Interview: Forest Whitaker, Catherine O'Hara & Lauren Ambrose (Where the Wild Things Are)
Where the Wild Things Are is based on Maurice Sendak's 1963 best-selling classic children's book. The film, directed by Spike Jonze, follows the imaginary adventures of a young boy named Max (Max Records), who is angry when his mother, Connie (Catherine Keener), invites her boyfriend over. After he causes one mischievous antic after another, his mother tries to send him to his room. Max ends up biting her and running away, feeling angry and unloved. He runs outside at night, through a fence until he stumbles upon a boat. He sails away to an island inhabited by seven imaginary monsters called The Wild Things, where they crown him as the ruler.
The Wild Things are voiced by some talented Hollywood heavyweights. Academy Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker takes on the character of Ira, a timid yet very strong Wild Thing. Toronto's own Catherine O'Hara voices Judith, a Wild Thing with a mind of her own and some pretty strong opinions. She is also Ira's best friend, and Lauren Ambrose, known for her role in the TV series "Six Feet Under," lends her voice to KW, the Wild Thing with the voice of reason.
Tribute's Bonnie Laufer had the opportunity to chat with three actors in Los Angeles about the unique and creative way they were allowed to voice their roles. The actors worked together on a sound stage rehearsing their lines and acting out their parts. For one scene when they are supposed to be throwing mud-clumps at each other, the actors were given dinner rolls to throw around! They all praised their director Spike Jonze for his creativity and tenacity for getting this beloved children's classic made for the big screen.
