Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak

Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak is a captivating 2009 biographical documentary film that gives a unique insight into the creative process and innermost psyche of Maurice Sendak, a legendary award-winning author, and illustrator of children's books, who sadly passed away in 2012. Throughout his long and illustrious career, Sendak received accolades for his contribution to children's literature, with his most famous work being the beloved, though controversial, "Where the Wild Things Are." His books often broke traditional barriers, introducing dark and complex themes to the world of children's literature.

Directed by esteemed filmmaker Lance Bangs and actor Oliver Jeffers, this film presents a rare and intimate portrait of Sendak, showing him in a candid and often emotional light. The documentary showcases Bangs' signature handheld style of filmmaking, which manages to create a closeup, intimate perspective, evoking an almost voyeuristic feel. The film features personal interviews, a myriad of archival footage, and conversations that were recorded over five years, painting a vivid portrait of a complex man who carried his own inner wild things with him.

Notably, the late, great James Gandolfini, who voiced the character of Carol in the 2009 film adaptation of "Where the Wild Things Are," features as a prominent figure in the documentary. His interactions with Sendak are compelling, filled with genuine mutual admiration and respect.

Equally critical to the narrative is Lynn Caponera, Sendak's long-term assistant and friend. Her insight into the author's personal life, their shared experiences, and her observations add great depth to our understanding of Sendak's character. Caponera's presence serves as a bridge between Sendak and the audience, presenting him as the sensitive, often troubled artist that he was.

Besides showcasing Sendak's stagnated relationships, his fear of death and his feelings of perpetual dissatisfaction, the film explores his irreverent humor, his absence of pretentiousness, and his honest answers to complex existential questions often overlooked by others.

The documentary furthermore traces Sendak's creative process and investigates the inspiration behind his innovative works. It reflects on his childhood memories bound in his Jewish heritage and his experiences grappling with his virtues, giving insight into how these elements found their way into his stories and illustrations. It effectively unravels the man behind the imaginative stories that have struck a chord with children and adults alike over several generations.

Most interestingly, Tell Them Anything You Want reveals that Sendak saw himself as more of a writer than an illustrator, despite being more renowned for his strikingly grand drawings. This fact is a motif that runs throughout the film, deepening our understanding of the dual-mind of the genius and his need for creative expression.

Moreover, the movie showcases fascinating footage of how Sendak's characters were translated into larger-than-life creatures for the Spike Jonze-directed "Where the Wild Things Are" movie, which gives viewers an even richer understanding of the universe he built.

This documentary will undoubtedly appeal to those who appreciate Maurice Sendak's literary genius. But, it also serves as a worthwhile watch for anyone interested in the intricacies of creative mindsets, or the human condition in general. It invites the viewers to explore the darker, wilder parts of their psyche and gives them permission to be okay with it—something that Sendak believed in and strived to teach through his works.

In conclusion, Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak is a touching tribute, a psychological study, and an exploration of creative process rolled into one. An intriguing journey into the mind of one of the most influential children's authors of our time, it’s an emotionally charged documentary that stimulates contemplation about art, humanity, and the eternally complex world of imagination.