London Film Festival 2007 Selection 3
Preview by Jack Foley
Film: Into The Wild
Director: Sean Penn
Who’s in it? Emile Hersch, Vince Vaughn, William Hurt, Catherine Keener, Marcia Gay Harden, Hal Holbrook.
What’s it about? The true life story of Christopher McCandles, a privileged college graduate who, at the age of 22, walked out on his life in search of adventure. Giving away his $24,000 savings to charity, he abandoned his car and most of his possessions and set off on a journey through America to Alaska, meeting a series of fascinating characters along the way.
Why you should see it: Sean Penn is not only one of the finest actors of his generation but also one of the most promising directors. Into The Wild, his follow-up to The Pledge, is a richly absorbing and beautifully realised ode to the human spirit that embraces a truly independent feel. It mixes humour with heartache and features a stunning central performance from Emile Hersch (who builds on the good work he’s already done in Alpha Dog and Lords of Dogtown). The film recently opened in America to positively rave reviews and could well find Penn joining the Oscar race. It’s showing at the LFF as the Kyoto Planet Gala – a new sponsor that aims to promote environmental concerns and movies that carry an important green message.
Festival dates: October 25 and 26, (Odeon West End 2, 8.30pm and 12.30pm)
Release date: November 9, 2007.
Next: 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days