It works on many levels

Rating: 8/10 (24 January 2011)

Chris McCandless was not unlike myself at his age. He knew what had been thrown at him his whole life and wanted to experience anything but that for a while. I suppose we all go through these feelings and transitions and each individual handles it in a different way.
He was intuitive, sensitive, educated, empathetic, confused, intelligent, and thoughtful. His physical and spiritual journey brought him to places where he wanted to be. I perceive him to be a great person, infectious and irresistible, even charismatic. He had to do what he had to do.
I wholly admire the film because it portrayed a person on a spiritual journey....a true story, and I think Penn did a fantastic job painting this picture. The cast was also perfect and each fit into their role "perfectly".
The tragedy lies in the fact that the young man died so young. OK, maybe it was because of ignorance when it comes to living in the wild. Maybe it was because it played out exactly was it was supposed to. Maybe it was intentional, but I think not. He was searching and he found it. No one can say what scratches the itch of those who seek. Right or wrong, smart or stupid, weak or strong. Chris did it "his way". I admire his courage and fortitude to step outside the box.
I shudder to think of what this man would be doing now, at 40. He was a sharp mind, learning how to use itself, a bright light hiding under a bushel basket. Perhaps his decisions didn't help him, but they helped all of us didn't they? I think he'd like that.
Highly recommended movie.