Interview With Wild Things’ Director Spike Jonze

Spike Jonze’s Where The Wild Things Are hits cinemas in Australia, 3 December 2009.

Like many people—dare I say most people?—one of my favourite books as a child was Maurice Sendak’s Where The Wild Things Are. And, like most people, I would hate to see it cheapened by Hollywood trying to make it into some sort of blockbuster action-comedy-love story. Such a powerful, extraordinary book would need an exceptional filmmaker who would put Sendak’s stunning imagery and timeless story ahead of box office returns.

Apparently, Sendak himself felt he found such a filmmaker in Spike Jonze, whose big screen rendition is set to open in theatres next month.  Jonze is very aware of the responsibility that goes with making a book like this into a movie.  He’s loved the book since he was a child and says the book is a part of who he is.  “When you love something from that age,” he explains, “you end up loving it really deeply because the images are there way down inside you. As you’ve grown, you’ve grown around them and they’ve just gotten deeper into you.” Totally.

If you’re curious about his take on the movie or what it took to make it, check out this interview at the Vice Magazine website.  I have to say that after reading this interview, I’m optimistic about the film. So who wants to go see it with me?

Image: Amazon