Christopher McCandless is as complex a character as one is likely to find in both the realms of fiction and reality. As depicted in "Into the Wild," he becomes a multifaceted individual incapable of classification. Played brilliantly and tortuously by Emile Hirsch, McCandless is at once a revolutionary, a coward, a hero, and a disaffected youth taken to the nth degree. Was McCandless brilliant in his decision to leave materialism behind and live off the wild? Or insane? "Into the Wild" offers no easy answers. The film, directed by Sean Penn, presents McCandless' life objectively and asks the viewer to make a judgment on the young man's unorthodox decisions. Penn has assembled an impressive cast in support of Hirsch, including young actresses Jena Malone and Kristen Stewart, and thespian vets Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt and Oscar-nominated Hal Holbrook. All fill a universe that is at times beautiful and heartbreaking. The cinematography, too, is simply gorgeous, taking viewers on their own trek through the wilds of the American West and finally into McCandless ultimate destination, Alaska. "Into the Wild" suffers from minor pacing problems, though these are likely more manageable on DVD. Still, it wouldn't be unusual to have to finish the film in two or more sittings. Getting to the end rewards viewers with a powerful film and equally powerful performances all hinged on the real story of the ultimate rebel.Read full review
The dichotomy in this young man's character and personality traits is vividly portrayed here, yet without passing judgment. He was unquestionably awed by the majesty of nature, but somehow didn't respect it enough. He reminds me of a person who is enthralled with weaponry but neglects to approach it with proper training and caution. His treatment of people, too, is incongruous. He was deliberately cruel to his parents and sister, withholding correspondence from them, yet to those who were little more than acquaintances, he apparently gave love and respect. This film is simultaneously gritty and cruel, beautiful and touching. But it never goes too far in either direction. This kind of balance is difficult to achieve, and makes for a different but fulfilling viewing experience. Make sure to get the widescreen version of this sad but compelling journey.Read full review
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Whether it is unfortunate or not, we are all mortal beings. What we choose to do with our mortality is not always our own choice but God's or even the devil's decision. This movie is a perfect example of how our mortal intentions, actions or even thoughts wind us up in places we do not choose to be or even want to be. The main character of this movie, Chris, who later turns his name to Alex on the road, ventures off to a land unknown with virtually nothing with him but a backpack. He is a graduate of a prestigious college and gives a whopping savings of 24 grand to a charity. Unfortunately, I see a few mistakes he made along the way with his journeys. I see Alex as being a free-spirited, courageous and brave man whose fate led him to a sudden and surprising end to his life. To live in a way he did makes me see him in a light that few of us reach because we are too scared and fearful of the elements. The elements of nature; the elements within us; and territories of the unknown. Some people have told me that he is stupid for going out into the wild and that he chose his own death. I believe that although he did suffer and cry at the end his spirit lives on and I am glad the story was told. He was a brilliant man and it saddens me that a little root in the wild could harm someone to that degree. He loved well, ate well (until the end) and survived well on something which was his calling. If he were alive, however he could have shared his story himself and shared it with others to help them. This movie makes me wonder about the dangers of nature and the dangers with in us all to venture "Into the Wild." In general, this movie is very well put together but I was a little let down by the ending. It seems an accurate account of both his life story and his love for freedom. The movie ends abruptly and does not meld together nicely. It is as though I watched the entire thing just to be let down by the ending. A very nice movie though for movie-lovers that enjoy a walk on the wild side. 4 stars.Read full review
Sean Penn directs this film about a young man from an affluent family who feels uncomfortable with society and hits the road hobo style after graduation from college. He eventually leaves civilization behind and heads into the wilds of Alaska to experience his greatest adventure yet, living off the land with the help of a .22 rifle he purchased. Based on a non fiction book by Jon Krakauer of the same name, the movie follows the story of Chris McCandless using quotations from his journal and relationships with people he meets along the way to peer into the mind of an intelligent yet troubled youth. The obvious question, "is he mentally ill?" is never answered but evidence is presented. "You live here in the dirt?" asks Hal Holbrook's character. On another occasion he helps a middle age couple over relationship troubles exhibiting wisdom far beyond his years. So it is left to the viewer to decide, but whether insane or desperate to search for truth, Chris finds his biggest challenge alone in the Alaskan Wilderness. This movie is masterpiece of character development and screenplay by Sean Penn. The musical score detracts rather than adds to the story. Emile Hirsh lost 40 pounds during the shoot and gives a haunting performance as Chris McCandless.Read full review
Many stars in this along with some great acting make this story incredible. It's based on the true story of a man who decides to live off the grid after his parents bitter divorce. This leads him to the desolate tundras of Alaska where he discovers that true happiness is only real if it's shared. And it helps to live within driving distance of a hospital. This is a very long movie but well worth watching. Oh and he dies in the end.
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Sean Penn is as good of an actor as there is nowadays, but this film has him seated in the director's chair. And as he has done in an actor in favorites such as "Mystic River" and "I am Sam," he delivers. This movie is based on Jack Kerouac's classic novel. Emile Hirsch plays the main character, Christopher McCandless, in this true story, of a young man who chooses a privileged life for one of wandering and self-reflection. This aspect of the movie surely makes you think about your own life, as I did with mine, and that is extremely interesting. Rolling Stone places "Into the Wild" at #3 on its list of 2007's best movies. For me, it's a few places lower, like 6 or 7, but it's definitely a great flick. I would recommend it to all.
