I really hated Dave Eggers' Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. While he was hailed as the voice of generation-Xers (I guess mine included), I scoffed at his reflection on the frivolous and empty generation. I was very skeptical about his adaptation of Maurice Sendak's very short classic children's book- part of the reason why I didn't see the film until now.
It is pretty much less dense and much more elegant version of Heartbreaking Work. Spike Jonze and Eggers accomplishes in an hour and a half what that book was meant to say in 500 pages, about growing up orphan (or with a divorced parent) and desire for not wanting to grow up. I loved their decision not to have any narration or voice over. Karen O's intrusive soundtrack was annoying at first but...I don't want to nitpick. Lance Acord's cinematography is just beautiful. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautifully shot films I've seen in recent years. So touching. I have to admit I cried like a baby. I mean, I wailed.
awwwwww
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