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!
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