Watch Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak

Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak is a 2009 documentary film that explores the life and works of the legendary children's author and illustrator Maurice Sendak. The film is directed by Lance Bangs and co-produced by Spike Jonze, who is known for his collaborations with Sendak. The documentary begins with a conversation between Bangs and Sendak, in which the reclusive author talks about his childhood, his fascination with death, and his love for the art of William Blake. From there, the film delves into Sendak's work, including his acclaimed book Where the Wild Things Are, which is celebrated for its dark, imaginative themes and vivid illustrations.

Throughout the film, Sendak is interviewed by a variety of people, including Bangs, his longtime collaborator Lynn Caponera, and actor James Gandolfini, who was a personal friend of the author. These interviews provide insight into Sendak's creative process, his struggles with depression and anxiety, and his perspective on life and death.

One of the film's most memorable segments is an animated sequence that brings to life one of Sendak's unpublished works, Bumble-Ardy. The sequence, which was created by Jonze and his team at The Institute, perfectly captures the whimsical, slightly sinister tone of Sendak's writing.

Another highlight of Tell Them Anything You Want is the footage of Sendak in his studio, surrounded by the drawings, paintings, and sculptures that he created over the course of his career. It's clear from these scenes that Sendak's work was deeply personal and reflective of his innermost thoughts and feelings.

At its core, Tell Them Anything You Want is a celebration of Maurice Sendak's life and legacy. The film showcases his talent as an artist and his impact on the world of children's literature, while also providing a glimpse into the man behind the books. It's a must-see for anyone who has ever been touched by Sendak's work.

Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.