I stumbled upon this film by mistake but am very glad I did. Certainly not a feel good film, although you may be mistaken into thinking it’s going to be to start if you don’t know its background (I was rather surprised by the film’s ending). However, it is definitely moving.
The film is based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Jon Krakauer which in turn is based on the adventures of Christopher McCandless. Directed by Sean Penn it follows Christopher (Emile Hirsch), a student at Emory University who rejects any form of materialistic life, and after donating his life savings ($24,000) to Oxfam he leaves for Alaska without anybody’s knowledge in search of himself and a different way of life.
The casting and the acting seem perfect, which teamed with the plot result in riveting, spellbinding watching. It is very hard not to get attached during this film. More than that, although I personally have not read the book, there seems to be no one arguing, as is often the case, that the film ruined the book. Instead may claim that the film captured its essence. Perhaps this is related to its being based on truth.
If that’s not enough for you the film is also visually stunning. The scenery is beautiful, particularly the shots in Alaska. You would be mad not to see this film.
You can watch a trailer for the film here.
Frederica Dixon