Into the Wild - A Movie Review

‘Happiness is only real when shared’ - Christopher McCandless

Into the Wild is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless. After graduating from Emory University, Christopher McCandless abandons all his possessions, his family, and donates his $24,000 savings. Hitchhiking across the U.S., while meeting several people in his travels, Chris is bound to live in the wilderness of Alaska.

I watched Into the Wild over ten years ago in my sophomore English class in high school. Life has several different pathways. It’s up to us to choose how we want to live our lives. Into the Wild is an exploratory of the consequences of traveling in the world on our own.

Christopher McCandless left an impact on the world derived from his inquisitive mindset, journey, and outlandish decisions. Emile Hirsh had to lose 40 pounds for his role. Hirsh was wonderful in his performance, paying respects to this man of unimaginative reflections. The watch he was wearing belonged to McCandless.

The supporting cast is what Into the Wild is all about. Human connection is a vital source of life. Coming across several people with diverse backgrounds, they’re the reason why Chris’s story exists. Human kindness is a blessing.

When I watched this film over a decade ago, I was still in my pre-era as a movie fanatic. Going back to watching this film, I have so much appreciation for all the actors who I have come to recognize over time. Some of which my opinions have changed for the better.

Catherine Keener, Jena Malone, the late William Hurt, Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Stewart, Hal Holbrook, Zack Galifianakis, and Vince Vaughn were commendable in their roles. The interactions among the characters are the best part of the film.

In the last year or two, I have come around to actors like Stewart and Vaughn. Never judge an actor based on what films they have done in the past.

My favorite interactions happened between Chris and Ron (Holbrook). You never know how you are going to meet. We meet people for a reason. Their relationship was heartwarming and it crushed my heart to see Chris move on.

Sean Penn’s respect for this story and all who were involved was the highlight of his direction. He waited ten years until he had full permission from the McCandless family to make this film.

Aside from the realistic way Penn told this story, the cinematography of nature is astounding. Production made four trips to Alaska where McCandless’s adventure transpired. He chose not to shoot scenes on the real bus out of respect for the family.

Into the Wild is not an easy film to watch. Chris struggling in solitary, getting dangerously thinner, and deteriorating was tough. It’s even crazier to think that more people copied McCandless’s journey after his story was published.

Nobody has the same definition of life. We’re allowed to do what we want as long as it’s safe. McCandless’s journey has touched all of us. McCandless's words talk about how people should take the opportunity to reach out and go after their desires.

Except, as much as some people want to be alone and seek a life of independence, we need other people. I like to spend time alone, but not all the time. It’s not healthy. Go out and meet new people. Make friends. Accept new opportunities and think twice about your desires.

Go watch Into the Wild on Netflix. Before watching this film, I highly recommend that you research the life of Christopher McCandless. He left behind an extraordinary story. Share the experience.