Wild Things: From page to screen to page...
A decades-long wild rumpus began in 1963 when one of the most beloved children’s books of all time found its way from library and bookstore shelves into the hands of eager young readers. Although initially met with mixed reviews from critics and parents, Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are appealed to children in a way few books had before or since. Children identified with mischief-prone protagonist Max’s unruly emotions and his fantasy kingdom of Wild Things where he reigned supreme. With its beautifully crafted depictions of family, childhood emotion, and the power of imagination, Sendak’s book remains a favorite among readers of all ages.
Inspired by his love for the book and his friendship with Sendak, filmmaker Spike Jonze turned the ten-sentence picture book into full-length feature film in 2009. It took five years for the screenplay, written by Jonze and author Dave Eggers, to transition from page to screen, and the journey is documented in the book, Heads On and We Shoot: the making of the Where the Wild Things Are. The book captivates readers with striking behind-the-scenes photos, cast and crew interviews, and an inside look at how a combination of puppetry, voice actors, and computer animation brought the Wild Things to life.
As the film developed, Jonze and Eggers collaborated closely with Sendak, who eventually suggested that Eggers turn the screenplay into a novel. In 200+ pages, Eggers’ book, The Wild Things, builds upon both the original picture book and the screenplay to embellish Max’s experiences in the real world and in his Wild Thing kingdom. Eggers develops Max’s complex relationships with his family and deepens the Wild Things’ individual personalities as they interact with Max on their wild island. The novel is a perfect companion piece for readers who want the rumpus to live on.
In celebration of Maurice Sendak: The Memorial Exhibition, Milwaukee Public Library will offer a screening and discussion of Jonze’s film, Where the Wild Things Are, on Saturday, August 15th at 1:30 p.m. in Central Library’s Centennial Hall.