Movie Review – Into the Wild

Into the Wild is one of those rare titles where the movie way outstrips the original book by Jon Krakauer.  The book seemed almost emotionless, like the author couldn’t decide how he really felt about the story and the young man Chris.

The movie illustrated a great story about a young man whose family sucked, who wanted to escape as far as he could go, which would be Alaska.  When I wanted to disappear, and I think it’s true of everyone, I also dreamed of heading to Alaska to lose myself.  Chris traipses around the country for a bit, making useful alliances along the way, but never opening his heart to anyone, disappointing people who learn to truly care for him.  Finally, he gets to Alaska, with no appropriate clothing, a book of local plant life, and a giant-sized bag of rice.  Despite his plant book, he manages to poison himself and die.  That information was available before the movie came out, so his death should not act as a spoiler here.  He died!

This story of a disaffected youth trying to find freedom rings true for me, and perhaps for other road trippers, as well.

Amazon U.S. Link