Friday, March 28, 2008
Into the Wild
After reading portions of Krakauer's book, Into the Wild, I have wanted to see the movie. I wondered what the quirky and abrasive Sean Penn would do with the movie. Would he edge it up and make it caustic, like him? Instead I think he sweetened it. The main character based on the real Chris McCandliss is a joyous lover of life. He reminds me of a poet friend of mine who is not the most practical fellow you'd want to meet but one who sees beauty is the smallest things and makes delightful observations. I knew the end of the movie was going to be wrenching. Actually the movie starts with the end of Chris' story and the end continues to be sprinkled throughout the movie. But when the final moments arrive it's hard to watch. Chicken Mary did a little fast forwarding -- it's true. Despite this sadness, the movie gave me the same feeling as watching Motorcycle Diaries; it made want to go on an adventure, sloughing off my worldly ways and take a bite out of the apple of life. (By the way, Chris a.k.a. Alexander Supertramp, takes an exultant bite out of an apple in the movie)
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6 comments:
I was pretty disturbed by this movie, mainly just the part when he dies. It freaked me out. Other than that, it was pretty decent.
loved the scenery and sense of adventure. Very sad story! I really felt for his family. However, Chris was overly idealistic in his views of life. In particular for such a smart guy he was completely unrealistic about the Alaska wilderness. Why would you go into the wilds of Alaksa with only white rice? Did he really believe he could make it?
Yes, Chris made many bad decisions -- what about that white water trip? But he lived and experienced life on the edge. that was his gift and his fatal flaw.
Hi Auntie Mary!
I enjoy your blog-
you should check out mine for the media collective i'm in. we've put out a handful of zines this year, and next year we're planning on doing it every other week. i put on a bunch of links to media coverage of the civil disobedience i participated in last week.
it's here: macalestermediacollective.blogspot.com
<3 n
I watched Into the Wild after reviewing your Blog. I read the book when it came out in the 90s. A very interesting Movie; it really made you wonder what Chris was trying to prove in his life by wandering out into the Alaskan Wilderness. Though the ending did portray the anguish his family felt after his death, I don't think it showed how poorly he dealt with trying to return to civilization. He was only ~10 miles from a highway; and there were other places he could have crossed the river had he ventured further. Still, he was a young energetic guy - and a shame he didn't get a second chance...
Interesting about the 10 miles from the highway. He definately wasn't the most practical guy -- I still admire his zest for living.
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