Idealism In Into The Wild

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Based on the bestselling nonfiction novel by Jon Krakauer Into the Wild, the film production of Into the Wild directed by Sean Penn will leave viewers with definite mixed-emotions. Chris McCandless graduates college with flying colors with a proud mother and father, Walt and Billie, and adoring younger sister, Carine. Because of what can be considered a life-changing realization, McCandless abandons his normality by trading his money, car, education, and family for a life of renewal and freedom away from society’s expected role of him as a college-educated young man. He tramps around a majority of the western North American continent finding many random, but beneficial relationships along the way. His ultimate goal is to reach the expansive terrain called the Alaskan frontier. The film follows and efficiently depicts the life he leads during his two years battle against civilization and development. The viewer sees the happiness he receives from his journey, but also the pain brought on by it. In the end, his death sparks a multitude of emotions…show more content…
The difference between McCandless and Supertramp are displayed through this flaw. McCandless’ alter ego believes in freedom by breaking away from his entire life, which results not only in his death, but also through hurting the people to whom he was connected. These people include his parents, his sister Carine, Franz, and all the other random relationships he formed throughout his tramping journey. The viewer travels with McCandless, quickly becoming aware of his selfishness through his actions. Selfishness is childish. I see his expedition as method of pushing past the unnecessary, fickle materialism, however he does so arrogantly. As Schickel
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