I am not sure that Sean Penn's new movie would be a must see based on this review, which seemed more about rooting out errors and contradictions between the film and the Krakauer book than about the merits of the film itself, but the story stands alone as a riveting tale of youthful idealism gone tragically wrong.

Having just seen the conversation between Penn and Charlie Rose, with Penn's sidekick (apparently) Eddie Vedder along for the ride, and having read of McCandless' exploits through Krakauer's eyes, I can tell you that it is compelling stuff.

I am going to see this movie, hopeful that Penn, with help from Vedder and others, was able to pull it off, was able to cast some light upon the dichotomy between the frequent saintliness of youthful idealism and its reckless assumption of immortality.

Again, I am reminded of something my dad told me once, back in the day (something I did not then heed): "You are right, but you are not correct."

This line in the review caught my eye:

“I guess it's a sign of middle age when you identify with the tottering oldster or the bereaved parent as much as the Thoreau-reading, angry young man.”

This is a throwaway line, but still another instance (albeit a mild one) of generational slicing and dicing and standing in for substantive analysis. Do we really have to go along with social demographers and marketing gurus who insist every issue can be divided along age lines?

I’m anxious to see the movie. I have read the book. A committee I was on turned it down as a summer read for entering freshman at a university where I once worked. Anyone care to venture some thoughts on this rejection? A case of “right but not correct”?

I read the book a few years ago, and while I enjoyed it, I felt that the relationship between the main character and his parents wasn't adequately fleshed out. I, too, saw the Charlie Rose interview, and the impression I got was that Penn consulted with the parents and may in fact be illuminating the story rather than embellishing it. I don't need a black and white answer to explain why that tragedy happened, but would like to understand the family dynamics more. Regardless, I'm looking forward to seeing what Penn does with the story. He seems to have put a lot of care into telling it.

Agreed (that it's possible that Penn fleshed out the story in a way that Krakauer was not able to do) but I would ALSO agree that if you read the book, Chris McCandless comes across as kind of a dumbass--or someone who really wanted to go out into the wilderness and die there.

I am Chris' sister, Carine McCandless. I do not often read reviews or write replies, but Dana Stevens' headline caught my attention. Her statement that my father was "certainly no wife beater" is completely false, as is her assumption that Sean "unforgivably" made up this scene in the movie to try to soften the audiences view of my brother. I helped him write that scene, I lived it, it is truth. In fact, both Sean Penn in making the movie and Jon Krakauer in writing the book were incredibly thorough with their research. They remained honest, while also being admirably kind & respectful to our parents by not going further. There is something to be recognized for my parents willingness to have the story told, even if it was handled delicately. It is not necessary to go into more details, except to say that kind of childhood has an undeniable impact. Chris's triumph was to not let their unfortunate choices and negative behaviour, dishearten him and his desire for a beautiful life. Jon & Sean have done right by my brother. He was truly an amazing person. Everyone can benefit from the lessons that are available within this great book and inspirational movie about him. Thanks, Carine

I am not middle aged however I agree with the poster in his assesment of the actions taken be Chris. I don't think it has anything to do with age but rather the ability to see how a persons actions affect other people. Caring about how your actions affect others over idealism is not oldness it is maturity.

Havent been moved like this in quite a while.
I have a tremendous respect for most individual's that I meet. I respect their choices, their thoughts, and their feelings, regardless of whether they are self destructive or not. I try to understand this feeling and when I meet someone like Chris, I usually morph into something like one of the sensitive, caring people who all put great effort into pulling Chris back to us.(Us= those of us who choose to cultivate our gardens)
Mostly this works, as most people want to be pulleed back to the fray. However I have met some people who have chosen to live "out there" and can't find their way back.
This film made me examine the parts in me that sometimes wants to" let go" and see what happens. I think that Sean Penn so beautifully and respectfully depicted this type of inner and outer journey.
The critic thought Chris was idealized, I thought, rather, that he was exquisitely understood. She also referred to the last chapter of his life as unforgivable, which I think is unforgivable for her to have said that.
I am a parent as well, and can only imagine the torture that his family went through, but who are you not to forgive? Did you detect blame as well? I did not. As parents we are all human and we all make mistakes along the way.
The real problem can be, that you just may be raising one of these extremely sensitive children whose ability to from strong attachments to others is not adequate. As for Chris' sister, my heart goes out to you , wherever you are. It must have made you feel better to take part in teling the narrative of Chris' life, as you knew it.
Redfemail

Carine,

This is Matthew, Wayne's friend from Texas. I loved meeting and hanging out with you in Carthage and in LA; what a thrill!! You are truly an amazing and strong woman. I would love to keep in touch with you. here is my email matthewjstanford@yahoo.com.

