JULIA’S SENSE OF ‘ WONDER’
A parent herself, she lets loose her ‘ mama bear’
LONDON— Julia Roberts doesn’t have a child with special needs or severe facial deformities, as is the case with Augie Pullman, her character’s son in “Wonder” ( opening Friday), the film based on R. J. Palacio’s acclaimed best- selling first novel. However, as a mother herself, the Oscar- winning actress understands the overwhelming “mama bear” desire to protect your kids, beginning with their birth.
“What is that expression? ‘ Once you have a child, your heart now lives on the outside of your body.’ I know from experience that is true,” said Roberts, joined by co- star Owen Wilson, who plays her husband in the film. “In the case of Augie in this story, there is such a greater sense of vulnerability, considering the way he looks— yet, the amazing thing is his parents push him out into the world, and in fifth grade of all places!”
As the actress explained, sending Augie into the mainstream was meant to build fortitude, to enable him to deal with the inevitable rough patches he will face in life. “It’s all about providing a child with his true needs— the things he will need in his toolbox of life. For Augie’s parents, that was more important than their desire to keep him at home and safe,” added Roberts.
From Wilson’s standpoint, he noted, “even dropping off my 6- year- old at kindergarten the first day— seeing him all nervous, walking around with his hands in his pockets— was tough for me. We want to protect our kids from anything, but there’s only so much you can do.”
As for young Jacob Tremblay, who first found fame with his amazing performance in “Room,” playing Augie was a tough challenge. “I’m not going to lie,” said the young actor, who spent two hours daily having makeup and prosthetics applied to his face. “It was hard sometimes, and there were days when I really got tired of it.”
The anti- bullying message of the film “was the main reason I did it,” said Tremblay. “Bullying mostly takes place at school, and school needs to be a place where kids can feel safe, so they can learn. They can’t do that if kids are judging them.”
Santa needs your help
With so much of the news lately focusing on personal selfishness— in entertainment, sports and politics— it seems even more important this holiday season to remember the less fortunate.
One of my favorite things the Sun- Times does is sponsor the annual “Letters to Santa” program— helping our readers, as well as Sun- Times staff members, to play “messenger” of notes sent by deserving children to the Jolly Old Elf himself. Last year, Letters to Santa served more than 11,000 lowincome children in our area with gifts, strongly aided by the contributions to the Empty Stocking Fund.
Among the Chicago Public Schools participating this season is Hanson Park Elementary at 5411 W. Fullerton, where I got a peek at letters from a group of kids in pre- kindergarten and kindergarten classes. At Hanson Park, 94 percent of the children live below the poverty line, and many would not receive presents at the holidays except for the generosity of Sun- Times readers.
To receive one or more letters— each with a spending limit of $ 25 to $ 30 per child— you can go to suntimes.com/santa, call us at ( 312) 321- 3114 or email us at elves@suntimes.com.
In looking over the letters, it’s obvious Santa has to be in touch with popular culture! At least at Hanson Park, Lightning McQueen from the “Cars” animated film franchise is a big hit. That’s why Kaleb and Jaden have asked Santa for a McQueen speedster, just like in the movies. Other letters focus on Thomas the Tank Engine, Batman, SpiderMan, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Captain America- themed gifts.
However, it was nice to see this letter from young Adam, who clearly understands the true meaning of the holiday season— asking Santa for “some kitchen toys, so I can play with my sisters.”
Good boy!