One of the best book-to-film adapts ever!

Rating: 10/10 (23 December 2008)

After finally getting around to reading the book I couldn't wait to see the movie and did so within a couple of hours.
So with the astonishing book very fresh in my memory I was somewhat apprehensive about how I could enjoy the movie --if at all.
And I am not one of those whiners who always complain that the book is never as good as the movie. That is BS because a lot of times the movie makers get it right (think The Dead Zone & Jaws & Clockwork Orange, All The President's Men & Eight Men Out + others). And when they get it wrong the stench can almost strangle you (think The Choirboys & Semi-Tough).
That's another topic for another day.
This is a deeply felt, beautifully rendered & thought-provoking movie. Emile Hirsch nails the enigmatic Chris McCandless who is, of course, the privileged son who leaves it "all" behind to find himself in the Alaskan wilds. It is a tough role because the way his McCandless is described in the book there isn't a wide range of emotions he outwardly expresses. There is almost a blankness to him that could have vaporized into thin air, BUT it doesn't and that allows you to ponder & perhaps project your own thoughts onto his inner journey outwardly bound. The other performances are top-notch. However HaL Holbrook's work here should have got him the Oscar.
Whatever you think of Sean Penn's politics should have absolutely no bearing on your thoughts about his handling of this material. He hits all the right notes as a director. Who does he think he is? Clint Eastwood?
This film moves along covering a surprising amount of ground and yet I never felt short-changed. Like the book, this film is potent & introspective stuff. Both will touch your mind & your heart
Read the book before or after the movie.
Note to Mr. Penn: you know that there is another Krakauer book begging for proper big-screen treatment and it may take you even higher in the directors' ranks.
(And I thought The Bourne Ultimatum, American Gangster, Michael Clayton, Eastern Promises & Knocked Up were the 5 best films of '07.)