Best Regards!

Matthew

Carine,

Thank you for your contribution to the conversation, and most especially for your candor. I too come from a home that was less than perfect from a parental standpoint, and it is hugely difficult to be as open about the matter as you obviously are.

I've not yet seen the movie, but I came away from Krakauer's book vaguely frustrated. I mean no ridicule of your brother when I say that he romanticized the outdoors in a way that those of us who grew up in rural areas could never follow. I love to go camping, canoing and find the challenges that only nature can bring, but when I do so, I do so with proper preparation and the knowledge that Robinson Crusoe would have greatly welcomed the presence of a nice motor yacht. I guess what frustrates me is the same desire you have had at one point, I'm sure. The desire to talk to your brother (who sounds to me like a remarkable person in several ways), and hopefully guide him onto a less self-destructive path, even if he chose to remain an ascetic.

My condolensces on your loss, and may I repeat my thanks for your contribution.

I love the film. Thanks Eddie Veder. Thanks Sean Penn.

Love and regards to Carine. When I saw the photo at films end............

One of my favorite poets, Robert Pinsky, wrote his own ABC's in this poem:

Any

Body

Can

Die

Evidently

Few

Go

Happily

Irradiating

Joy

Knowledge

Love

Many

Need

Oblivion

Painkillers

Quickest

Respite

Sweet

Time

Unafflicted

Various

Worlds

X=

Your

Zenith

If that is really Carine (could it be?), thank you for your thoughtful and insghtful comments. I saw the movie this weekend, and it was so full of power and wonder. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone captured my feelings about the movie perfectly when he said "this beautiful, wrenching film will take a piece out of you." <link>

I enjoyed and appreciated the movie much more than the book eventhough I realize Penn created a more allegorical version of the story. Like some others I saw the movie with, I've had trouble getting Chris and this movie out of my head. It was truly engrossing, and Emile Hirsch should win awards for his amazing performance.

If you're searching for more information about the movie and Sean Penn's vision, check out Penn's Sept. 21 appearance on the Charlie Rose show at www.charlierose.com.

Thanks, Carine, for your input, and everyone else, go see this film.

from Carine...Thanks to all of you for your kind words, for me - but most of all for Chris.

Interesting perspective offered by alaskamoosegal, that McCandless was within proximate distance of a road and a bridge. I find no heroism in McCandless. Rather, my impression was that he was a disturbed young man slipping inexorably into mental illness. I believed him to be fleeing. Carine's candor about the family clarify that this was entirely possible. I also found it peculiar that in spite of living the transient lifestyle Chris filmed himself. A clear indication that he was seeking recognition. He may have been a narcissist. A narcissist frequently entertains a wishful, exaggerated and unrealistic concept of himself. The grandiosity of a narcissist is an attempt to compensate for the lack of a feeling of self-worth. Again, the family life may have laid the groundwork. A narcissist also lacks empathy, which would explain how Chris could go off without a backward thought about the pain and distress he was likely causing his parents and sister.

This post isn't so much about the movie version of "Into the Wild" as it is an effort to understand McCandless' actions. The book stuck with me the same way as Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar." Disturbing. I look forward to seeing the movie.

I was extremely moved by John's book and was pleasantly surprised by the movie as well. I was just curious if you share your brothers views on capitalism and other societal issues. I hope all is well with you and would love to pick your brain sometime.

Woo,

I don't know if you remember me, but I grew up down the street from you (Willet Dr.) and even babysat you and Chris on a few occasions. I just wanted to offer my condolences on your loss and to thank you and your family for allowing this amazing story to be told. I understand you live in Virginia Beach...if that is so, then it is truly a small world as I now live in Chesapeake. Anyway, good luck and may God Bless you and your family.

Jack Crimmins Troubil624@hotmail.com