“Into the Wild”
Starring: Emile Hirsch, William Hurt, Marcia Gay Harden, Katherine Keener, Vince Vaughn, Hal Halbrook, Jena Malone, Kristen Stewart
4 stars out of 4
“Into the Wild” is Sean Penn’s adaptation from the John Krakauer book of the same name. This film tells the true story of 22 year old Christopher Johnson McCandless, who at young age left behind all of his possessions, and donated his entire bank account of $24,000 to charity, while planning to hitchhike to Alaska and live in the wilderness. McCandless, a bright and young idealist, graduated from Emory University with a 3.7 GPA, and had plans to go to Harvard Law before he left for his epic journey.
McCandless is played magnificently by rising star Emile Hirsh who truly defines the phrase breakthrough performance for his role in this. McCandless, has had a rocky relationship with his parents Walt and Billie played by William Hurt and Marcia Gay Harden. They are an upper class family who define themselves by possessions. Although they are hard working and good people, McCandless and his younger sister Carine played by Jena Malone understand where the parent’s flaws lie. In an early scene, McCandless rejects a graduation gift of a new car that they offer him; this among other things has set Chris over the edge.
While on the road, McCandless changes his name to Alexander Supertramp, abandons his car, and burns the rest of his money. In search of beauty, freedom, and independence, Chris encounters many interesting and friendly people on his journey. He meets Jan Burres played by Catherine Keener and her husband Rainey. They are hippies who move from place to place and basically live simple lives. McCandless appreciates there way of life, and becomes friends with them. They see him as a bright young man, who should contact his parents and let them know his whereabouts. This happens with most people that Chris meets, the others include a grain manufacturer played by Vince Vaughn, and an old lonely widower named Ron, played gently by Hal Halbrook, who gives a touching Oscar worthy performance as who has found a deep friendship with Chris. They all see themselves as surrogate parents in some way, and all wish the best for Chris.
McCandless works odd jobs, and gathers what money he can to prepare him for his great Alaskan adventure; he also canoes, camps, and catches any ride he can to get him to that moment. The moment of living in the wild, catching game, and being free. This is McCandless’ dream. The film shot beautifully by Sean Penn, is a tribute to the young McCandless and his aspirations. Penn also uses original songs by Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam to enhance the journey that Chris is on. Vedder’s vocals contribute largely to this story. The character of McCandless is portrayed as having strong rifts with his parents, as he displays his frustration in many scenes, mainly his father who really can’t understand Chris’ motives. Carine McCandless who is closest with Chris, narrates the story, and tells of her families’ frustration and fear of what has happened to Chris, as he hasn’t contacted them in two years. They live in disbelief of what Chris has done, and just hope there son is safe.
As Chris finally arrives in Alaska, we fear of what may come to him, as he is very inexperienced in hunting, and living off in a remote location. His only shelter comes from a bus, that McCandless shelters himself in, which becomes a resting place for him near the end of his journey. Its hard to understand this character, is he brave, naïve, or just stupid. Viewers of this film can arrive at there own conclusion. This film is touching, emotional, and haunting. It’s a story of the road, and the pressures of one man to escape society and create his own utopia in the rough and unforgiving wilderness.
This film is emotionally draining, heartbreaking, and triumphant in telling this kids story, it’s my favorite movie of the year, and Sean Penn has crafted his own personal masterpiece with such passion and craft. “Into the Wild” is a film of substance, intelligence, and righteousness, a character study of the highest and most haunting magnitude. Also, listen for the original score by Pearl Jam vocalist Eddie Vedder, he composed original songs for the film, which feel like a character all themself. Best movie so far this year
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