Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Into the Wild
“Into the Wild,” directed by Sean Penn and based on a true story captured in a book by Jon Krakauer, is about an idealistic young man, Chris McCandless, who decides to turn his back on civilization and return to nature by living in the Alaskan wilderness. Half of the movie is Chris’s trip to Alaska and the pleasure he takes in the journey and the people he meets along the way. The other is his solitary existence in Alaska where he discovers that happiness is meaningless unless it is shared with someone. Unfortunately for Chris, this lesson comes at a high price. Emile Hirsch, as Chris, is very effective as he portrays a young man who is both likeable and a jerk, adventuresome and crazy. Hirsch is ably supported by Catherine Keener, Vince Vaughn (in a serious role), Hal Holbrook, William Hurt and Marcia Gay Harden. Penn successfully weaves together both parts of Chris’s journey, cutting back and forth in time and using portions taken from Chris’s journal. And the cinematography by Eric Gautier is spectacular. I had mixed feelings about Chris McCandless’s story before I saw this movie and I still have mixed feelings. Chris was both brave and foolish and it’s the foolish part that I’m having trouble understanding. (10/9/07)
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2 comments:
Geri,
Lynn and I agree with your comments. Chris was definitely foolish and like many fools he got away with his actions as when he kayaked down the raipds, but finally he paid the ultimate price.
His much maligned parent could have said, "We told you so," but Chris would have heard that as another instance of their uncaring, unconcerned parenting.
Surely the Academy will recognize some of the work in this film, especially Emile Hirsch performance as well as some of the supporting roles--Hal March?--all of which were stellar, and certainly the cinematography as you noted its high level.
DJ
This movie certainly demonstrates Sean Penn's skill as a director. Along with top-notch acting and cinematography, this movie should receive Academy Award recognition.
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