Into the Wild (2007)
Starring Emile Hirsch, William Hurt, Marcia Gay Harden, Jena Malone, Hal Holbrook, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Keener
Directed by Sean Penn
Into the Wild, Sean Penn's adaptation of the best-selling true story of the same name by Jon Krakauer, is film about a privileged college graduate Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) in the early 90s who abandons his life which he feels is a society controlled by money and power to set out on an adventure in the wilderness. He takes himself out of the world he despises by donating all of his savings to charity, burning his money and changes his name to the nifty Alexander Supertramp.
Through the film we watch McCandless struggle with his scars from his family (William Hurt, Marcia Gay Harden), while he encounters a number of characters whom perpell him forward on his journey to his final destination, Alaska.
The entire all-star cast deliver great performances that constantly remind us why McCandless is on his adventure. Hal Holbrook's small role is magical. Hirsch (whom I had only known from smart comedies like The Girl Next Door) makes it so clear that his character is not trying to rebel, but craves the lifestyle of the wilderness, and as he gets closer and closer to his goal, his addiction become stronger.
The movie is simply, beautiful. Penn smartly and expensively shot the entire film on location, sometimes even the same spots the real McCandless visited. The views never get boring, and subtly add to the themes of the film. A great score of soft strings adds nicely.
The writing is minimalist, funny, sad, and beautiful. A few cliches here and there, but their deliveries usually let them pass.
I really liked the movie. The movie is long, and drags on, so make sure you have the patience for it.
My Rating: **** 1/2
