Though the new movie adaptation of classic children’s book Where the Wild Things Are wasn’t really made for children (thanks for that, Spike Jonze!), plenty went to see the movie on its opening weekend. Did the movie’s gloomy, existential tone and bummed-out Wild Things leave your kids with some lingering questions about Sendak, his work, maybe even life itself? Head to the Contemporary Jewish Museum, where the exhibit “There’s a Mystery There: Sendak on Sendak” gives fan a wealth of background on the author that will aid in decoding the movie and Sendak’s other books.
For one thing, the Wild Things were based on Sendak’s Jewish immigrant relatives, many of whom were inalterably damaged by the loss of relatives in Poland during the Holocaust. Video interviews with Sendak, articles, pictures, and other artifacts show the pathos that lay just behind Sendak’s humor, giving it that relatable spark and a certain grimness that still appeals. Plus, just looking at original pen-and-ink drawings for Where the Wild Things Are and other stories is thrillingly cool.
“There’s a Mystery There: Sendak on Sendak” runs through January 19, 2010 at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission Street (between Third and Fourth streets), San Francisco. Call 415-655-7800 or visit the cjm.org.