Too Much Penn - Not Enough McCandless

Rating: 6/10 (1 December 2007)

Having not read the book, I can only take from Chris McCandless's experiences based on what I saw in the film 'Into The Wild'.
As a film I found many extraordinary things about it. The splendid cinematography is the first that comes to mind; many of the performances–particularly Hal Holbrook–who was a stand out and the interesting story/screenplay that director Sean Penn had to work with, which he painted over a broad canvas.
I do have some issues with the way it was presented. The narration by McCandless's sister; the passages that flashed across the screen from Chris's letters to Wayne who we really didn't get to know much about in the film and the non linear representation of the story—these things were too distracting for me too get fully immersed in the proceedings. It took me almost a restless hour before I began to settle in and my mind was constantly reminded that I was watching a movie. I feel this is due to Penn's disordered screenplay and self conscious directing style—the actor mugging into the camera??? Being aware of who the director was, I feel that more of Sean Penn's sensibilities and politics came through rather than that of the lead character and has let the film down slightly.
The choice of Eddie Vedder to score some of the music and songs throughout the film and the structure of the screenplay appears to come more from Penn's own psyche rather than what could have worked better for the films narrative. I personally feel a more linear/mainstream structure to this film would have benefited the story more. The representation of the themes expressed don't appear tempered or balanced enough—too anti this and anti that. Again it felt like too much Penn coming through.
William Hurt and Marcia Gay Harden had thankless roles as McCandless's parents and were wasted screen time. Any other lesser known actors could have portrayed these roles with what little they were given to do; as was with Vince Vaughn's character. Catherine Keener was perfect along with Hal Holbrook and I didn't have any issue with young Emile Hirsch in the lead role.
Through the events portrayed in the film I admire McCandless's tenacity and passion for pursuing the life and dream he desired. However, I found him arrogant and deluded not to mention hypocritical in denouncing the so called civilized world into which he was born. Alright! Chris had some childhood/upbringing issues but who doesn't. He was educated; intelligent and loved; but many of his actions— particularly those involving his family appear selfish. After the distressing incident with the Moose, Chistopher McCandless should have surrendered his ego and made an attempt to turn back home. To my mind he is not a hero and does not deserve to be martyred. It was a shame how this bright young mans life ended up - but perhaps his fate was deserved.