Film #153
Title: Into the Wild (2007)
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, Catherine Keener and Vince Vaughn
Dir: Sean Penn
Basic Synopsis (from IMDb): After graduating from Emory University, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life.
My Mini Review:
Based on a true story, this film makes you feel so many things. Initially, what he does seems almost noble, then soon takes a turn and it becomes naive and sad. A great effort made by Penn to show this delicate balance so well and even waited 10 years to make to the film – waiting until he had the approval from the McCandless family.
Cinematically, I thought the camera work was excellent and the direction solid. It is said that they constructed an exact replica of the bus to use in the film, as a way to pay their respects to Chris (to not shoot in the actual bus he used). Hirsch turns in a solid performance, and many strong supporting players as well. A sad story, but one worth telling.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Farron('s) Films 