Into The Wild

Warning - the following contains spoilers

Into The Wild is based on a true story and centres on the adventures of a young man called Chris McCandless. The film starts in 1990 and Chris has recently graduated from college but has become disillusioned with the materialistic, success driven society and in an act of rebellion and idealism he decides to break free and wander rural America in search of an alternative life experience. His ultimate aim is to reach Alaska and live alone in harmony with nature. Along the way he befriends some interesting characters but he is unable to develop these relationships and he keeps moving on, always with Alaska as his ultimate goal. The film might not be everybody's cup of tea but it's at least very thought provoking. I watched the trailer of Into The Wild on YouTube and it was interesting to read the comments of people who have seen the film. Some applauded Chris for his idealism and courage. One person wrote something along the lines of 'He lived more in those two years than most people do in their entire life'. But some criticised Chris for his naivety and selfishness. The film really provoked heated debate and polerized opinion. I think the idea of breaking free from consumerism and the conventions of society all strike a chord with us but it depends how we express this longing for freedom and happiness. Chris thought it would be found in a complete rejection of consumerism and living a solitary life. He seemed so focused on this that he lost sight of the importance of friendships, relationships and family. Throughout the film he has opportunities to develop relationships that are potentially very fruitful but he cannot settle down and take that step of faith. Sometimes I don't know whether Chris is running towards something or running away from something. There are references to a troubled family life which may be at the root of this. At the end of the film, dying of starvation in Alaska, he comes to realise that, in his own words, 'Happiness is only real when shared'. Overall I was not sure whether to admire Chris or feel pity for him. Maybe a bit of both. Like most things in life, it comes down to getting the right balance. He could have settled down with friends and still maintained his close bond with nature and spirit of adventure, but sadly his remarkable journey does not have this happy ending. At the end of the day I guess there is not subsitute for love. Emile Hirsch is excellent as Chris and manages to portray a strong will and free spirit with a sense of underlying insecurity. It is a character driven film and does not have much of a plot but the direction, cinematography, soundtrack, screenplay and cast are all very strong and make Into The Wild an engaging and powerful film. 8/10