Into the Wild

2007

R

Chris McCandless is graduating college and decides to leave everything behind. Without leaving a note to his family, he donates all of his savings to charity, gathers the bare minimum in supplies, and heads out on a cross country journey in search of the Alaskan wilderness. Along the way he meets many interesting people who influence his outlook on life. Based on a true story, Into the Wild brings to life the adventures of McCandless and his search for truth and freedom.

I first watched this movie about ten years ago and I wasn’t able to remember many details. However, I found myself thinking of it quite often. There is just something about it that resonated with me and now that I have given it another viewing, the feeling is stronger. I love this movie and the thoughts Chris McCandless provoked. He didn’t care about materialistic things or the hustle and bustle of everyday life. He had the courage to leave all of those things behind and experience the world around him. There are times when I wish I had that courage but let’s be honest here, those who know me know that my survival skills would be equivalent to that of Michael Scott. Sean Penn did an amazing job writing, casting, and directing this movie. I didn’t feel that I was just watching a great movie, I felt part of it. I was very impressed and even more appreciative after watching the extras and finding out that there were no shortcuts taken in the filming. They traveled to all of the places Chris wrote about and visited people he spent time with. Some of them were made part of the crew and even put in the movie. I feel that knowing each scene was chosen with such care brings a greater feeling of authenticity to the viewer. Eddie Vedder even wrote and performed original music for the soundtrack. The movie is on the longer side at about two and a half hours but it doesn’t feel drawn out or have any wasted time. I would recommend this to be seen at least once in your life. It will make you think less of materialistic things and appreciate the world and beauty around you. 5/5.

Randy

Movie Review: Into the Wild