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INTO THE WILD, based on the book by Jonathan Krakauer, directed and written by Sean Penn, found a unique way to tell the tragic story of a man trying to find his way in the world. Having read the book, I was not sure how you would make a diary into a compelling journey worthy of screen time. Sean Penn did so in spades. Not only did he find interesting ways of telling the story and introducing you to the characters who Christopher McCandless helped along the way, he paints a touching picture of self discovery.

Christopher McCandless was a bright young man who graduated from Emory University. A student athlete he had always been a minimalist. While many thought it was just a response to his parents and their desire to fix everything with money, it was really part of his inner being. From a young age he was different. He sought out his own path and desired, more than anything else, freedom. Without his family's council, he took off after college. Disappeared, no one could find him. It was the beginning of his two year quest to find himself.

Working his away across the country he finds adventure every step of the way. He meets a farmer and works amongst the people for awhile, also gaining the hunting knowledge he will need in Alaska. He poaches the Colorado River, taking it through the Grand Canyon into Mexico. He takes part in Slab City, a hippie commune where he enjoys interesting friends and sharing music. And finally he trains for his great Alaskan adventure in the desert, preparing his body for the extreme conditions in which he plans to live. He finally makes his way to Alaska, wanders into the wilderness and lives out his days in total self reliance. In the beginning he finds an abandoned bus, which he deems the "Magic Bus", and he makes it into his shelter. After many failings, nature winning, he finally gets the hang of things and becomes at one with his surroundings.

His strength turns to tragedy, as he did not foresee the rising of the river to uncrossable heights. His exit strategy for fall has been blocked and he is now trapped. Sick, low on food, and losing weight fast, he cannot seem to think his way out of his predicament. As he gets weaker and weaker, he eventually takes his book and tries to find things to eat. Mistakenly, he eats a poisonous plant, one which inhibits all digestion. In the end he realizes just one thing, happiness is only real if shared. After all his self reliance, railing against society, and fierce need for independence, he simply wishes he had found someone to enjoy it all with.

Emile Hirsch does an amazing job of bringing to screen the innocence yet depth of this complex man. He is full of wide-eyed optimism yet wisdom beyond his years. He reminds those around them to appreciate what they have as well as to live in the moment. While he enjoys others' company, he forces himself to maintain a certain distance for fear of attachment. Upon his death, he wishes he had let himself become attached to the interesting people in his life.

Sean Penn beautifully directs this film. He captures not only everything Christopher went through, but utilizes the beauty all around him. In writing this piece he brings to life the colorful characters who shaped the last days of Christopher's life. I am sure Christopher's family will appreciate getting to know those who knew their son/brother last. A single character story, man vs. wild could be tedious and boring. Mr. Penn took it to a new level dragging you into the idea of, "Hey, maybe I should be more self sufficient" all the way to, "I am so thankful for the people in my life".

Learn more about this author, Lily Witt.
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