Let The Wild Rumpus Start!
Where The Wild Things Are, the beloved classic childrens’ book by Maurice Sendak, opens today as Spike Jonze’s latest film. This much anticipated movie is sure to draw in large audiences, just as the book itself has been doing for more than four decades. Originally published in 1963, the book about a little boy named Max who one night gets to explore a world created by his own wild imagination, was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1964. And despite some early controversy, has been a favorite of children and parents ever since.
Maurice Sendak, now 81, is still working and has given his blessing to the making of the film. And if you happen to have HBO you can catch Spike Jonze’s documentary about him, “Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak,” which airs tonight. Several other well-known artists, who’s other works can be found throughout the library system, where also involved. The screenplay is written by Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers, the original soundtrack is written and performed by Karen O of the indie rock group Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the voices of the monsters in the film are provided by such actors as James Gandolfini, Forest Whitaker, and Catherine O’Hara, and the whole thing is being produced by Tom Hanks. Search the AFPL catalog for other films and books attached to these famous names! Here’s a few suggestions to get you started:
The Wild Things, written by Dave Eggers and based on the film’s screenplay
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, by Dave Eggers
Adaptation, film by Spike Jonze
Being John Malkovich, film by Spike Jonze
Fever to Tell, album by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
It’s Blitz!, album by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Caldecott & Co.: notes on books and pictures, by Maurice Sendak
The Art of Maurice Sendak, by Selma G. Lanes
Making Mischief: a Maurice Sendak Appreciation, by Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked.
For the New York Times review of the film from today, click here.
For a list of showtimes and locations in Atlanta, click here.
Now somebody pass me the popcorn!