Into the Wild - Essay

Into the Wild - Essay

In the movie Into the Wild directed by Sean Penn, the editing decisions and techniques used help to create a more defined impact on viewers, which increases the human feel which is portrayed by the character. One way in which this is done is with the use of certain camera shots, which often gives the viewer a sense of wilderness and vulnerability which the character undergoes. Another way in which techniques are used to create impact on the viewer is through sequencing. The sequencing in this movie is very slow moving which helps convey the protagonist Chris McCandless' mood, his boredom and longing for civilization. The use of music and sounds also impacts the way the audience perceives and relates to in this film.

The different types of camera shots used in Into the Wild vary from crane and helicopter shots to close up portraits, allowing the viewer to be impacted in an array of different ways throughout the film. The very first camera shot of the whole film gives us a strong idea about what the film is going to be about. After Chris is dropped off in the somewhat new environment, we see a crane shot of his surroundings, making him seem entirely venerable to the environment around him. In a way, this opening sequence symbolizes the whole journey this film takes us on, giving a feeling of loneliness, naivety and human insignificance. Camera shots from distances which cause the presented character to be displayed as very small cause's different moods to be formed. When characters are presented like this, senses of vulnerability causes the character to become insignificant to its surroundings. This is due to the surrounding environment to overcome the screen, other than the character. The camera shows him, then the surrounding environment from an overhead crane shot. The sense of wilderness which this shot creates impacts on the moods throughout the film. It shows how insignificant a human being is when compared with nature, and the contrasting environments which it has created. Showing Chris in the middle of nowhere, with no source of communication with human society reveals how venerable he is, and how much of a risk he is taking. Another camera shot which creates impact is the use of close up shots on character faces. These shots bring the viewer closer to the character, revealing moods, ideas and thoughts running through the character's mind. Many close up shots of Chris's face are used throughout the film, which cause words to be expressed through facial expressions. This is used during his last moments before his death. Several close ups are used on his face, which help to give us the idea of the amount of pain and regret which ran through his mind. This use of overhead crane and close up shots throughout the film causes moods and ideas to be created by viewers, which creates an impact on the film.

Sequencing is used to great effect in this film, as all the shots are fairly long and drawn out, having impact on the connection the viewer has with the main character, Chris. This emotional connection comes from Chris' inability to survive in the wild and need to move on, which is strongly re-emphasized by the slow paced sequence. There is very little diversion from slow-moving series of shots like these throughout the movie, giving a limited amount of contrast. This gives us an uncomfortable feeling, and that ultimate instinctive need for civilization, but also reveals to us the beauty of nature and the wilderness which we come to hugely appreciate by the end of the film. The way the sequences follow on to each other, keeping the same pace with the link, directly reflects on the mood of the character and the environment, as it is a long stretch of land where nothing is happening most of the time, and as the viewer we find ourselves craving the busyness and action of everyday life in modern society. The technique of sequencing is what draws viewers in and takes us on Chris' journey with him. His journey is that of freedom, but he is soon to discover that freedom comes from within. As he states ' No phone, no pool, no pets, no cigarettes. Ultimate freedom.' we see that as he moves away from society, he is persistent that he will be more at peace with himself if he is alone, and in harmony