Into Perfection

Rating: 10/10 (7 January 2008)

Director Sean Penn delivers the most beautiful film to enter theaters in decades, Into the Wild. Starring newcomer Emile Hirsch as Christopher, a recent graduate of Emory University who decides to pick up and leave behind the material possessions of the world and walk the Earth. Based on a true story, Christopher 's life ends in tragedy but alas, there is no tragedy in the film, rather the essence of exquisiteness of the world as Christopher shows us everything we should be in awe about, that surrounds us every day.
One of the best cast ensembles constructed this year, Penn gives each of his actor's a objective and draws it out of them like a needle. Hirsch's character, being the most examined obviously, carries the film on his shoulders as other great thespians have in the past like Adrien Brody in The Pianist and Tom Hanks in Cast Away. Hirsch holds no boundaries in obtaining Christopher's most sensitive areas and engulfing them in himself as if possessed by the man. As he travels the states, he meets a slew of characters along the way.
Vince Vaughn showing us his dramatic acting chops, embodies a quality not seen by the actor before. Performances in films like Wedding Crashers, which I thought was brilliant and The Break-Up has put him in a boat Jim Carrey can't seem to get out of. Vaughn is more than comedy here, he's performing a man who you love to love, a man who's flaws don't carry any weight in caring for him. Maybe Vaughn's transition will be better and smoother than Carrey's.
Catherine Keener, who has been on my bad list as of late for her mediocre nominated performance in Capote, as completely revolutionized her acting game. With a sense of grace and splendor, Keener shows she can inhabit a character and let her ware on her soul. You can see pain and joy throughout the film, and when she's off screen you can't wait until you see her again. When she returns, you're overcome with joy because you knows Christopher is in safe hands.
Young talents, Kristin Stewart and especially Jena Malone are sensational. Stewart as the smitten young girl in need of love is heartbreaking altogether. Malone who has showed some promise in her earlier career with performances in Stepmom and Saved! shows something original and tender as Christopher's estranged sister. As she narrates the picture, you can hear the passion and desolation in her voice. As she tries to gives us insight into her family's world and the reasoning behind Christopher's exit, we're shown the tragedy of the American lifestyle everyone so desperately yearns for. Money, wealth, and materials cannot buy love, compassion, and safety. William Hurt and Marcia Gay Harden hold those images to heart as they give their performances as Chris' parents.
It's in the final twenty minutes in the film when Christopher meets his last major human contact. A old man exemplifying loneliness to the most potent degree and humanity in the most striking wonders. Hal Holbrook takes on this role and completely shatters all acting competition and gives on the best performances of the year and by far, his career. Holbrook, showing anguish in his eyes, layers the character with emotion upon emotion. Its in his finale encounter with Christopher he seals the award for Best Supporting Actor at this year's Academy Awards.
As stated before, Penn's direction here even though forceful in audience's attention, is no laughing matter. He ranks himself amongst the greats of other directors, Clint Eastwood, Sidney Lumet, etc. As powerful as he usually is in front of the camera, he's even more effective behind it. Into the Wild, is truly the most breathtaking and moving film of the year. All should experience it, and I myself, wish that I could live if a ¼ of what this man did in his final years of his life.
Grade: ****/****