NOLS Grads Preview “Into the Wild”

New York City NOLS grads took Times Square by storm tonight as Paramount Vantage films hosted us for a preview screening of the new film “Into the Wild”. Written and directed by Sean Penn, the film is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young college graduate who gets rid of all of his possessions and sets out on a journey of self-discovery.

Emile Hirsch stars in the film and does an amazing job capturing the enthusiasm and passion of the adventurous McCandless as he travels the country and then sets out on his ultimate adventure into the Alaskan backcountry. The film tells a complex tale of both freedom and selfishness as McCandless keeps his family in the dark about his travels and just “disappears”.

As a parent of teenage boys the troubling relationship between McCandless and his parents gave me a lot to digest. While much of their behavior was abhorrent their pain at their loss of their child was gut-wrenching. Very powerful stuff.

After the screening we were treated to a visit by Emile Hirsch. He spent time answering questions and even posed for a few pictures with the NOLS crew. Emile and his entourage were last seen heading out of the screening room with NOLS catalogs in hand.