When you learn more about why Christopher McCandless sought a different life, part of you will probably envy his courage, but it’s a courage that has cowardice at home. Rather than facing his real demons, McCandless ran away from the old ones and invented new ones. Therefore, it’s difficult to completely fall in love with the guy, despite your sympathies.
Hirsch brings all of those things to life in his best performance to date, and Sean Penn has shown tremendous growth as a filmmaker since his last effort, The Pledge (2001), crafting Into the Wild as a meticulous meditation on life and living it your own way.
Into the Wild
Starring Emile Hirsch, Catherine Keener and Hal Holbrook
Directed by Sean Penn
Rated R
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