we are not alone

Rating: 9/10 (11 February 2010)

Like most readers of the Krakauer book, the news that a Hollywood production of this tale was in the offing made me feel something akin to dread. The book describes a troubled young man, perhaps a genius, who perversely has a life-changing effect on practically everyone he meets, but may have been, at heart, a misanthrope. Krakauer makes sure his reader is aware that, despite his meticulous research, we are dealing with educated guesswork. The plot synopsis on IMDb states: "Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life." This is simply wrong. The fact is these people were shaped by Chris, but failed to influence him in any fundamental way that would divert him from his ill-fated course. Why Chris did what he did is ultimately unknowable.
Sean Penn's triumph is to preserve that ethos. Yes, it is beautifully shot, has a wonderful soundtrack, and a host of character actors step up to the plate and give outstanding service. From the book, Ron Franz stays in the mind most, a man sleepwalking through life till he encountered Chris, whom he wished to adopt. That character takes a while to surface in the film, but when he does, Hal Holbrook inhabits him completely. As Chris's father, William Hurt shows just as he did in History of Violence that range and economy are his forte these days. We admire Chris for the strength of his convictions, the vitality he radiates, but there is always the urge to condemn, or at least finger-wag. He has the self-obsession of the true artist, and the hurt that creates in those around him is very real. Penn makes the brave decision to put this at the heart of his film, by having Chris's sister narrate his tale.
Imagine, if you will, that this young man had not died, but had been found by hunters alive but enfeebled, then nursed back to health. The tale of a young man who went to live in the wilds of Alaska but ended up poisoning himself would have been tabloid fodder. Chris McCandless would have been a figure of ridicule and public scorn. But he did die, and that is the price tragic heroes pay for their status. Still, like most people, I would much rather he were alive, to enlighten us on what he learned from his adventure.
It is a rare pleasure to have a film live up to a book. Penn's portrayal complements rather than mimics; I felt I got different things from the film, rather than merely re-visiting the book's pleasures. Comparisons with Grizzly Man are inevitable but in a good sense, both films focusing on the triumph of the human spirit in dark circumstances.