‘Into the Wild’ book, film work perfect together
Sean Penn’s critically-acclaimed film Into the Wild, is out on DVD this week. The film is adapted from the 1992 book of the same name by Jon Krakauer, which retraces the steps of Chris McCandless, who rambled around the American continent for two years before meeting his end in the Alaskan wilderness. Readers have held a variety of views of McCandless, from tragic idealist to dumb hippie to modern-day Thoreau, but the book — and the film — cannot be simplified into such terms. The story of McCandless’ life, and the media it inspired, is a story about rejecting materialism, coming of age, conquering fears, and much more.
I made a point to read Krakauer’s book before I saw the film, back when it was in theaters; I had to drive an hour to find the proper book store and hand over $14 (very painful for me, I never buy new books), but it was totally worth the trouble. I couldn’t put the book down. I love to read, but it’s really not often that a book grabs me like this one did.
Chris McCandless’ story is truly fascinating in its own right, but Krakauer’s commitment to the story made the book what it was — the time and research he put into it boggled my mind. His storytelling is skilled, and his craft of writing is absorbing. Truly one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time.
A good adaptation is a tricky craft, but my hat is off to Sean Penn — the movie totally holds up. The film Into The Wild is beautifully shot — really in its simplicity, I suppose. Showing off the various natural wonders across the continent — showing us the world through McCandless’ eyes.
Ultimately, I think the Into The Wild book and the movie are a perfect example of how a good film adaptation should work. It shouldn’t be a matter of “the book was better” — not if it’s done right. Obviously, the two different mediums (book and film) function very differently — so, a film adaptation shouldn’t be a verbatim translation – it needs to be adapted for the screen.
With Krakauer’s book, as the reader you follow McCandless’ story through Krakauer himself; you’re a step removed, it’s a bit more documentary. The finding of the story becomes a part of the story — trying to figure out just who this McCandless character was, how he thought. The movie functions differently, though. As the viewer, you follow McCandless on his journey, you’re a passenger through all his adventures; it’s much more intimate.
The DVD has an extra disc with extras (The Story, The Characters, and The Experience), which adds some insight, but is not essential. I do, however, highly recommend reading the book in addition to watching the film (it’s absorbing and a quick read).
Into the Wild is rated R and currently available on DVD.
Elizabeth “Liz” Gartley, of Houlton, has a BA in media studies from Emerson College in Boston. She has studied abroad in the Netherlands and Australia, and most recently interned at a production company in Hollywood. She can be reached online at egartley@gmail.com.
