Jonze's Purple Crayon

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Strike Back below!
by: Mike Sampson Sep. 4, 2009

There was a wonderful New York Times feature on Spike Jonze and WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE earlier this week that revealed, among other things, that Spike was approached (and subsequently turned down) about directing ACE VENTURA 2. If you're at all a fan of Jonze's work and/or looking forward to WTWTA, it's a must read as you get a lot of insight into the making of the film and where it stands now. The Times writer seems to not be a huge fan of the film, as evidenced by this excerpt: "Although I’d been expecting something unusual, I hadn’t quite been prepared for either the Cassavetes-speak or the lack of any clear conflict or resolution. I told Jonze I’d imagined something more along the lines of a traditional children’s fantasy film, something like HARRY POTTER for example. He looked at me as if I’d let him down."

It also highlights a project of Jonze's that never got off the ground. Before WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE, Jonze was attached to direct an adaptation of the children's book "Harold and the Purple Crayon." Jonze spent a full year developing the project and working with artists and production designers on an innovative blend of live-action and animation. In the end, Spike's vision proved a little too "bold" for the producers and the project slowly died.

Lucky for us, Jonze's longtime friend and producer Vince Landay has released test footage that Spike shot for the film back in 1995. It's obviously rough around the edges but it gives you an idea of how he planned to bring the movie to life. Check it out below!

Source: JoBlo.com

Extra Tidbit: On Jonze almost getting fired from WTWTA, Warner Bros. said, "We certainly reached a place in talking about the movie where I can imagine it would have been easier for Spike to walk away, and it would have been easier for me to be talking to someone else."

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Chris W
7:59PM on 09/04/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
"I’d imagined something more along the lines of a traditional children’s fantasy film, something like HARRY POTTER for example."

Then go and see a Harry Potter film. Honestly, what were they expecting? The same generic fantasy films that seem to have been thrown out into cinemas since LOTR / Narnia? Or maybe there weren't enough fart jokes...
"I’d imagined something more along the lines of a traditional children’s fantasy film, something like HARRY POTTER for example."

Then go and see a Harry Potter film. Honestly, what were they expecting? The same generic fantasy films that seem to have been thrown out into cinemas since LOTR / Narnia? Or maybe there weren't enough fart jokes...
 
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FrancoYesca
6:49PM on 09/04/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Isn't there already an animated movie about Harold and his little purple crayon?
Isn't there already an animated movie about Harold and his little purple crayon?
 
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slickyz
3:28PM on 09/04/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
err...
I love Jonze, but let's be serious for a second here, there would be absolutely no public for something along those lines, especially not a young one which would be what this would be aiming for.

Personally I agree with not greenlighting that project after that.
I love Jonze, but let's be serious for a second here, there would be absolutely no public for something along those lines, especially not a young one which would be what this would be aiming for.

Personally I agree with not greenlighting that project after that.
 
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ThereWillBeDave
2:31PM on 09/04/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I
I dig the Test Footage!
I dig the Test Footage!
 
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beatrixkiddo
9:58AM on 09/04/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I always thought Harold and the Purple Crayon was a good little book. I'd watch a movie about it if Jonze were doing it.
I always thought Harold and the Purple Crayon was a good little book. I'd watch a movie about it if Jonze were doing it.