Max Records (right), who gives an impressive performance in his first major role.
Paradoxically, this is primarily achieved through an astute appreciation of childhood, which is something that Disney films generally lack – instead, they tend to portray a patronising, superficial interpretation of how children feel. The minority of films that actually feature children as protagonists usually portray them as ‘cute’, unrealistic characters. In contrast, Where the Wild Things Are has clearly been created by someone who is young enough to remember what it is like to be a child. For those of us that do, the film’s emotional resonance is all the more profound.
Directed by music video extraordinaire Spike Jonze and adapted from a popular picture book by Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are is a brilliant example of how to make a good film with mainstream appeal. Its artistic merits, which are considerable, in no way detract from its accessibility. The slender plot might, admittedly, frustrate those who equate entertainment with action, but viewers with the ability to immerse themselves within a film are likely to be enthralled. Technically, Where the Wild Things Are is superb, with exhilarating cinematography, a refreshingly eccentric score and a couple of excellent performances. But considering that this is, after all, a children’s film, these are peripheral concerns compared to thematic content.
The central premise is a child’s construction of a dream world as a coping mechanism to deal with difficult everyday realities. Some might be taken aback by how subtly violent Max’s imagination can be; however, this authenticity is exactly what should be getting plaudits. Nine-year-olds are capable of feeling angst, loneliness or fury, and anyone who doesn’t acknowledge this fact has forgotten what childhood is actually like. So, why don’t more children’s films portray these emotions? Why is it assumed that kids cannot cope with the portrayal of emotions that they are probably already acutely familiar with? It seems likely that this can be put down to the extremely narrow definition of ‘entertainment’ that informs dominant paradigms behind the creation of media aimed at children.
This is not to say that every child will enjoy this film. Like all of us, they are products of societies in the grip of popular media, and it is possible that some will find Where the Wild Things Are ‘boring’ or too dark. Indeed, it is probably not ideal for those under the age of, say, six or seven. Nevertheless, most older children should enjoy it immensely, while teenagers and adults may well find themselves pleasantly surprised by a children’s movie that is profound, moving and genuinely entertaining. It’s a rare occurrence, but, as this film thoroughly proves, it’s possible.
Directed by Spike Jonze
Starring Max Records, Catherine Keener, James Gandolfini (voice), Paul Dano (voice), Forest Whitaker (voice)
RATING:
★ ★ ★ ★
