Into The Wild

Posted by Dave on 17 June 2009. Tags: adventure, book, inspiration, into the wild, movie

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I’m about 2 years behind the times with regard to watching Into The Wild -- the movie, based on the book by John Krakauer, based on the life of Christopher McCandless (aka Alexander Supertramp). Last weekend, I finally sat down and watched it.

Into the Wild

I first heard about Alexander Supertramp’s tragic adventure on an episode of 20/20 many years ago so I knew the general theme and how it ended, but I wanted to feel inspired. Much of the music is by Eddie Vedder, and I found the melancholy sound of his voice suited the movie well. At times, it seemed to move a little too slow though (the movie runs 2.5 hours). The director, Sean Penn, was surely trying to capture the power of nature with certain shots.

It was great to see how Chris’ life touched so many people he encountered. I haven’t read the book yet, but I got the sense that the movie was a close adaptation. After all, he lived the last few years of his life in a way that is absolutely made for Hollywood.

Here is the long version of the (the bolded) quote I recently came across:

“So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.”

-- Christopher McCandless

What did you think of the book, movie, or the way he chose to live his final few years?

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This post was written by:

Dave - who has written 994 posts on Go Backpacking.

Dave Lee (Editor-in-Chief) blogged his way around the world from 2007-2009, and then started Travel Blog Success to teach others how to do the same. When not writing, he can be found salsa dancing, and lamenting his untimely departure from Medellin. Follow him on Twitter @rtwdave

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Russ

I loved the book, and loved the movie. For the most part, I really agree with a lot of what he thought and how he chose to live. And for those of us who have never gone out searching to the extreme like he did, it's nice to see what he learned at the end even though it was too late for him.

I do have to say however, had I ever opted to challenge society and the American lifestyle in the way that he did and head out to find my own way, I probably would have left myself a bit more of a safety net. Though I suppose that's what made his journey all the more incredible.

Dave

I've been downloading movies like crazy. Should I not say that publicly? :)

Dave

Easily being able to get my hands on books in English is one of a few reasons why I'm looking forward to a return to the USA. Amazon.com, here I come. Need to start motivating myself for the next trip. :)

Christian Haugen

Haven't read the book, but stumbled over the movie and really enjoyed it without having read or heard anything about it before. As a rule the book is always better than the movie so I really have to read the book. His way of seeing the world is an inspiration to us all, although I would not go as far as he did in learning what he did for himself. Hard to get time to watch movies while travelling, but I guess you have a bit more time now that you're living in one spot Dave :)

Jami

You definately need to read the book! It has a lot of information that the film didn't get to touch on. It's a book that I will read several times.

Clairinabel

I actually liked the movie as well or better than the book... or maybe it was just the right time in my life to see the movie. The lessons to be learned in this movie are many and he obviously learned SO MUCH on his journey, perhaps he didn't need to learn anymore and could move on to his next life. I went from being mad at him and thinking he was stupid, to admiring him and seeing that he had the courage to face his demons and learn the lessons he was here to learn. Of course we all have different lessons, but probably we all can learn something from Christopher, such a bright shining guiding light...

Dave

I like that quote too. It's a lesson I learned on my RTW trip. I found a greater appreciation and enjoyment for what I was seeing and doing when it was with the company of others....at least the others I got along with best. :)

Dave

This is the first I've heard of Jeremiah Johnson, and yes, it sounds very old school!

A mountain man who wishes to live the life of a hermit becomes the unwilling object of a long vendetta by Indians when he proves to be the match of their warriors in one-to-one combat on the early frontier.

I'll definitely have to read Into the Wild when I get home.

Patrick

One of the best movies I have ever seen and also one of the best books. My favourite quote from the movie is "happiness only real when shared." I think that really encompasses everything Chris lived for.

Nate @thewaythatyouwander

I love that movie. It's my second favorite ever, behind Jeremiah Johnson (I know that's really old school).

The book is better than the movie in my opinion so definately read that. I have read it twice and had a lot of trouble putting it down.

carrie

i've seen it. i liked your review.
it is a nice relaxing sort of movie to watch.
a mood movie.
kind of in a similar vein as Dead Man with Johnny Depp

Ashley

I need to see this. I burned it ages ago but when I played it it was a really crappy screener copy with the text all over it. Maybe I will try again, pirate that I am :P