Into the Wild (Sean Penn, 2007): 2007

Sean Penn’s celebrated film “Into The Wild” lived up to it’s wide accepted acclaim. As the viewer becomes exposed to an intimate relationship within the life of Christopher McCandless (played by actor Emile Hersh), one will become absorbed in his every motivation and idealism. Sean Penn has established a film that not only supports an artistically dynamic biography, but gives the viewer main stream exposure to a unique form of narrative that is seldom witnessed in mass distributed films today.

With an emphasis on the cause-and-effect of unstable house holds and domestic violence, Christopher’s portrayal of socially institutionalized life becomes expunged. Seeking inner clarity and a deep drive for a simplistic life style, Christopher banishes himself and his previous life for complete solitude. In extremely swift progression, his life stumbles upon multiple people that impact and effect his life in both literal and spiritual ways. With a number of non-diegetic montages, we get many aspects of Chris as well as the torment of his family’s guilt, empathy, and longing. This, as well as an audio dub-in of his sister as a narrator (played by Jena Malone), proves helpful in keeping a simplistic story full of exterior emotion and results. Literally burning the last of his money and social security card, leaving his car, Christopher embarks on an adventure that all viewers have dreamed of doing, but will dare not. We see such transformations in the now nameless protagonist as he continues his journey with such quotes as “I need a real name now”…….. (as he writes on a mirror with lip stick his new existence is)…. “Alexander Super-tramp”.

Penn’s “Into the Wild” is among the great adventure films, and a must see for all who have dreamed of self sustainability and ultimate freedom. As the internal journey, struggle, triumphs, and relationships continue, so will the viewer’s attentiveness grow for both Mr. “Super-Tramp”, as well as for the film itself.

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Published:
01.20.08 / 3pm
Category:
Films, Santa Barbara Film Festival 2008