John's Movie Musings

What is it within a man's psyche that causes him - no, forces him on a Quest of self discovery? Every man reaches a point in his life where he finally asks, "What am I made of?" When that question comes and there's not a good answer to be found, every other aspect of life becomes second priority. Wife, kids, job, money...everything. And it seems that answer can be found alone in the most remote parts of this planet.

Several years ago I remember a 20/20 special about Robert Bogucki, an Alaskan firefighter who wandered the Australian Outback for 43 days before being discovered. His reason was a simple, "I just wanted to spend a while on my own. Just nobody else around. Just make peace with God, I guess." When describing his experience on TV, I remember him breaking down at several moments. This question resides deep in a man's heart.

Death isn't even a deterrent for a man on this Quest. In fact, death and danger help find the answer. In the bonus commentaries of Into the Wild, the author makes a comment about his Quest. He says, while sitting up a little higher, "I almost died...twice." Death's presence helps legitimize the Quest.

I say all of this to establish the foundation required for Into the Wild. Without it, the movie would still be good, but you would miss so much. Specifically, you'd still ask "why?" after the credits rolled. With the foundation, you know why.

Into the Wild should be required viewing for any man, or anyone who considers himself one. For those of you who have been on your Quest, it'll stir up things that may have gone unresolved. For those still yet to embark, the movie may touch that dark, secluded part of your heart that's been dead for far too long.

Grade: A