Into the Wild Analysis

A Belt to Happiness

In the movie Into the Wild produced by Sean Penn, Chris McCandles is an adventurous college graduate. He goes through his life living for his family, doing what they want. Soon after he graduates he decides to go on his own path to find himself and happiness. The twenty two year old restarts his life as Alex Supertramp. On this new adventure Alex meets many people in many new places that shape his life. As each chapter goes on, Alex hand carves each memorable step of his journey into his belt. The belt Alex wears throughout his adventure is a symbol of what he admires and what he wants to be with him throughout his life. Alex forgets who Chris is and acts as though he is only connected to the places he inscribed on his belt. Alex believes that the inscriptions on his belt will be the only things that generate him happiness. As the story goes on Alex realizes happiness is not inscribed on his belt.

As Alex’s new life begins he is ready to be free from society and being forced to do as his parents please. Alex starts out by ditching his car, donating his money and getting rid of all his possessions. He comes across a hippie couple that picks him up along the beach, Jan and Rainey. They live out of an old van, living the simple life on the road. Alex admires them and their lifestyle; they have freedom and listen to themselves, like he wants. While with them he encounters the ocean. Alex overcomes his fear of water with the couple. It is a baptismal moment for Alex. He is cleansed from his fear of water as he runs into it letting the waves run over him. Alex learns to love and respect the water. Alex carves the beach into his belt as a part of his adventure. The ocean on his belt represents the challenge of water that he overcame, also, the love he found for it; he wants to take the ocean with him to remind him that nothing can stop him, that he is strong and that he can overcome any fear he has. Jan and Rainey meant a lot to Alex, however they...