Movie Review: Into The Wild
Sean Penn’s expansive story of self discovery is an amazing trip that will make you laugh, cry and keep thinking long after it is over. Mr. Penn’s direction is remarkable and shows his talent as a director is not confined to Mystic River, another great film. He certainly should have been nominated for best director for “Into The Wild”. This story is a monumental task for the director to embark on, taking place across America in rugged wilderness settings. The cinematography is stunning and places you right into the heart of the film. The original score by Eddie Vedder is haunting and beautiful as a backdrop to this human adventure.
The story centers on the real life travels of Chris McCandless, with a fine acting performance by Emile Hirsch. The farther you get into this film, the more you learn about Chris McCandless’s family and his feeling of burden associated with his impending future. The story is gripping not simply because of the action of the film but because of the inner workings of his family, this young man’s life and his effect on the people he meets during his travels. The freedom and fear of watching this person grow and survive in every new situation is thrilling and wrenching. Anyone who is a parent knows the type of pain associated with the loss of connection with their child.
The supporting cast give stellar performances. The pain of William Hurt’s Walt McCandless near the end of the film is palpable, knowing he is part of the reason his son is gone. Watching Katherine Keener’s Jan Burres provide a gentle space of safety for Chris is a delicate and touching acting moment. Brian H. Dierker was fascinating to watch and matches seamlessly with Katherine Keener in his role as Rainey. The irony of Chris McCandless’s realization near the end of the film of what holds meaning in life is stunningly poignant.
The depth, the level of truth Sean Penn leads his young actor Emile Hirsch into as director points to his innate ability as one of our great screen actors and now as one of its talented directors.
2007. Directed by Sean Penn. Screenplay by Sean Penn, adapted from the book by Jon Krakauer. Starring Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone, Katherine Keener, Brian H. Dierker, Hal Holbrook, Vince Vaughn.
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