| I read and enjoyed the book, written by Jon Krakauer. It and the movie reconstruct the last years of Christopher McCandless, who after graduation from Emory in 1990, cut off ties to his family and began an adventure that ended when his partially decomposed body was found in Alaska in 1992.
The movie, directed by Sean Penn, posits McCandless (played by actor Emile Hirsch) as an adventurer, ascetic, and free spirit influenced by Jack London and Thoreau. The portrayal captures the essence of everyone’s desire to escape; inspiring the moviegoer to flee the bond of responsibility, but leaving just the right amount of nostalgia for companionship and the need to share our ups and downs with others.
| Director Sean Penn is able to draw the viewer into the story by using a flashback telling of the life of Christopher/Alexander. I felt as if I were experiencing his journey, his friendships, his self-awareness. I wanted to meet up with Christopher/Alexander and have him touch my life; he was so engaging or was it the outstanding performance by Emile Hirsch? Either way, this film is excellent on all levels – cinematography, directing, acting, storyline.
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Phil - Must See Now!
Carol - Must See Now!