Worthy of a Darwin

Rating: 8/10 (11 June 2008)

Okay. I actually quite loved this movie. There was definitely something about his spirit that was worthy of your admiration. Clearly in reading many of the reviews many people were moved by Chris McCandless's spirit. And as I understand it many have trekked north themselves turning Chris's bus (you mean it is still there?) into a shrine.
Indeed it is very difficult to fault the film which after all centered on Chris's spirit and did not try to turn it into a debate. But sorry to throw a dash of realism on this but Chris's "into the wild" was worthy of a Darwin award. Trekking off into the wilderness with nothing more than his backpack, minimum equipment and supplies, little in the way of food except for his 10 pound bag of rice and worst of all no compass and no topographic map is not worthy of heroism and admiration it is just plain stupid. Good thing that James Galien gave him those boots. At least he had something.
The reality was Chris was sitting barely a 1/4 of a mile away from a tram that could have gotten him across the river and to safety. He essentially came apart after discovering that he couldn't cross the river (yes those rivers up there can be low and shallow sometimes and raging torrents at other times). I have been to the Yukon and Alaska and believe me it is absolutely stunningly beautiful country but if you wander into the wild without proper preparation it is a totally unforgiving.
It was I admit a poignant moment when Chris in a deteriorating and emaciated state crossed paths with the grizzly bear that wandered into his camp. That the bear didn't tear him apart and into dinner was more to the credit of the bear. He probably took one look at the guy thought to himself "what a puny looking excuse for a human being". The bear got it right. Eating bones just wasn't worth it.
There was also a wonderful scene between Chris and Ron Franz who was played by Hal Holbrook. Knowing already the fate of Chris the scene in the car as they said their goodbyes was very emotional. No wonder the wonderful veteran actor Holbrook received a well deserved Oscar nomination.
Chris - you are a beautiful guy - but so dumb. And of course sadly no longer with us. But I loved your spirit and the film was a beautiful obituary.