Into the Wild
The edge of innocence - Madz
In an interview with James Lipton on the show Inside The Actors' studio in 1999 Sean Penn said that cinema was too powerful a medium to be "just" entertainment. Pedantic, some might say, at last someone who has integrity, others might argue. Whether you approve of his stance or not, there's no denying Penn's directorial talent with such films as The Crossing Guards and Dead Man Walking to his credential. Into The Wild, his latest opus, is no exception. Based on true events, this is the story of Christian McCandless who, fresh from graduating and unbeknownest to his family, gives all his savings to Oxfam, takes on a new identity (the flamboyant Alex Supertramp) and goes on the road, hoping to eventually reach Alaska. From the get-go we know that this film won't be about a young guy's gap year shenanigans. It is a statement made by an idealist who believed that there was more to life than having a car, a career and becoming filthy rich. Adventurers and unconventional individuals are far and between, therefore portraying one of them could have been a risky gamble had the role landed in less capable hands than Emile Hirsch's. Not only does he fit McCandless' shoes perfectly but he does so amidst a remarkable cast. Catherine Keener, Vince Vaughn, Hal Holbrook, all spot-on , so much so you'd wish they shared more time on screen with the main character. Likewise Marcia Gay Harden and William Hurt as Christian's parents, whose (unfortunately) brief appearances are a great example of understated pathos. In addition to a beautiful and seamless cinematography, Sean Penn's use of music proves quite judicious. Having recruited Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder he builds a soundscape that totally matches the story and captures the whole range of emotions experienced by the hero. Just like Neil Young's work on Dead Man or Nick Cave's contribution to The Proposition, Vedder's songs will haunt you long after the credits on the screen have rolled.
Review published on the 20 November 2007 14:02
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More uLike Viewer Reviews
best film 2007. - movie_fan08
extremely moving film, the film is beautiful and penn's direction is brillant, soundtrack fits perfectly with the film, one cannot help but be involved with the main character of this film and can... MORE
22 April 2008 00:31
very good - amy
The beauty of Into the Wild, which Penn has written and directed with magnificent precision and imaginative grace, is that what Christopher is running from is never as important as what he's running... MORE
10 April 2008 16:25
WOW! - stereophonic2k@hotmail.com
This was one of the best films of 2007 as far as i'm concerned, it really had an impact on me, i knew nothing about it going into the cinema and came out in awe of of it as a whole as until the end i... MORE
02 January 2008 17:32
Excellent movie - brenjamin@gmail.com
Well worth the watch, a breath of fresh air from the usual Hollywood tripe.
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23 December 2007 04:33
Great - PeterCarroll
I loved this film. It has beautiful scenery, adventure and is more engrossing due to the fact it is based on a true story.
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17 December 2007 11:40
Best film of 2007 - speakeasy
This film is brilliant, thought provoking, sincere and very moving. It may have a few flaws but it's way ahead of any other film thats playing at the moment and it is the finest film I've seen in a... MORE
08 December 2007 13:43
Brilliant. - Alex Supertramp
After reading the reviews above, and after seeing the film, and also in the middle of reading the book, this film is a consice and fitting adapation of this inspiring character and his journey... MORE
07 December 2007 15:34
Pretty Good - Beadle
Hard going. A bit long and slightly depressing. pretty good story all round though. worth seeing
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07 December 2007 15:18
Sean Penn has arrived at this point in his career despite Shanghai Surprise, We're No Angels and Madonna. - Denehan
Sean Penn has arrived at this point in his career despite Shanghai Surprise, We're No Angels and Madonna. Maybe that explains why he is so earnest and serious about his work. He has made the fair... MORE
28 November 2007 21:56
One of the greatest films ever made about life - love>hate
Supertramp - are you Jesus? Into the Wild is based on Jon Krakauer's biography about Chris "Supertramp" McCandless - a well-educated young man who dropped-out of society... MORE
28 November 2007 17:53
A beautiful portrait - Justin Baker
After graduating from Emory University, things seemed to go well for Christopher McCandless. With good grades and a substantial amount of money in his savings, studying law was the logical... MORE
23 November 2007 18:34
Awful - Donal F
This is the kind of film that gives modern film making a bad name. It's too long, un-interesing with a very wooden and unlikable lead character. The movies premise of escaping the materialism of the... MORE
18 November 2007 12:54
If thats what you are into - slydon13
There seems to be a trend at the moment for long drawn out western type movies (Seraphim Falls) with lots of pain and sorrow. A recent college grad seeks to find himself on a trip to Alaska and... MORE
14 November 2007 09:42
A wild experience - eoin murphy
I must admit that i am not the biggest Sean Penn fan but when it comes to directing he certainly knows what he is doing as seen with Mystic River. His latest project does not disappoint either... MORE
13 November 2007 20:36
not impressed - barrygolightly
Overlong, one dimensional, incredible portrayal of what was in real life an amazing story. The main character came across to me as just another indulgent teenager.Nice camerawork though.
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13 November 2007 10:51
not impressed - stephen
I found the film too long and no real development in any of the characters. Nice camerawork though. I found none of the characters, including the main guy, credible. I found him to be an indulgent... MORE
13 November 2007 10:48
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