Okay I read the reviews and almost decided I would not go see the movie, Where the Wild Things Are. However, I was having a rough day and I wanted to just take myself to a movie and the alternative was Love Happens. I quickly skimmed the reviews and decided Wild Things was my better bet.
One of the criticisms of the movie was that the monsters were not happy and that it was too violent. Basically the biggest issue was that it might not be appropriate for children. Well no problem there, I am almost fifty.
Personally I thought the movie was quite amazing. The monsters were indeed sad, depressed, angry and even violent at times, but the boy, Max, created them at a time when that did seem to be the theme of his life. Yes I was lost at times but I could so relate to this inner world of demons and his tendency to be a bit grandiose about himself. The idea that he could be king. I myself have used my imagination many times to make myself the hero of some world.
One of the monsters, Carol was of course most disturbed – very angry and destructive – yet also the most creative and in some ways the most committed to the whole gang. He wanted them to all sleep together in a big pile and he totally believed in Max. I liked Carol. I could see me when I’m hurt or sad. Yes I am fifty but I can still get sad and hate to show it. I prefer to howl in the wind then ask a friend to hold me while I cry. Plus I want to believe there’s a way for us all to get along and be together and I do imagine a world that is much like Carol’s hand built kingdom. I write like he builds and when I am hurt sometimes I hit delete and destroy the magical place as though that will somehow take away the pain.
Yes the movie was about the wild things – our monsters, inner feelings that we struggle to accept. In the end the one mute monster simply asked, “will you say nice things about us” and I felt myself tear up. Indeed it is so hard to embrace my inner demons. The feelings and emotions that get me into trouble and create distance. Yet I truly believe much like that mute monster, those feelings are asking for compassion, acceptance and feedback that I see them and will create a safe space for them to live.
I’m glad I took myself to the movie. I am not dealing with my parent’s divorce or a sister who doesn’t acknowledge me. But sometimes I feel very lonely and lost in my world. As though I am not making much of a difference or scared of some horrible event that will wipe out the ones I love. These moments stir up the wild things and may be I need to listen, to let the wild things have some space to rage and play and eventually sleep together in a big pile. Yes, I think the movie helped remind me of the importance of taking care of my own wild things!