Monday night Heather came by to inquire if I would like to watch Into the Wild. I could feel my anxiety slightly increase at the thought as I have avoided watching this movie for some time. I read the book, or at least all but the last 40 pages (he dies, what else did I need to know?). I actually stopped reading the book because I found the main character’s life so compelling yet disturbing. So I watched the movie and all of the thoughts I had while reading the book resurfaced. I knew this movie or the story would resonate in my mind and I would be compelled to write about it in a blog.
Christopher McCandless story was originally written by John Krakauer as an article which appeared in the magazine Outside. Krakauer went on to expand his article which became the 1996 best selling non-fiction, Into the Wild, which chronicles the 2 years Christopher McCandless spent “tramping” with the ultimate goal of going to the Alaskan wilderness. Christopher’s journey is mostly accounted for by brief encounters with people he met along the way, and some clues he left behind in brief journaling and lists discovered in the bus where he died. Both the movie and book are beautifully put together and both seem interested in telling the story of an idealistic and thoughtful man. I can’t help but to wonder what actually went through this man’s mind, his psyche to compel him to live the life he did. I see something very different in his presentation and story than the many people I have discussed his story. It feels like a sad story and although I can see the romantic component of wanting to turn over all your worldly goods in an effort to be closer to nature, I can’t help but take a more holistic view of this man’s life.
Specifically, Christopher cut his ties not only to the things he “owned” but also his close knit ties to friends and family. This seems very severe especially if his sister’s recollection of their close relationship is accurate. His sister describes a chaotic family life while growing up with reports and allegations of physical and emotional abuse between their parents. Witnessing such encounters can be psychologically stressful to the point some children and adults can suffer from what is known as P0st Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is unsure as to why some people can experience trauma and are able to move forward both psychologically and emotionally without problems and others are not. Or some will function well for some time and then past issues of trauma resurface possibly due to some precipitating event or for an unknown reason. Christopher seemingly was higher functioning to the point he was able to complete a bachelor’s degree from Emory University. What happened to lead him on his quest to go into the Alaskan wild?
I see someone who was in immense pain emotionally. I think the ideas he took with him on his journey were romantic but I find what drove him to what ultimately ended in his death to be sad. At least, it makes me sad even though I am sure he is happy where he is now. My life profession reflects my own need to reach out to others who have no one or feel they have no one. I wonder if this person ever felt someone understood him or if he fathomed the idea someone could.
Read this blog…
Christopher McCandless story was originally written by John Krakauer as an article which appeared in the magazine Outside. Krakauer went on to expand his article which became the 1996 best selling non-fiction, Into the Wild, which chronicles the 2 years Christopher McCandless spent “tramping” with the ultimate goal of going to the Alaskan wilderness. Christopher’s journey is mostly accounted for by brief encounters with people he met along the way, and some clues he left behind in brief journaling and lists discovered in the bus where he died. Both the movie and book are beautifully put together and both seem interested in telling the story of an idealistic and thoughtful man. I can’t help but to wonder what actually went through this man’s mind, his psyche to compel him to live the life he did. I see something very different in his presentation and story than the many people I have discussed his story. It feels like a sad story and although I can see the romantic component of wanting to turn over all your worldly goods in an effort to be closer to nature, I can’t help but take a more holistic view of this man’s life.
Specifically, Christopher cut his ties not only to the things he “owned” but also his close knit ties to friends and family. This seems very severe especially if his sister’s recollection of their close relationship is accurate. His sister describes a chaotic family life while growing up with reports and allegations of physical and emotional abuse between their parents. Witnessing such encounters can be psychologically stressful to the point some children and adults can suffer from what is known as P0st Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is unsure as to why some people can experience trauma and are able to move forward both psychologically and emotionally without problems and others are not. Or some will function well for some time and then past issues of trauma resurface possibly due to some precipitating event or for an unknown reason. Christopher seemingly was higher functioning to the point he was able to complete a bachelor’s degree from Emory University. What happened to lead him on his quest to go into the Alaskan wild?
I see someone who was in immense pain emotionally. I think the ideas he took with him on his journey were romantic but I find what drove him to what ultimately ended in his death to be sad. At least, it makes me sad even though I am sure he is happy where he is now. My life profession reflects my own need to reach out to others who have no one or feel they have no one. I wonder if this person ever felt someone understood him or if he fathomed the idea someone could.
Read this blog…
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