Out now, Harold and the Purple Crayon is directed by Academy Award-nominated Brazilian filmmaker Carlos Saldanha. Saldanha, who was born in Rio de Janeiro, originally avoided a career in the arts, thinking he couldn’t make a viable living, but soon learned that using his computer background would be a viable springboard for a successful film career. He’s now one of the most successful and in-demand Latinos working in animation. His resume includes Ice Age: Meltdown and Ice Age: Dawn of Dinosaurs, among many others.
In his latest endeavor, we get to know Harold, a young boy who lives inside the pages of a book. With the help of his magic purple crayon, Harold can bring anything he draws to life, including his two friends, Moose and Porcupine.
One day, Harold’s narrator, whom he refers to as “the old man,” mysteriously disappears. Determined to find him, Harold decides to draw a door into the real world and embark on an adventure. The film stars Zachary Levi as Harold, Lil Rel Howry as his trusty sidekick Moose, and Zooey Deschanel as Terri, a single mother whom Harold befriends.
Director Saldanha shared what attracted him to the heartfelt story. “The producer of Ferdinand approached me with an offer after I completed a project similar to Ferdinand the Bull. He had a book in mind that he believed would be an excellent fit for me. The book, Harold and the Purple Crayon, immediately resonated with me as I remembered reading it to my children when they were younger,” the director shares with Latina Media Co. “The challenge arose due to the book’s small size, making it difficult to adapt into a larger story. However, the energy of the action sequences and the presented ideas captivated me as I read the script. I loved the book’s message about using imagination to shape one’s life…This message deeply resonated with me as I chose a profession that required me to draw, create, and tell stories, building entire worlds.”
The absence of self-imposed boundaries in Harold and the Purple Crayon is a testament to the boundless imaginations of children. Harold’s unwavering belief in his ability to find the old man prompted him to embark on an adventurous journey. “I often tell my kids and others not to let their inner child fade away. As we grow up, the realities of life can push us away from things that may initially appear frivolous or childish. However, I believe that nurturing our inner child and imagination keeps us alive, fresh, and motivated to live the life we desire, filled with happiness,” says Saldanha. “These values are essential to me. The best way I could convey this message to my kids was through the movie I made. I wanted to infuse the story with the idea that crayons are superpowers. The protagonist’s ability to use this superpower involves recognizing what’s missing while also having fun in the process. It’s a metaphor for drawing our way out of life’s challenges.”
One of the film’s standouts is Lil Rel Howry, who, over the last five years, has established himself as a strong actor along with his celebrated comedic career. Saldanha says, “I admire Howery’s talent immensely. Many people don’t recognize his full potential because they only see him as a comedian. To achieve the desired result in the movie, he had to embrace a mindset of foolishness and let go of inhibitions.”
Rounding out the cast is Zooey Deschanel who portrays Terri, a single mother facing the challenges of balancing work and life. In contrast to her well-known role in New Girl, Deschanel plays the lone non-believer in Harold and the Purple Crayon, questioning Harold’s extraordinary abilities. Saldanha shares what inspired him to cast her: “Being a mother herself, she was well acquainted with the book because she had read it to her children. Additionally, she has a remarkable talent. “
In contrast to director Saldanha’s previous films, Harold and the Purple Crayon may lack visual extravagance, but it more than compensates with its heartfelt warmth. The film’s underlying message, reminding us of the power and importance of dreams, resonates not only with children but also with adults.
Currently, Harold and the Purple Crayon is showing in cinemas worldwide.
