Ah wilderness!

Rating: 8/10 (8 June 2008)

Never read Jon Krakower's book, but nothing prepared this viewer for the intensity of the life it describes. The mere idea of a young man pursuing an ideal such as to be on his own, be self-reliant, follow his dreams, is something no one can easily comprehend. The fact that Chris McCandless, a young man with a bright future decides to leave it all and go search for a world unknown is to be celebrated because of the trappings of this society probably would have interfered in his quest. That he persevered, and even had to pay a dear price for following his dream is almost incomprehensible, given the kind of life and background where he came from.
Sean Penn, an uncompromising man in his life, as well as in his profession, shows a keen understanding to his subject's motives for going on his own to discover what was out there and spend his life doing exactly what he wanted. Mr. Penn has given us a work of love and beauty in his screen treatment of the life of a man that found fulfillment in doing exactly what he wanted.
Thus we follow the travels of Chris, who becomes Alexander Supertramp as he starts roaming the country. His goal is to get to Alaska, which to him probably his last frontier. Along the way he meets people that will touch his life, as well as his will touch theirs, no doubt. There are the hippie couple Rainey and Jan, free spirits that will get to meet him on a couple of occasions. Farmer Wayne and Alexander find they are much alike when they get to know one another. The most touching person the young man bonds with is Ron, the retired man who feels strongly about adopting him and leaving whatever he has to Alexander, who is not into material things.
One sad note is the way Chris rejects his parents. Perhaps he felt his rebellion against everything is because their own sad lives. Not even his own sister, Carine, is able to comprehend her brother's decision to leave them. The family never thought they would not see him again after he leaves home. There are so many unanswered questions in this story.
Emile Hirsch, the talented young actor, was a magnificent choice for the main role. He gives his director, Sean Penn, a performance of epic proportions. Mr. Hirsch, one of our best screen performers injects life into the man he was asked to impersonate. Mr. Hirsch runs away with the film.
The supporting cast is excellent. William Hurt, Marcia Gay Harden and Jena Malone are seen as the parents, and sister of Chris McCandless. Brian Dierker and Catherine Keener are the hippie couple that befriend the young man. Vince Vaughn appears as Wayne. One of the most impressive actor in the film is without a doubt, Hal Holbrook, who outdoes himself as the kind Ron.
Sean Penn has established himself as an important voice in the American cinema. With "Into the Wild" he proves he has a great talent.