Review of Into the Wild (2007) by Mike S — 06 Jul 2012

Based on real incidents, this is a very well-made film with a captivating visual style and excellent performances by the cast. The main problem I have with it is the unsympathetic nature of the protagonist, Chris McCandless. Freshly graduated from college and from a well-to-do family, Chris has issues with the lies and anger in his family and, essentially, runs away from home. Priding himself on using minimal gear and funds, he hikes and hitch-hikes across the U.S. seeking experience and solitude. He seems to be too intelligent to be unaware of the resources available to help him deal with his demons; he just chooses to ignore the advice of well-meaning people he meets along the way (all of whom seem to fill parental roles for him, as he fills an offspring role for them). Eventually, he treks into the Alaskan wilderness to try living off the land for a few months. Being young, naive, and stubborn, he is woefully unprepared. His fate is public knowledge.

To its credit, the film does not seem to ennoble Chris or make him into a martyr. He is a flawed, troubled young man who has to learn things the hard way. The film has gorgeous cinematography, with a wide array of camera angles, long and close-up shots, slow motion and time-lapse scenes. Everyone in the film gives outstanding performances. I particularly liked the secondary roles filled by Catherine Keener, Brian Dierker, and Hal Holbrook. It's a gorgeous film, but long, sad, and wrenching.