DVD - Into the Wild (15)

11:05am Thursday 3rd April 2008

INTO the Wild tells the tale of Christopher McCandless who, following his college graduation, gave away all of his savings, abandoned his car in the middle of the desert and headed off across America on foot.

There's a poignancy to the film, but its melancholy nature is buoyed up by Chris's meetings with various characters along his travels, from an excellent turn by Vince Vaughn, out of his gurning frat pack mode and playing it straight, to hippy couple Rainey and Jan, who obviously have their own issues keeping them on the road.

The narration by Chris's sister throws a different light on his adventure. Stuck at home with their increasingly worried parents, she seems to understand his motives for leaving, while at the same time wishing he would give her some clue as to where or how he is.

At times the film can edge towards pretentiousness, with Chris's constant quotations from his favourite authors, but is ultimately saved by its true story credentials.

Emile Hirsch is stunning as Chris, completely fitting into the role with an intensity and a vivacity that make you want to head out yourself and see just how big the world is, and Sean Penn handles writing and directing with great care and attention, giving the film a real sense of timelessness.

AT

EDITOR'S CHOICE