INTO THE WILD (2007, USA, 148m, 15) ***½
Adventure, Biography, Drama
dist. Paramount Pictures; pr co. Paramount Vantage / Art Linson Productions / Into the Wild / River Road Entertainment; d. Sean Penn; w. Sean Penn (based on the book by Jon Krakauer); pr. Art Linson, Sean Penn, Bill Pohlad; ph. Eric Gautier (Colour | 2.39:1); m. Michael Brook, Kaki King, Eddie Vedder; ed. Jay Cassidy; pd. Derek R. Hill; ad. John Richardson, Domenic Silvestri.
cast: Emile Hirsch (Chris McCandless), Marcia Gay Harden (Billie McCandless), William Hurt (Walt McCandless), Jena Malone (Carine McCandless / Additional Narrator), Brian H. Dierker (Rainey), Catherine Keener (Jan Burres), Vince Vaughn (Wayne Westerberg), Kristen Stewart (Tracy Tatro), Hal Holbrook (Ron Franz), Jim Gallien (Jim Gallien), James O’Neill (Graduation Reader), Malinda McCollum (Waitress), Paul Knauls (Building Manager), Zach Galifianakis (Kevin), Craig Mutsch (Wayne’s Crew #1), Jim Beidler (Wayne’s Crew #2), John Decker (Hutterite #1), John Hofer (Hutterite #2), Jerry Hofer (Hutterite #3), Terry Waldner (Hutterite #4).
The true story of Christopher McCandless (Hirsch), son of wealthy parents (Harden and Hurt), who graduates from Emory University as a top student and athlete. However, instead of embarking on a prestigious and profitable career, he chooses to give his savings to charity, rid himself of his possessions, and set out on a journey to the Alaskan wilderness. Penn’s self-indulgent direction sometimes detracts from the often-absorbing story and distances the audience from McCandless’ voyage of discovery, which ultimately and ironically becomes one of self-destruction. Along the way, there are excellent performances from Hirsch and Holbrook and stunning photography by Gautier.
AAN: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Hal Holbrook); Best Achievement in Film Editing (Jay Cassidy)
