Young actors starring in the latest feature films tend to lack the emotional maturity it takes to portray complex characters. However, Emile Hirsch proves himself to be a diamond in the rough with his excellent performance as the lead in "Into the Wild." Through a combination of superb directing and insightful writing by Sean Penn, "Into the Wild" is one of the most intense films of the year.
The movie, a true story based on the book by Jon Krakauer, takes us back to the early 1990s, when it was still acceptable for men to wear incredibly short shorts without being ridiculed. Hirsch plays Christopher McCandless, a recent graduate of Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. With the world at his feet, McCandless has the opportunity to do anything with his life. What McCandless really wants to do is to give up everything, including his identity, to travel across the country and make his way to Alaska. McCandless leaves society behind to go into the wild and live off the land.
Young actress Jena Malone gives an outstanding performance as Chris' sister, Carine. Carine is the only person who understands why her brother feels the need to leave his family behind, even though it is difficult for her to let him go. McCandless' parents-Billie McCandless (played by Marcia Gay Harden) and Walt McCandless (played by William Hurt)-are the causes of McCandless' disdain for civilization. With hypocrisy and fighting between his parents as his constant companions at home, it's no wonder that McCandless craves a new life, free of material possessions.
After giving away his life savings (which amounts to about $25,000), McCandless sets off on his adventure. He begins his journey in a beat-up car, which isn't exactly "roughing it." But soon, a terrifying flood in Arizona destroys his car, and McCandless finds himself truly on his own. He gives himself a new name to go along with his new identity: Alexander Supertramp.
The plot becomes slightly hard to follow at times, as the film constantly alternates between the start of McCandless' journey in 1990 and two years later, when McCandless takes up residence in what he calls the "Magic Bus." The film actually begins in the year 1992 and works its way back in time to explain how everything came to pass. McCandless' journey during these two years is filled with adventure and excitement.
Penn divides the film into chapters (after all, it is based on a book) depicting the various stages in McCandless' journey. Near the beginning of his voyage, McCandless hitches a ride with a hippie couple, Rainey (Brian Dierker) and Jan (Catherine Keener), who takes him in and treat him like a son. As with all the people he encounters on his trip, McCandless only stays with the couple for only a short while. His brief encounter with them allows him to overcome his fear of water (he eventually kayaks on whitewater rapids) and to build a meaningful friendship with them.
Vince Vaughn also makes an unforgettable appearance as Wayne Westerberg, the loud and slightly obnoxious employer who gives McCandless his first job on his journey. Hal Holbrook's powerful and moving performance as a lonely old man yearning for human contact is undoubtedly the most compelling among McCandless' surrogate family members.
McCandless visits numerous places and meets countless people who help him on his way to Alaska. McCandless' sensitivity inspires everyone he encounters, making their lives better for having known him. Even his family is brought closer together in their shared grief for his absence.
Although the movie runs over two hours, it is definitely worth watching. Its backdrop consists of striking scenes from the wilderness. Furthermore, Hirsch gives a commendable performance, allowing us to sympathize with his character.