Director Spike Jonze was in Tokyo this week promoting his new movie, Where the Wild Things Are, as well as a fashion line inspired by the film, available at Shibuya’s Opening Ceremony.
The Being John Malkovich director and Jackass co-creator has brought the 1963 children’s classic to surreal life, with his trademark creativity and cutting edge computer graphics. The original book of the same name, penned by American writer and illustrator Maurice Sendak has sold over 19 million copies worldwide.
Will Japan’s movie-loving public make the film a box office hit?
At the after party for a screening of the film, Jonze took part in a staring competition with Japanese challengers and his bodyguard. The event was dubbed ‘Stare Masters.’
A total of six high-definition cameras were set up in the club to document the event, including this one held by a man in a giant eyeball suit.
Fans received complimentary Wild Thing masks with zeal, so look out for copies on eBay soon.
President Obama was also shown reading from the book, in a remixed video (Click here to watch the original).
Where the Wild Things Are stars Max Records, Catherine Keener and Mark Ruffalo, and features the voices of James Gandolfini, Paul Dano, Lauren Ambrose and Forest Whitaker. Opening in cinemas across Japan on January 15, 2010.
Watch the trailer here and visit the official Japanese site here.
