet here it is, a long time favorite. I will say this...this movie is not fluff. It is deeply moving and wild with adventure. Mischievious Max is a real kid who expresses real feelings. But rest assured, like his written counterpart, Max eventually comes home again.
Posted by Nadine
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