Maurice Sendak’s classic tale, Where the Wild Things Are, is not only being released to the big screen October 16th, there is also a novelization based on the screenplay written by Dave Eggers and Spike Jonze due to be released on October 1st. Mr. Eggers has stated that his 300 page book is somewhat derived from the original tale while taking a deeper, darker look at Max and the Wild Things. Amazon has the following description:
The Wild Things — based loosely on the storybook by Maurice Sendak and the screenplay cowritten with Spike Jonze — is about the confusions of a boy, Max, making his way in a world he can’t control. His father is gone, his mother is spending time with a younger boyfriend, his sister is becoming a teenager and no longer has interest in him. At the same time, Max finds himself capable of startling acts of wildness: he wears a wolf suit, bites his mom, and can’t always control his outbursts. During a fight at home, Max flees and runs away into the woods. He finds a boat there, jumps in, and ends up on the open sea, destination unknown. He lands on the island of the Wild Things, and soon he becomes their king. But things get complicated when Max realizes that the Wild Things want as much from him as he wants from them. Funny, dark, and alive, The Wild Things is a timeless and time-tested tale for all ages.
I am very interested in taking a gander at Mr. Eggers interpretation of the story. Hopefully, readers will not walk away feeling that some things are better left as is and I hope those that pick up this version will also embark on Max’s original journey with the Wild Things.
Now, do you see the book cover above? That is not the only choice you will have if you decide to spend some duckets. There will also be a furry version which should raise some eyebrows at the local coffee shop.
The New Yorker has actually published the first chapter of Mr. Eggers adaptation along with an interview with Mr. Eggers.
As I am sure most everyone has seen the trailer and I have to say, I am excited. I am hopeful the movie honors the original work and it may be possible since Mr. Sendak was a fixture on set and has given his approval to the final product calling it gorgeous a controversial. Here is a short video featuring Mr. Sendak with appearances by the directors:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3idqJVVYwA&hl=en&fs=1&]
I am so excited for this movie! I didn’t know there was a novel coming out as well. It’s interesting that a full feature film and a 300-page novel can be derived from a book that was, what, 10 sentences long?
The furry version of the book reminds me of one of the text books in Harry Potter – the one that was furry and attacked the students!
I forgot about the HP book!!! I too am wondering how this will all turn out, especially the book.