Into The Wild (Sean Penn, 2007)

Have you ever made statement(s) like any of the following? "one day, I'm gonna travel the world" or "if only I didn't have to work" and quite possibly "if I was free to do anything I wanted". Most of us, if not all have made such statements at various times in our lives. And various excuses invariably follow such bold statements. There are various reasons which hold us back on pursuing passions, dreams or goals; and I truly believe that fear is the biggest reason. Whether it be fear of the unknown, a fear of success or even fear at losing that which you presently are accustomed to, fear drives all of our decisions and lack of action. So when I see a film like Into The Wild (Sean Penn, 2007) which features a protagonist that brazenly scoffs at those things that hold us back, I have to simply stand back and watch with a mixture of awe and quite simply, fear. Awe, that this film provides such a remarkable picture of spirit and integrity. And fear reminding me of what I'm either not accomplishing in life or fear telling me to get off my ass. As Red (Morgan Freeman) likes to say in Shawshank Redemption (Frank Darabont, 1994) "get busy living, or get busy dying". Alexander Supertramp (Emile Hirsch) channels his inner Red and does just that.
The narrative to this film is rather sparse but the film fully recovers due to some outstanding work by Hirsch, Penn and the rest of a brilliant cast. Let me start with Hirsch. As Sean Penn is directing him, the obvious "passing of the torch" moment is contemplated. Hirsch reminds older audiences of a young Sean Penn. Troubled, angst filled, contemptuous towards society. If Hirsch's turn in Lords of Dogtown (Catherine Hardwicke, 2005) isn't quite Jeff Spicoli, the parallels exist. As Supertramp, Hirsch is mesmerizing and hypnotic. He fills the screen, quite the feat considering the beautiful cinematography presented by Penn. This role had to be challenging for Hirsch as many scenes are played out alone, allowing no feedback or connection for the actor. It had to help Hirsch being directed by Penn, one of our generations great actors.
As great an actor as Sean Penn is, it is his direction which shines in this film. His cinematography is spectacular. He crafts shots of nature which are full and overwhelming, symbolizing the beauty which Supertramp seeks, as well as giving voice to that which is calling him. At other times Penn creates a sharp dichotomy, like when Supertramp finds himself in the skid row section of Los Angeles. Penn also matches his score and soundtrack deftly to the film. There are moments when the audience can lose itself within the sound and sights Penn is providing. Finally, Penn does a remarkable job of casting his supporting players and within the structure of this film, this is an all important task.
Supertramp is on two journeys, one taking him to Alaska and the more important journey which is about family. It is the casting of the film which makes that second journey so powerful. William Hurt and Marcia Gay Harden are outstanding in their roles as the biological parents of Chris McCandless. At times cold an unfeeling, they slowly come to grips with what they have wrought. Equally so, Catherine Keener and Brian Dierker are excellent as Supertramp's surrogate parents, particularly Keener. As Supertramp leaves her for the last time, the anguish she portrays is heartrending. Still though, this moment pales compared to that which Hal Holbrook provides as he drops Supertramp off on the highway. The shot of Holbrook asking to adopt Supertramp, with Penn lingering on Holbrook's face as he deals with Supertramp's glib response is just cinematic gold. Asking to be his adopted grandfather, becoming a part of his family and then being rejected, the painful realization is almost unbearable.
It is this symmetry that the story portrays between losing one family and gaining another thatI feel is the heart of this film. Chris McCandless cannot stomach what his family is and has become. He knows it is founded on lies and he cannot tolerate the hypocrisy of it all. It is as Supertramp, as he sojourns through the western United States that the finds his surrogate family and resolves the old. Jan and Rainey replace his parents, Tracy (Kristen Stewart) his sister and of course Ron (Holbrook) becomes his grandfather. Unfortunately for Supertramp, he realizes too late the importance of family, both new and old.
To me, much of the power of this film lies in that realization. Especially in this day and age when accountability has been waylaid, it is refreshing to see a film which shows ultimate accountability. Through Chris/Supertramp WE realize there are consequences to our choices. It is a harsh lesson to learn, not only for our protagonist but us as well. At the same time, we also need to follow his example and set our own path, make our own way. Realizing of course that our decisions have consequences.
Great film, unbelievable story.