by: RSJ
Stars:
Emile Hirsch
William Hurt Marcia
Gay Harden
Vince Vaughn
Hollywood may produce tons of movies every year but sadly what actually makes it to our local screens are limited to just a handful of the highly commercial ones. But business is business; the bigger the movie (and hype), the bigger the crowd. But if you crave for more than the usual ‘fast and flashy’ 109-minute fare, then you are left wanting. I got lucky stumbling upon ‘Into the Wild’, and although not knowing much at the time, soon discovered a little gem.
This movie is based on the life of Chris McCandless. Chris is a bright young man just out of college with the world at his feet. But he soon becomes disillusioned as the realities of his upbringing slowly creep in. He finally decides to discard everything and seek out the road on a passage of self-discovery.
‘Into The Wild’ documents Chris’ wonderful journey across the American landscape and its people. Chris ultimately sets his sights on the Alaskan wilderness, a place where he soon will face his greatest challenge. This real-life story is compelling insight into one person’s yearning for true freedom. But I don’t intend to give away any more of the storyline to spoil this experience.
Sean Penn directs well! I think he did remarkably, slowing the pace to provide depth, but with just enough momentum to keep a patient audience captivated with this beautiful story. I believe that Penn would have been tempted to showcase even more breathtaking shots of the American countryside and Alaskan wilderness, but he was mindful not to distract the viewer away from the main story.
I have no idea who Emile Hirsch is! But his intense portrayal of Chris McCandless was inspiring. I cannot imagine any other actor doing a better job, and maybe, some justice was done to the real Chris McCandless. And Hirsch’s performance is equally matched by Penn’s well cast supporting roles.
William Hurt (Chris’s father) and Vince Vaughn (farmer/racketeer who gives Chris a job) are the better known faces. But a number of other supporting actor/actresses were simply outstanding each carefully developed and balanced, something sorely lacking in many big productions today (e.g. wallflower Gwyneth Paltrow in Iron Man?).
In short, ‘Into the Wild’ is unassuming and intimate; it was not hard to find myself slowly drawn deep into Chris McCandless’ adventure. This is a Hollywood movie, but it is always nice to be pleasantly surprised. And exhibiting much maturity, director Sean Penn is definitely someone to watch for in the future.
Finally, a little bit on the movie soundtrack... Pearl Jam lead vocalist Eddie Vedder goes solo, and contributes a number of original songs. Although I consider myself a rock fan, I never did get Pearl Jam or Vedder. But set against a backdrop of folk and country tinged acoustic tones; Vedder’s characteristic deep growl is hauntingly beautiful. His heartfelt compositions raise the intensity of this already emotional story. It simply blew me away and I believe this is Vedder at his best.
This movie is based on the life of Chris McCandless. Chris is a bright young man just out of college with the world at his feet. But he soon becomes disillusioned as the realities of his upbringing slowly creep in. He finally decides to discard everything and seek out the road on a passage of self-discovery.
‘Into The Wild’ documents Chris’ wonderful journey across the American landscape and its people. Chris ultimately sets his sights on the Alaskan wilderness, a place where he soon will face his greatest challenge. This real-life story is compelling insight into one person’s yearning for true freedom. But I don’t intend to give away any more of the storyline to spoil this experience.
Sean Penn directs well! I think he did remarkably, slowing the pace to provide depth, but with just enough momentum to keep a patient audience captivated with this beautiful story. I believe that Penn would have been tempted to showcase even more breathtaking shots of the American countryside and Alaskan wilderness, but he was mindful not to distract the viewer away from the main story.
I have no idea who Emile Hirsch is! But his intense portrayal of Chris McCandless was inspiring. I cannot imagine any other actor doing a better job, and maybe, some justice was done to the real Chris McCandless. And Hirsch’s performance is equally matched by Penn’s well cast supporting roles.
William Hurt (Chris’s father) and Vince Vaughn (farmer/racketeer who gives Chris a job) are the better known faces. But a number of other supporting actor/actresses were simply outstanding each carefully developed and balanced, something sorely lacking in many big productions today (e.g. wallflower Gwyneth Paltrow in Iron Man?).
In short, ‘Into the Wild’ is unassuming and intimate; it was not hard to find myself slowly drawn deep into Chris McCandless’ adventure. This is a Hollywood movie, but it is always nice to be pleasantly surprised. And exhibiting much maturity, director Sean Penn is definitely someone to watch for in the future.
Finally, a little bit on the movie soundtrack... Pearl Jam lead vocalist Eddie Vedder goes solo, and contributes a number of original songs. Although I consider myself a rock fan, I never did get Pearl Jam or Vedder. But set against a backdrop of folk and country tinged acoustic tones; Vedder’s characteristic deep growl is hauntingly beautiful. His heartfelt compositions raise the intensity of this already emotional story. It simply blew me away and I believe this is Vedder at his best.
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