Sean Penn's new movie Into the Wild arrives on the wave of a well-regarded novel about a college graduate who decides that the anger and violence in civilized society is too much to handle and commences a journey through nature in order to truly live life as it was meant to be. This film is a wonderful glimpse into the life of a kid, wise beyond his years, and the bonds that he creates with people along the way. A victim of excess in wealth and a shortage of love, Christopher McCandless hid inside his mind behind knowledge and philosophy, building up his intellectual strength, as well as the physical, in order to complete his trek, ultimately leading him to Alaska. Penn never falls into the trap of showing too much heartbreak on the side of McCandless's parents, because he doesn't want the audience to second-guess the decision he made. There is no debate to be had here, our protagonist has no alternative but to get out and live off the land. Only being completely self-sufficient can he grasp a meaning for his life and one day perhaps go back with that knowledge fully learned. Emile Hirsch is absolutely brilliant with his good-natured attitude and affable charm. His character believes that human contact is not necessary for happiness and never seeks out relationships. However, his character is so likable that they find him and latch on, not to change his mind, but to experience his level of being and hopefully learn something from him and help enlarge his vocabulary on life. The people he meets help him to fully grasp the decision of life in the wild and be able to survive it. Never coming off condescendingly to those he crosses paths with, Hirsch always holds a smile on his face. One scene, where he meets up with a couple of people from Europe, proves how contagious a clear outlook on life without the troubles of societal restraints can be. These three kids have a blast, if only for a few minutes—with Hirsch being chased by the police for rafting with no license—and it makes one wonder if maybe we all should take a journey into nature and feel the freedom and full warmth of heart that a lack of stress to succeed in the business world can give. All the supporting players are magnificent at helping show the side to McCandless that Penn needs on display to succeed. Hal Holbrook, Brian Dierker, and Catherine Keener are by far the best of these side characters with Vince Vaughn and Kirsten Stewart adding some charm too. Dierker, Keener, and Stewart play hippie, flower-child type roles and allow Hirsch to show off how modest and unselfish he is. This is the family he deserved to have from birth and he is the son they wished their lives had earned them. At their best, all four together give some of the most emotionally charged moments in the film. Holbrook, on-the-other-hand, helps give insight into the philosophy that Hirsch needs to live with in order to survive the loneliness, looking him in the face, to come in Alaska. It is truly fascinating to see how every person adds something to his overall experience and to the tools he needs. Hirsch deserves a lot of credit because he truly outshines the film itself with his dedication and sacrifice to the role. The length of time needed to allow him the ability to lose the weight necessary for a main plot point in the movie is crazy. If the time wasn't that long and Hirsch did it all rapidly, I'm even more impressed. With all that, there are many instances free of dialogue that he needs toRead full review
I bought the movie because its a true story. They are always the best. While watching the movie I could put myself in his shoes and totallly understood why he felt he needed to be alone. THEN I watched it again and for some reason I was able to put myself in the parents shoes. I thought HOW WRONG of him to put his parents through that.No matter how much his parents falt they were right, they loved him and ONLY wanted the best for him. PEOPLE can be crude, and for them to worry about what the neighbors are thinking and how they wanted him to be just so~ wasn't a good thing, yet it was really for his own good to keep any talk down... But kids don't care about that kind of stuff, only what concerns them. A pat on the back is always better then someone looking down on you.. He should have said something to them or wrote a letter or something. WHY would he put his family through all that stress and worry. It was really sad that he died two weeks before anyone found him. He hung on all that time, why not two more weeks. Such a waste of a young life!! I really do enjoy watching the movie, and sharing it with others. Maybe young troubled teens will learn a lesson when they feel like leaving home because their parents what more out of life for their kids, then what meets the young kids eyes. Teenagers have no clue what the future is, but we as parents are wise to what will happen.Read full review
I have to give this an average rating, I think there was more to be told about this guy's life (which is why I am buying the book). To me in the movie "Alex" came off as a crazy homeless guy who was mentally insane. I understand he wanted to go off into the wilderness and get away from society, but he had to have had mental issues. (Going to read the book and see if he comes off the same way.) Overall the film was great and lesson that can be taught to all, " Happiness is only great when shared," & don't be stupid tell someone where you are going! He fought so hard to get away, he secluded himself from his family but in the end all he wanted was to go back.... GO FIGURE! There were two scenes the movie could have done without: -Alex floating down the river nude -Husband and wife having sex (no nudity involved just faces) These two scenes were quick and pointless... The acting was great!!!! Thumbs up to all actors and actresses who were in this movie! Overall great movie just felt like there was more to be told about his life!Read full review
This movie would have been so much better had Sean Penn not had the film constantly bounce back and forth from present to past. There is a key piece of information that doesn’t get revealed until halfway through the film, so up til then you feel the main character is a ideological maverick, afterwards you find out he is just a messed up stupid, selfish brat.
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