Music is not really a language that I speak (vs visual art) so I'll do my best to stumble through this and not get too involved... but I felt that it was worth mentioning the soundtrack to Where the Wild Things Are, both because it is awesome and fits the feel of the book (and I imagine the feel of the film, which comes out the 16th) and because it represents part of a movement back to single artists composing a soundtrack (from what Matt Sullivan refers to in his review for Esquire as the "Zach Braff ... hip-guy playlist", you've seen Garden State- you all know what he's talking about). If you've seen There Will Be Blood, you may or may not have realized that the soundtrack, which not only plays integral part in creating the mood of the film but carries so much weight that it almost seems to take on its own identity, was composed by Radiohead's Johnny Greenwood. Similarly, Karen O. (of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs), along with the assistance of multiple other talented musicians ("the Kids"), has composed the soundtrack for Where the Wild Things Are.
I believe that this is a really important move, because despite the life-changing effect being in a feature film can have for the dozens of indie-bands that are so frequently comprising the soundtracks of recent films, the film as a whole can really benefit from having a single artistic mind (whether this is one person or a collaboration) behind the music and having music that has been specifically created for the film. As Sullivan points out, anyone with iTunes or Pandora can make a decent mix to create a mood. The change represents a small, possibly even unnoticed difference that I believe makes the film more genuine and effective.
It was especially important, Where the Wild Things Are being one of the most honored picture books of our culture, that this film be true to the feel of the book. Throwing together a bunch of songs by different artists, fitting as they may have been, would have created an entirely different film.
Karen pulls everything together beautifully. She brings the (important) aspect of indie artists to the film in an even better way than just throwing in songs, pulling members from well known indie-bands such Deerhunter (with more lesser known groups) as the band for the soundtrack. The children's chorus featured throughout is untrained, which gives off a vibe that matches perfectly with the book/film; feral yet innocent.
If you are familiar with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs you will immediately hear the way Karen has adapted her sound to fit the earthier feel of the book/film. Screaming vocals have been replaced with humming, clapping and a softer more child-like voice, but the feel and true passion are as present as they are in her music with the YYYs. I have a feeling that if they made a children's album (which would be brilliance) it would sound something like this.
I truly hope that the film fits the book as well as the soundtrack. I have a feeling it will.
UPDATE: 10/16
saw the movie. totally lived up to my expectations, and the soundtrack is absolutely flawless and plays an important structural role.
images: Where the Wild Things Are Soundtrack booklet
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