The Creature Feature

The Creature Feature

Well it’s been sometime since I blogged last, but with two recent films both on totally different spectrums with regards to special effects I can put it off no longer. Of course I’m talking about Avatar, which I mentioned held the future of 3D SFX in the very capable hands of James Cameron but with the recent release* of Spike Jonze’s “Where the Wild Are” I had to reopen the questions I asked in my last blog.

Is 3D keeping cinema alive or is it just crap?

In Japan, we unfortunately have to wait up to 6 months longer for films to be released in cinemas. This is in part thanks to everything being dubbed, especially children’s films. So it’s incredibly difficult to resist downloading these films instead of watching them on the big screen; however some films deserve to be seen the way they were intended to be seen. ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ is definitely one of those. So here goes, my first ever film review…

Honestly I haven’t read the original book by Maurice Sendak or I can’t remember reading it; but I do remember the creature design, they are classic images that epitomise youthful imagination (something I wish I still had more of) so when I heard that there was going to be a feature length version of the book I was skeptical. With Hollywood’s recent history of favouring modern creature design over more classic latex and fur I was expecting a Disney Pixar-esque cute and cuddly affair with little to nothing allowing it to stand out. ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ is far from that, the creature design stands out from so many 3D films that it seems fresh and original even though the technology is over thirty years old. Casey Storm, the costume designer deserves an Oscar for this film simply because you won’t see anything like it again for who knows how long? Breathtaking.



Spike Jonze hasn’t had many forays into feature length productions and while ‘Being John Malkovich’ is a cult favourite it has the “choppy story” moments that further reminded you that Jonze was essentially a very good music video director. In fact in my own stupidity (and maybe I shouldn’t admit this) I mistakenly thought that; ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ was being directed by Spike Lee. Yes, that is embarrassingly stupid but I can be forgiven, as Jonze hasn’t directed a full-length film in almost 10 years; but after seeing his latest and finest work I am a firm believer that he should take the jump into full time feature direction. He has managed to create a beautiful children’s book into one the most immersive films I’ve seen in a long time. From Max (Max Records) who gives a fantastic performance as a lonely, isolated but imaginative little boy to managing to get moments of genuine anxiety and fear from what is a beautiful story of friendship and camaraderie. I am already looking forward to his next film ‘I’m Here’.

So obviously coming to the story it really is very simple, Max falls out with his mum over frozen peas and while running away from home discovers his own land of deserts, forests and beautiful beaches. In this imaginary land he creates live the Wild Things; huge creatures ranging from Buffaloes and goats to truly part bear part chicken beasts. These creatures come close to eating poor Max until he proclaims himself as a King (luckily they are looking for one) and in his own unique 10 year old way leads the creatures into building a mighty fortress. 



In the original story Max and The Wild Things don’t have such a strong relationship and his interaction with them in the film goes much further. Carol (James Gandolfini), the most ferocious of the Wild Things grows quite attached to Max and they share a special bond that eventually causes friction with the other creatures. Carol is also in love with KW (Lauren Ambrose) who takes on the role of Max’s sister.

The voice cast do excellent jobs throughout with Judith (Catherine O’hara) and Ira (Forrest Whitaker) also adding great character to what were originally voiceless monsters in the book.

Finally, but definitely not least is the fantastic cinematography throughout. Because the creatures are not 3D and are fully realized the image doesn’t look strange at any point. They cast real shadows, interact with their surroundings and just add to the beautiful overall look of the film.

I thoroughly recommend ‘Where the Wild Things Are’, you’ll be taken on a journey that will remind you how it felt to be a child; the highs and the lows, the epic triumphs and awful falls. This is film making at it’s most creative and in my opinion it’s best. A modern classic.