FORM IN ACTION: Where the Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are (Spike Jonze, 2009) builds on audience familiarity with Maurice Sendak’s classic picture book and curiosity about its adaptation to a feature-length film. In this clip Max has journeyed to the land of the wild things and found that he hasn’t escaped the challenges of everyday life.

Video Player is loading.

Current Time 0:00

Duration 0:00

Loaded: 0%

Stream Type LIVE

Remaining Time 0:00

Download the transcript (Opens in new window)

Discussion Questions

After watching this clip from Where the Wild Things Are, consider the questions below. Then submit your response.

Question 1.

What themes are present in the clip? What does the scene say about Jonze’s interpretation of the book? What pictorial choices characterize this adaptation and establish its mood and point of view?

Question 2.

Watch "trailer 1" for Where the Wild Things Are on IMDb or iTunes (http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/wb/wherethewildthingsare/). How does the trailer use music to give it continuity and to indicate the film’s sensibility? Does the trailer seem aimed at a child audience? Watch "trailer 2." How is the child’s perspective highlighted in this trailer? Does the trailer portray the land of the wild things as preferable to life at home?

FORM IN ACTION: Where the Wild Things Are

Instructions

Video

Discussion Questions

Question 1.

Question 2.