Into the Wild is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), who after graduating from college decides to give away his life savings in favor of traveling to Alaska to live off the land. The film follows his travels and adventures of two years until he reaches his ultimate dream of living in the wilderness.

The movie is based on Jon Krakauer’s non-fiction book of the same name. He pieced together McCandless’ travels from his journal and extensive research. The script is co-written with director Sean Penn and there is a sense that the story meant a lot to both men. I should mention that the soundtrack is by Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) who does well to capture the free spirit that McCandless undoubtedly displayed. There’s a real open road feel to the movie, ably added to by the soundtrack and movie scoring.

Emile Hirsch plays the free thinking McCandless brilliantly. When his character becomes Alexander Supertramp, the pseudonym he picks for his travels, Hirsch makes the same leap for freedom. It’s a very good piece of acting. The supporting cast is extraordinarily strong, being topped off with the superb Hal Holbrook (nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar) who plays a lonely old man whose life is touched by McCandless.

The way the film is shot by Penn underlines the way McCandless reacts to society. Scenes in the wilderness or on the road are wide and endless. Anytime McCandless is back in society there is a more boxed and trapped feel. The scenery of Alaska is stunning and embodies the beauty from life Hirsch’s character is seeking.

I have to admit I didn’t realize this film was based on a real life story until the very end. It all became incredibly poignant after seeing a picture of McCandless in Alaska. The sense of realism that Hirsch and Penn created had left me with mixed reactions to Hirsch’s character at different stages of his life – it ranged through annoyance, disbelief, inspiration, and anxiety. Once I knew he was based on a real man I couldn’t help wondering how his parents must have reacted to watching this movie. That’s how good a portrayal of McCandless I thought the movie produced.

I like to think Sean Penn has managed to capture the spirit of the man – certainly I can believe the character that was portrayed. I was left feeling that we had a glimpse into the life of a man searching for a freedom and beauty that we perhaps forget when we become embroiled in the everyday routine of our lives. Definitely worth watching.