SEAN PENN’S INTO THE WILD IS AN UNUSUALLY SOULFUL AND POETIC ROAD MOVIE ABOUT A DROP-OUT WHO GOES IN SEARCH OF SOMETHING MORE THAN MAINSTREAM AMERICAN SOCIETY CAN OFFER.
Not content with being the finest actor of his generation, Penn is forging a reputation as a director who combines a truly independent spirit with a deep understanding of the art and craft of cinema. Into the Wild, adapted by the director from John Krakauer’s bestselling book, tells the real life story of Christopher McCandles, who at the age of 22 walked out of his privileged life in search of adventure. Freshly graduated from college and with a promising future ahead, McCandles gave away his $24,000 of savings to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, and set off on a journey through America leading north to Alaska. On the way he encountered a series of fascinating characters who shaped his understanding of life, and whose lives he in turn changed. What his journey did was turn him into an enduring symbol for countless people in search of truth and happiness, in search of home. Emile Hirsch (Lords of Dogtown, Alpha Dog) is outstanding as McCandles, part heroic adventurer, part lost soul, and the flawless supporting cast includes Catherine Keener, William Hurt, Hal Holbrook and Marcia Gay Harden. The film is gorgeous to look at, making good use of the changing American landscape and evoking some ’70s cinematic references with the lightest of touches; and Penn’s musical choices are characteristically well made. This is American auteur cinema at its best.—Sandra Hebron.