Max Records went from being a bright, whip-smart kid in a Portland grade school to standing on the brink of stardom during the 2009 promotional wave for Warner Bros.’ long-awaited adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are. At the time, Max Records was still largely unknown to the wider public, but back in 2006, director Spike Jonze and the film’s producers saw something extraordinary in him. Out of thousands of young hopefuls across the country auditioning for the lead role, it was Max Records who ultimately won them over. Despite having minimal formal acting experience or training, Max Records displayed an uncanny comfort in front of the camera. Even more impressive was his maturity and awareness—qualities that seemed far beyond his years. Jonze himself was struck by the young actor’s depth, later describing Max Records as a “really special, soulful, sweet kid—sensitive and thoughtful.” He even went so far as to call Max Records a “freak of nature,” amazed that a nine-year-old could possess such a clear sense of self. As the buzz around the film grew, so did the spotlight on Max Records, marking the rise of a truly unique talent.
When it comes to Max Records’s film career, one movie really stands out as his highest rated performance—I Am Not a Serial Killer from 2016. It’s widely regarded as the peak of his acting work so far, earning strong praise from both critics and audiences alike. On the other hand, Max Records also had a bit of a stumble with The Sitter, released back in 2011, which ended up being his lowest rated film to date. While Max Records has taken on various roles over the years, it’s clear that I Am Not a Serial Killer remains a standout moment in Max Records’s journey as an actor.