Into the Wild is the most accurate portrayal of interior Alaska that I have ever seen in a blockbuster. The compelling narrative is a solid adaptation of the award-winning book by Jon Krakauer. The scenery is rich cinematographically, but more importantly it is real. This film was shot on location in every possible instance, and the sincerity of place shines through every shot. Accuracy is a welcome change considering over ninety percent of the films set in Alaska are filmed outside of the state. The opening sequence was especially delightful for me as it shows shots of notable businesses in my hometown. Including, Gold Hill Liquor, the closest store/gas station to my childhood home, where a family friend picked up the protagonist when he was hitchhiking to the wilderness.

Reminiscent of the Motorcycle Diaries, and Grizzly Man: the film avoids messianic portrayal by documenting an entire person, intelligent, charismatic, insightful, fallible, foolish and mortal. Into the Wild succeeds in revealing the core truth of my homeland. The tenacious, haunting beauty of Alaska is synonymous with the difficulty of survival and the proximity to death. Four and a half stars, tied with Super Bad as best film I have seen all year, and well worth each of the 1,050 cents.

http://www.intothewild.com/

Go here for more information, and a chance to win a trip to actually visit Alaska.

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