Captivating...

"The core of mans' spirit comes from new experiences."

Sean Penn's beautiful film Into the Wild is yet another masterpiece of 2007 that divides the blockbuster/action lovers from those who seek magnificent filmmaking.

Into the Wild is a gorgeous production affluent in poignant messages about life. The 140-minute film is exquisitely paced and carried by not only the performances but elegant shots that depict beautiful pictures of nature.

The film is based on a best-selling novel by Jon Krakauer that tells the tragic tale of a young man who escapes the banalities of life, leaves his middle-class family and explores the world. Christopher McCandless (Hirsch) graduates from university with fantastic grades. His marks will open up endless opportunities for jobs and careers for his imminent future. But Chris doesn't want to continue an acquisitive life that is orientated by money and materialistic possessions. Instead he wants to travel to Alaska where he feels nature will provide true happiness free of obligation and relationships. Chris donates most of the remaining money of his college fund to charity, burns the rest and hits the road as a dirty hitchhiker under the alias of Alexander Supertramp with the goal of Alaska in mind.

His excursion introduces him to a procession of people whom he becomes emotionally involved with. These people shape Chris' life and are touched by his vigour and dedication that will lead him to his eventual ambition of reaching the wilderness of Alaska. Chris is an inexperienced bushman but is devoted to his belief of finding contentment in the natural world away from a world that relies on wealth and materialistic belongings.

Into the Wild is powerful, riveting and moving. Sean Penn's direction is fundamentally perfect. He wrote the screenplay and transitioned this script to the big screen. The cinematography was one of the first things that really struck me. The colour palette felt natural; showcasing some landscape scenes that are absolutely beautiful to watch. Be it running water, stunning mountain ranges, animals in their natural habitat or the wind grazing the trees; these are all unique examples of accurately showing the mainstream environment of its location. Even shots that show the mundane city or the typical life of suburbia look graceful thanks to the great cinematography and powerful score. The soft guitar music was frequently utilised and it gives each shot a magical feeling to it. The music suits each and every scene it features in; each note was carefully planned out to suit the shot that it's being used for. This care and dedication to on-screen perfection means that the audience can never be bored.

I was never bored in amidst the fascinating events and the engaging story. Emile Hirsch's performance as Chris/Alex is close to Oscar worthy. I will admit that his character was a selfish human being who brought the tragedies upon himself, but Hirsch plays the role faultlessly. Hal Holbrook was nominated for an Oscar for his minor role in the film. He only appears for little time during the final quarter, but the character is one of the most significant in the film. Hal's performance has a heavy, powerful impact on the audience. He almost had me in tears during his important lines that are vital for the advancement of the story. Jena Malone was a stand out as Chris' sister who also delivers lines of narration throughout the film's duration.

Into the Wild is a remarkable tale that is thoroughly engaging and immensely entertaining. Into the Wild is stunning, gorgeous and memorable. It celebrates the extraordinary, tragic tale of an ambitious man who abandons his money-orientated existence and gives up all possible prospects of becoming highly successful in the pursuit of happiness. Highly recommended.

9/10