Where Are the Wild Things?

Spike Jonze's three-year deep project, Where The Wild Things Are, has finally been previewed to eager fans of the popular 1963 children's story.
The movie has been labeled 'in production' since 2005 after Warner Brothers Pictures allegedly requested several modifications within the screenplay, citing some material as "too creepy." Clips of the film circulating the web generally support Jonze's creative gamble at a rendition while many critics still remain unconvinced.
The trailer released last week depicts an eye-popping representation of the book set to The Arcade Fire's "Wake Up." Viewers are caught up in the climactic track and visually stunning cinematography while failing to notice the lack of dialogue.
Where The Wild Things Are is an easy 30-page read, full of massive illustration and scare text. Can we expect the movie to be similar?
Clearly, the storyline had to be expanded and inflated to fill the average length of a film. Can fans trust Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers to deliver a satisfying description that doesn't stray far from the book's theme?
Critics have immediately flocked to the use of costumes for the wild things. Many believe that the muppet-like costumes rob the film of imagination or creativity contained in the book. The use of actors in costumes could be seen as am mature or groundbreaking, depending on who you ask.
While the focus still remains on the film itself, many have expressed concern in the use of an indie band's work to advertise a major motion picture. In the past, many independent artists have gained commercial success from their song making its way onto a movie soundtrack. Take for example The Moldy Peaches "Anyone Else But You." After the song's appearance in Juno, it progressively made it's way to the number on spot on iTunes after previously being unranked.
Are people being music snobs? Maybe. A friend of mine from my news writing class offered a highly sensible perspective. "When I hear artists that haven't gone mainstream yet I get a bit...protective," she explained. "I don't like paying for expensive concert tickets and prefer a more intimate and personal setting to enjoy my favorite bands."
This makes sense to me. Less personable areas don't exactly appeal and neither do tickets that cost more than a month's rent. In the case of Arcade Fire however, the band has already gained success and even a Grammy nomination for Funeral in 2005.
I personally think the song is a fantastic choice to lead viewers into the theater. I found out that oddly enough, Karen-O, lead singer of The Yeah Yeah Yeah's, is an ex-girlfriend of Spike Jonze. She was selected by him to score the movie single-handedly. The soundtrack has been reported to include songs written by her as well.

Do you think the movie will live up the hype? Watch the trailer here.
Stay tuned until Where The Wild Things Are is released in theaters on October 16, 2009.