Where the Wild Things Are

Last night, I took my oldest daughter to see, "Where the Wild Things Are," based on Maurice Sendak's classic book. Spike Jonze directed the film and weaved an impressive narrative from the book, that left a strong imprint in my heart-mind. Know that there are no "spoilers," in this writing, dare I say, even if there was, there's nothing that could ruin this movie for anyone. It's very warm.

What struck me is that the movie, from the very start, tells the story of every human-being that has ever lived. It's the endeavor to reconcile the realities of our life, with the thoughts, images and feelings that we construct within our mind. It's at the point that the two narratives don't match that the sparks can begin to fly.

In an effort to cope with the mis-match of reality and the way we think and feel things "should" be, Max (the central character) creates an elaborate inner world. It's the inner world which most if not all of us construct as both children and adults, attempting to find a shelter from the storms and awkward moments that can appear in our life. It's that moment of feeling lost, lost, lost.

For me what was most dazzling special effect in the movie had been the very familiar memories and emotions of Max. There was no varnish or plastic wrap. The clear circumstances and immediacy was just right there. It was both laughter and tears, which is as life should be.

So, where are the wild things? If we look into our own Heart-mind, they won't be hard to miss. We made them. The wild things are right there, sitting out in full view, for only us to see. It's private and capable of helping us make sense of This very life. But that depends on how we decide to use them.

I hope that you get to see it. My daughter says she enjoyed it very much, as did I. It's worth the effort. It is genuine entertainment. But if you have the mind to hear It, you might glimpse something more. ahhhhoooooooowwwwww!

Happiness Everyday,

Jaye Seiho Morris, Curator
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