Into the Wild (2007)

1. Watch the short 20/20 documentary about Chris McCandless (Alexander Supertramp) from Into the Wild

2. Find McCandless’s bus on Google Maps. N63 52.104 W149 46.157

Study Questions

Group 1:

Give a short plot overview of the film

Group 2:

On balance do you believe McCandless was a reckless greenhorn or a well-prepared wilderness adventurer? Explain.

In the book, Krakauer asks in his last chapter whether McCandless walked away from misery when he walked Into the Wild or whether he walked into happiness. How would you answer this question?

Group 3:

Irony can be found in the fact that once McCandless seemed to have discovered the value of family, he could not return to society because the stream he had crossed earlier at a place marked by his hat is no longer passable. He must wait out the rush of water from the spring run-off. He dies before he can make it back. Look at the stream as a metaphor. Compare the stream to McCandless’ life. Give examples.

Group 4:

What elements of mise en scéne contribute to our understanding of a narrative?

Discuss the significance of cinematic elements (colour, dialogue, music) to the understanding of the narrative being told

Group 5:

Read some of the reviews of Into the Wild on http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/Into_the_Wild/ Do you agree/disagree with? Explain.
Give your own review of the film.