The Pre-History Of Spike Jonze Looking back at the work of the Wild Things' wrangler
Born Adam Spiegel in Rockville, Maryland in 1969, the man who later became known as Spike Jonze (a nickname for his spiky bed head hairstyle while working at a skateboard shop) has gone on to become one of the most creative directors around.
This week, he brings us his take on Maurice Sendak's 1963 book Where The Wild Things Are, which features compelling illustrations and exactly 338 words. Channelling childhood, including his own, Jonze has produced something great.
But how did he get to this point? You might have seen one or two of his previous non-movie mind-scoops, like the video for Fatboy Slim's Praise You or Weezer's Buddy Holly, yet there's so much more. Here's a quick trip back in time to look at some of his best moments... WORDS JAMES WHITE
The Pre-History Of Spike Jonze 100% - Sonic Youth (1992) MUSIC VIDEO
One of his earliest music videos, shot for the Seattle music pioneers Sonic Youth (Jonze co-directed with Tamra Davis, who would go on to make Billy Madison and, er Britney Spears' Crossroads) and featuring skateboarding friends. Jonze captured most of the footage while riding around on a board himself, and one of the "stars" of the video, in his very, very early acting days, is Jason Lee, himself a professional board rat at the time.
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Your Comments
1
Bjork
Posted on Monday December 14, 2009, 01:46 by odddaze
It's Oh So Quiet is my personal favourite music video, it has been one of my biggest inspirations as a film maker, also Weapon of Choice and Buddy Holly not being mentioned, shame on you Empire. Read More
2
Mmmmmm,,,,, DROP!
Posted on Saturday December 12, 2009, 10:02 by blues_x_man
Buddy Holly is ace, the video which pretty much made his whole rep was Drop by Pharcyde, shot backwards but runs forwards in time with the music. A much better, and more influential video the cannoball. Read More
3
What you forgot Buddy Holly.
Posted on Friday December 11, 2009, 22:47 by CAMO 2010
Best music video ever, Weezers Buddy Holly. Read More
4
Fully Flared?!!
Posted on Friday December 11, 2009, 09:47 by JAMES00WADE
Cant believe Fully Flared didnt make the cut?!!! A skateboard video of epic proportions thanks to this man. Read More
5
Fully Flaired
Posted on Thursday December 10, 2009, 22:33 by ChrisWilmshurst
How can you not forget this brilliant intro to a skateboarding movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VGbAOOEego
EXPLOSIONS! puts Michael Bay to shame ;) Read More
6
Quit yer bitchin....
Posted on Thursday December 10, 2009, 21:51 by Ichi1
...about what isn't shown here and just enjoy the man's genius. Read More
7
Erm...
Posted on Thursday December 10, 2009, 16:18 by dayglowjoe
How exactly have you omitted Bjork's It's Oh So Quiet video? Arguably one of the greatest and most memorable pop videos of all time, and one which started a long collaborative friendship leading to the Triumph of a Heart video which is arguably even better...
You have also left out the What's Up Fatlip video too, another total classic...and The Drop, which is blatantly one of the best hip hop videos ever.
HMMM Read More
8
Posted on Thursday December 10, 2009, 14:43 by nunorenato
Don't forget that amazing Ikea ad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsQXQGaasUg Read More
9
Weapon of Choice
Posted on Thursday December 10, 2009, 14:04 by J.L.Wroot
Best work by Spike, bar his films, has got to be the Weapon of Choice Music video. Christopher Walken is awesome in it! Shame he cant actually fly .......... Read More
