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Sendak on Scary Movie: “Go to Hell” Wimpy Parents
So the movie version of the classic Where the Wild Things Are hit theaters over the weekend, and apparently it’s created a stir about whether it’s too scary for children — which is odd because the book is chock full of monsters. Honestly, what did people expect?
Asked what he’d say to parents who think the movie is too scary, author Maurice Sendak offers this:
“I would tell them to go to hell. That’s a question I will not tolerate.”
So clearly he’s stopped worrying about book sales, secure in the idea that his classic can weather any storm. But while the tone might be a little gruff, he does have a point in the interview. It’s good to be scared. It’s OK. Kids, somehow, will survive.
As he points out later: “This concentration on kids being scared, as though we as adults can’t be scared. Of course we’re scared. I’m scared of watching a TV show about vampires. I can’t fall asleep. It never stops. We’re grown-ups; we know better, but we’re afraid.”
I agree with the sentiment. Cheap thrills and petty terrors can be a fun part of life.
But, perhaps hypocritically, I’m still not bringing my 3-year-old to see the movie. She is scared of loud noises, of too much light, of any shift in music during a movie. I’ve taken her to movies and had to walk out. Being scared is good, yes, but how much is too much? Right now, we’re sticking with hiding around corners and jumping out with a loud, “Boo!” It’s a cheap thrill and she collapses into our arms, giggling.
Jeanne posted about the interview Friday, the day the movie debuted. But now we’ve had a full weekend to see it. So what do you think? Is is too scary or can you just go to hell?
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[...] Sendak on Scary Movie: “Go to Hell” Wimpy Parents [...]
Is ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ For Kids? | Strollerderby commented on Oct 17 09 at 7:04 pmLula commented on Oct 12 09 at 4:32 pmMaurice Sendak is a notorious curmudgeon, and God love him for suffering no fools. Of course some children are going to find the movie too scary for enjoyment – some adults are probably going to find it too scary for enjoyment too. I’m 40 years old and I still can’t watch parts of Fantasia, so whattayagonnado?
I wouldn’t take a 3yo to see Where The Wild Things Are in the theater, myself. Maybe an 8yo, but younger than that I’d wait for the DVD. You can fast forward or turn off a DVD if it gets too scary, and no $$ lost.
Minvo commented on Oct 12 09 at 7:12 pmI just have to point out it should be “chock-full of monsters” not “chalk full of monsters.” As for the movie, I wholeheartedly agree w/the author.
Mike Adamick commented on Oct 12 09 at 8:27 pmMy journalism professor just rolled over in his grave. Thanks.
Bec commented on Oct 13 09 at 2:57 pmI wouldn’t bring a three year old to the movies at all. Unless it was mindless drivel that no one else wanted to see anyway (I’m remembering my parents taking me to the Care Bears movie…). That’s what the tv and dvd player are for.
And I’d be SO MAD if this movie was dumbed down into kitten fluff for kids. Kids are way tougher than their parents think.
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