Jul 14 2008'Where the Wild Things Are' Will Not Be 'Bland, Sanitized Studio Movie,' Assures Studio Stooge
After months of speculation on the fate of Spike Jonze's Where the Wild Things Are, Warner Brothers' Alan Horn has come forward to speak about the reportedly doomed project. Speaking to the LA Times, Horn clarified that Jonze has not been taken off the project, adding that Warner is not trying to make the dark children's book into a "bland, sanitized studio movie." They simply want it cut in such a vapid, anodyne way that it will appeal to everyone:
"We've given him more money and, even more importantly, more time for him to work on the film," Horn said. "We'd like to find a common ground that represents Spike's vision but still offers a film that really delivers for a broad-based audience. We obviously still have a challenge on our hands. But I wouldn't call it a problem, simply a challenge. No one wants to turn this into a bland, sanitized studio movie. This is a very special piece of material and we're just trying to get it right.
Horn then added that the title will be changed from Where the Wild Things Are to Where Those Lovable, Cuddly Things--Think Sort of a Live-Action "Monster's Inc." Vibe--Are. Such as Toy Stores, Where You Can Buy Plush Versions of These Wonderfully Charming Characters.
Reader Comments
1. Morrow - July 14, 2008 10:57 AM
WTF@Broad audience? Lame... The kids now have their own stupid movies and books. I want the movie done right and as it should be like the book. They might as well bring back movies like Nightmare Before Xmas and redo those too.
2. hollywoodstupid - July 14, 2008 11:02 AM
I feel like I'm watching culture die before my eyes... or will as soon as this movie is released. Someone should break into the studio and steal back whatever is left of the original before they destroy it. If Spike Jonze were a real man, he'd take it and go into hiding, edit it himself on final cut, and release it online.
3. sam - July 14, 2008 11:11 AM
shit. he did a great job convincing me, right there.
4. TooDarkMark - July 14, 2008 12:14 PM
Hollywood is destroying culture. All I ever read it about directors battling studio executives on what to include. Some idiot buys the property and wants WalMart friendly products with as little intelligence as possible. Because anything "good" or "smart" will just not appeal to the masses.
It's sad to see it happen, but it's been going on for a long time now and this is why our culture is so close to its death. A constant push down rather than a constant push upwards.
5. aladinsane - July 14, 2008 5:31 PM
God damnit, if those WB pinheads screw up the greatest children's book ever written I will personally go up there and cut their balls off. Fucking lame-asses....
6. Morley - July 14, 2008 6:02 PM
"We obviously still have a challenge on our hands. But I wouldn't call it a problem, simply a challenge."
People who say that should get punched in the face. We know exactly what you think it is.
7. Joey - July 14, 2008 10:37 PM
Yeah, that's brilliant. Let's take an awesome representation of a classic children's book, and throw more money at it in order to cut it up into something that can no longer be recognized in an effort to make even more money on the film. Forget artistic integrity. Forget the fact that nostalgia sells movies. Forget the fact that the only people interested in this project in the first place are those who loved the book the way it was written.
Idiots.
8. timmy the dying boy - July 15, 2008 12:02 AM
That book scared the living shit out of ne as a kid. If, say, Tim Burton were directing it, then there's no fucking way I'm going to see it, it'll scare me so goddamn much. Spike Jonze? Also no fucking way, but only because I know it's gonna suck.
9. militarysoulmate - July 15, 2008 4:33 AM
i love movies but l love the people in uniform much more!
the people serving our nation should be highly honored! since t is the SOLDIER not the politicians or news reporters that keeps you free. show your support
@ Militarysoulmate.c o m
10. emar - July 20, 2008 9:30 PM
if left to his own devices spike jonze could have done any awesome job - being job malkovich-------anybody???
fuck up and warped, he can do. but not with the soul-eating lemmings (otherwise known as hollywood execs) breathing down his back.