Watched Into the Wild last night. Read the book last year. Tho I missed the film when it hit theaters last autumn. Had to wait for the DVD release.
I was impressed. Much better than I expected. (And I expected much.) Obviously a labor of love for Sean Penn, who directed and also wrote the screenplay. Easily one of my top-10 films of all-time.
Most noticeable were the film's artistic touches. I must've said, "Wow, look at that shot!" a dozen times. (Composition.)
The (true) story provokes much discussion, and evokes different feelings in different people.
To me, it's about rejecting the damage caused by people who are supposed to love us (more than anybody else), and care for us, even when we can't care for ourselves (parents)...
.. by rejecting their values, especially those they hold most dear .. which, (in the case of Chris McCandless) were ยป money and "things".
The trailer contains a restaurant-scene where Chris' dad offers to buy him a new car .. following his graduation from college (with honors) .. to which he replies, "Why would I want a new car? The Datsun runs fine .. I don't want *things,* dad."
