Nice Try: Lost Nuance in Sean Penn's Adaptation of 'Into the Wild' Jack David Garceau 11th Grade

Timothy Treadwell, best known as the subject for Werner Herzog’s Grizzly Man, shunned society and left it behind, subsequently falling victim to his own convictions out in the wilderness. Treadwell, an American bear enthusiast, was mauled after 13 years of wildlife integration, in Alaska by a bear. This tragic story is reiterated throughout Krakauer's novel, however takes the form in the story of Chris McCandless. This escape from societal norms is parasitic to Chris, and is shown throughout both media forms. Krakauer's book is an examination of McCandless’ life and death, illustrated in such manner to evoke a feeling of caution and danger; while Penn’s film captures a jovial and emotionally shallow style, diluting Krakauer's initial inflection of the story.

Initially, one is able to see throughout the film, the constant convivial attempt in Chris’ journey, not previously demonstrated in the novel. For instance when Chris is talking to Jan Burres about her estranged son, Chris puts up an emotional barrier in order to create a separation between his purpose and the purpose for others. However the impact Chris makes on Rainey and his wife is far to strong in the movie and none of what Krakauer had appropriated was exhibited in...