Making the imaginary real:
Bridge to Terabithia 
 

By Nicky VanValkenburgh

Some of the greatest children’s books have been transformed into movies, from “Charlotte’s Web” and “Holes” to “Chronicles of Narnia” The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.”

There is a new movie out that is based on the popular Newberry Award winning novel, “Bridge to Terabithia.” It is a fantasy-adventure movie of friendship, family and the power of imagination. The movie is from Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media and is recommended for children ages 9 to 12.   


What’s the movie about?

“Bridge to Terabithia” tells the story of fifth grader Jess Aarons (played by Josh Hutcherson) growing up in a small rural town. At school, Jess’ classmates make fun of his hand-me-down clothes, including his pink-striped sneakers. It isn’t easy being the only boy in a family of four sisters. Jess totally withdraws and spends his time drawing in his sketchbook. No one seems to recognize Jess’ artistic ability. However, everything changes when Jess meets Leslie, a new girl at school (played by Anna Sophia Robb)

A friendship gradually develops between Jess and Leslie. They establish an imaginary kingdom in the woods near their homes, which is accessible only by a rope swing over the creek. Leslie calls their special place, Terabithia. Together, Jess and Leslie fix-up an abandoned tree house and use their imagination to create a mystical world of giants, little creatures and animals. Leslie and Jess talk about fighting the Dark Master, which seems to symbolize their emotional conflicts: A school bully, menacing classmates, and pessimistic authority figures.

As the film title suggests, Jess and Leslie cross an emotional bridge (as well as physical one.) The characters discover that the benefits of friendship far outweigh the risks. Yes, it’s a big risk to open up and share your feelings, especially when spent your life in a “self-protecting” mode. Leslie’s unconditional acceptance helps Jesse get in touch with his authentic self, and be happier than he ever thought possible.

Leslie and Jess rule Terabithia as king and queen, but tragedy strikes. Ultimately, it is Leslie’s kindness, respect and friendship helps Jess to be strong and courageous. Like hand-me-down sneakers with pink stripes, Jesse’s old introverted personality doesn’t fit anymore. To survive and thrive, he must now come out of his shell, and face life unafraid.

Curious for more? You’ll have to see “Bridge to Terabithia” to appreciate all the nuances, special effects and symbolism of this provocative movie.

Behind the scenes with the movie screenwriter and child stars
 

I recently traveled to Atlanta to attend the premiere of “Bridge to Terabithia” and interview screenwriter David Paterson, as well as child stars Josh Hutcherson and Anna Sophia Robb.

“Bridge” screenwriter David Paterson is a stay-at-home father with two sons, and enjoys writing in his spare time. His mother, Katherine Paterson, wrote the original “Bridge” novel, and turning the book into a movie is a dream-come-true for him.

”When my wife and I decided to have children, I offered to stay home with them. She is a lawyer, so I’ve pretty much stayed home with the boys for the last ten years. They’re 10 and 7 years old now,“ said Mr. Paterson, in a private interview.

“As a stay-at home parent, my main focus is raising two children and writing full-time. It’s funny how that happened in my family. My mother started writing when she was a stay-at-home mother, and she experienced her first success in her early 40’s. I stayed home with the kids in my early 30’s and my success came when I turned 40. I never expected that parallel.”

”I’ve had decent success as a playwright, but you’ve got to have phenomenal success as a playwright in order to make money. I had 15 titles published with Sarah French, as well as a show with a limited run on Broadway—the musical success of one of my mother’s books, The Great Gilly Hopkins.”

“Five years ago, one of my plays, “Love Ludlow,” was adapted into a film. It was featured at the Sundance Film Festival, and you can still catch it on Stars or Encore channel.”

For the past 17 years, Mr. Paterson has wanted to make “Bridge” into a movie. His break finally came with Walden Media, a company which produces movies that promote reading classic books for young people.

”The neat thing about Walden Media is that they honor the original source material. This means a lot to me, because I wanted to preserve the soul of Bridge to Terabithia. One thing that I stuck my claws into like a pitbull was the last 20 pages of the book. It’s extremely important to me to keep this part of the book intact,” reflected Mr. Paterson.

“Bridge to Terabithia’ also stars two adorable kids, Josh Hutcherson and Anna Sophia Robb.

Josh Hutcherson is 14 years old, and lives in Union, Kentucky with his parents. His movie credits include RV, Zathura, Polar Express, Little Manhattan, and the upcoming Firehouse Dog and Journey 3-D.

“My big break into movies happened when I was 9 years old. My parents let me audition for a local casting agency that I found through the Yellow Pages,” said Josh, in a private interview.

“After doing local audition, I met a New York casting agent, who told me to go to California for bigger roles and casting calls. Being in movies keeps me on the road, but it’s an exciting adventure,” said Josh.  While on movie shoots, Josh is always accompanied by his mom and private tutor.

Anna Sophia Robb is 12 years old, and lives in Denver with her parents. Her credits include “Because of Winn Dixie,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and the upcoming “Jumper,” “Doubting Thomas,” and “West Texas Children’s Story.”

“I started acting in movies when I was nine years old. I go to a private Christian school, but am often away on movie shoots for months at a time. Like Josh, I travel with my mom and private tutor,” said Anna Sophia.

In the future, both Josh and Anna Sophia plan on going to college. “I love acting, but who knows, if this doesn’t work I may need something to fall back on,” said Josh.

Click here to return to movie archive