Into the Wild tells the true story of Christopher McCandless. The film begins in 1990, as Chris (Emile Hirsch) graduates from Emory University. He is joined at the ceremony by his father, Walt (William Hurt), his mother, Billie (Marcia Gay Harden), and his sister, Carine (Jena Malone). They are all very proud of Chris and are overjoyed to hear that he’s looking at law school. However, once they leave town, Chris destroys all of his identification cards, gives his life savings to charity, and heads West in his beat-up car. Chris begins going by the name “Alexander Supertramp” and once his car is lost, he begins to hitchhike cross-country.
His goal is to eventually make it to Alaska. Along the way, he meets many interesting people who aid him on his journey. Meanwhile, his family has no idea where he is and they are very concerned. The movie intercuts Chris’ journey with footage of him arriving in Alaska and heading off into the snowy wilderness on his own. He finds an abandoned bus which has been converted into a shelter (complete with a stove) and decides to live there. But, having “gone back to nature” will Chris’ journey prove to be too much for him?
Into the Wild is a film which must be judged on two levels. The first is a purely aesthetic one. Sean Penn has obviously taken great pains to craft a very eloquent film which is faithful to McCandless’ life. The movie was shot in most of the real locations which McCandless’ visited, and features landscapes which go from the city, to the dessert, to wheat fields, and to a frozen tundra. The cinematography in the film is simply beautiful at times. We see Chris visit some amazing places, and the fact that Into the Wild was shot in the actual locations certainly lends an air of realism to the film. The editing of the film also enhances the story.
Into the wild - Christopher McCandless
According to the DVD extras, the script was written in a linear narrative, but Penn and editor Jay Lash Cassidy have divided the film into two storylines — the story of how Chris got to Alaska and what he did one he arrived — are intermingled, thus creating an interesting reaction in the viewer. We know that he’ll achieve his goal, but we also assume that something important must happen when he’s alone in the wilderness. Penn also gets some great performances out of his actors.
Hirsch is probably best known to most as the goofy teenager in The Girl Next Door or the guy who will be playing Speed Racer. But, he gives a good performance here, especially considering the physical nature of the role. Not only does his body go transform, Hirsch does many stunts in the film as well, again, adding to the believability of the movie. Oscar nominated Hal Holbrook is very good as one of the kind souls who help Chris, as are Catherine Keener and non-actor Brian Dierker, who seems like a natural.
Few who have seen the film would argue with the above points. However, the amount to which one enjoys this film is going to depend completely on one’s world view. Some will admire Chris’ actions and really respond to his story. This is a boy who grew up in a family which was filled with shameful secrets and he often watched his parents fight. Having had an affluent childhood, Chris turned his back on all material things and was determined to live a truly natural life, free from all bonds of society. There will be audience members who have dreamed of getting away from it all, and will applaud Chris’ decision to truly break away.
Into the wild - Christopher McCandless
However, some will take a different view. Chris’ parents were millionaires and Chris had been given an enormous college fund. The film tells us that his parents fought, but we are never told that Chris was directly abused. One could assert that Chris was merely a spoiled kid who decided to take an “adventure” knowing that he could return to his charmed life at any point.
Also, the fact that he never told any of his family members where he was going (not even his sister, who was basically his best friend), can be seen as cruel. These differing opinions will definitely influence how one views Chris’ journey. But, the fact that the film will make you think and question how you see the story is a testament to the power of the movie. No matter one’s opinion of Chris and his odyssey, there’s no denying the heart-wrenching and disturbing nature of the film’s final act.
Sean Penn seems to have an affinity for making films where characters are placed in desperate situations and faced with moral challenges. However, the challenges faced by the main character in Into the Wild may be the most intense that Penn has yet tackled. This true story features a subject which will potentially divide the audience and will, at the least, spark debate. Outside of that, this is a very well-made film which, due to its attention to detail, must be considered one of the most accurate biographies ever made.
