the eternal student

Into The Wild

I've been looking forward to Sean Penn's Into The Wild for quite some time. If you've read Jon Krakauer's book then you know the story of Christopher McCandless. Every male has a piece of Chris in him, that is, the urge to leave it all and live alone thinking you have risen above this messy life by forsaking it's trappings. The immense cost of that life and its false promises of freedom is also felt deeply.
From what I've read, this is the first time Chris's family and those who knew him have felt comfortable with a portrayal of the events and have given their blessing to the project. Sean Penn and the actor who plays Chris went through huge hurdles to get into Chris's mind.

And to top it off, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam did the soundtrack. I would have chosen Bob Dylan first, but I think Eddie has the chops and heart to do a decent job and add some emotional impact. The soundtrack may be on my Christmas wish this year.