Just a note about Holbrook's performance

Rating: 8/10 (9 April 2008)

I really enjoyed both the book and the film "Into The Wild." Chris has turned into a polarizing character - I am confused by both ends of the spectrum. I am most confused by those who hate him. I mean, they really HATE him and why is that? They call him selfish and arrogant and they say he deserved what he got. I am appalled by that sentiment. My first question is: Do you know any kid at 22, 23, 24 who ISN'T selfish and arrogant to some extent? It's called growing up. I just don't have the energy to have such intense hatred about a person I've never met, and whose actions (selfish and arrogant or not) did not effect me in any way.
But I digress - what I really want to say is that Hal Holbrook's performance moved me in a very deep way. I have seen the movie twice and both times I wept for long after Holbrook has left the screen. He just absolutely NAILS Ron Franz's affection for Chris, and Franz's loneliness, in such a profound manner. I was recently retelling Chris's story to my parents, and when I got to the part where Ron and Chris part ways I broke into sobs again. Something about it just really touches me, and I think a lot of that has to do with Holbrook's performance. It is a beautiful thing and worth everyone's time.