Into the wild
April 30th, 2008 Posted in Love, Movies / TV / Stage, Spirituality
I could write a thousand-word review about this movie. I could call it the Walden of our times. I could tell you how it is an ode to the beauty of America as The Constant Gardener was to that of Africa and Spring, Fall, Summer, Winter… and Spring was to that of Asia.
I could tell you that its five chapters, Rebirth, Adolescence, Manhood, Family, and The Getting of Wisdom, form a remarkable portrait of renunciation and self-discovery in the mystical journey. I could tell you how it reminded me of my teacher’s wise counsel to me when I was “hell-bent” on getting enlightenment as soon as possible. (And, of course, I just did.)
But there’s something about profound experiences that demands a restraint of the tongue, a savoring of the sublime, and a respect for silence, so that the fewer the words, the better.
You see, watching Into the Wild is a sacred act. It is prayer. And, as prayer, there is nothing to say afterwards but “Thank You,” or “Amen.” Thanks to Trev for pointing me to this inspiring, but insightful and honest examination of one man’s incredible journey.
9 Responses to “Into the wild”
By patrick on May 1, 2008
It was tragic that McCandless died out there in the wilderness; but then again, so many people have benefited from his story…
By a. julie on May 1, 2008
“But there’s something about profound experiences that demands a restraint of the tongue, a savoring of the sublime, and a respect for silence, so that the fewer the words, the better.”
Well put.
Oddly, or not, I added the movie to my netflix queue just before visiting your site.
By Jon on May 1, 2008
Those “incidences” tend to become more common, don’t they?
By a. julie on May 1, 2008
Yes, both the type you’re better off not bludgeoning with words and the type where things coincide.
By Michael Hawkins on May 2, 2008
My wife and I watched this movie a few weeks ago. And, it’s something that needs to be witnessed, rather than verbally processed. It is that real.
By Beonca H. on May 9, 2008
This movie was outstanding. For a fifteen year old I very much appreciated this movie. It shows the world so much that not one individual could possibly understand everything this man went through. Yet you possibly couldn’t take in as much as you this movie percieves. Very intersting don’t you think?
By Jon on May 9, 2008
Absolutely!
By tom trosky on Nov 28, 2009
I would also suggest reading the book by the same name. Enjoyed it almost as much as the movie, or more…
By Jon on Nov 28, 2009
Sounds like a great idea, Tom. Thanks!