Character Connections
Chris's younger sister, who also provides much of the film's narration, and was deeply affected by his disappearance.
Who is Carine McCandless?
The name Chris adopts for himself as he begins his journey, rejecting his former identity.
Who is Alexander Supertramp?
Chris's consistent rejection of material wealth and structured society represents this core theme.
What is anti-materialism/rejection of societal norms?
This actor famously lost a significant amount of weight to portray Chris McCandless.
Who is Emile Hirsch?
"I read that in a book. It's from a guy named Thoreau."
Who is Chris McCandless/Alex Supertramp?
This younger woman at the Slab City commune developed a crush on Chris, but he resisted her advances.
Who is Tracy Tatro?
Chris could not leave Alaska because...
What is high water?
The wild yellow Datsun that Chris abandons serves as a symbol of...
What is freedom/detachment/new beginning?
The director of Into the Wild, who also wrote the screenplay.
Who is Sean Penn?
"When you forgive, you love. And when you love, God's light shines on you."
Who is Ronald Franz?
This nomadic, older couple provided Chris with a temporary home and felt a maternal/paternal bond with him.
Who are Jan and Bob Burres?
The specific vehicle, Fairbanks City Transit System No. 142, that became Chris's final shelter in the Alaskan wilderness.
What is the Magic Bus?
The numerous books Chris reads and references, particularly those by Thoreau and Tolstoy, highlight his intellectual pursuit of this.
What is truth/meaning/transcendentalism?
The real-life individual who played himself in the movie, having picked up Chris McCandless hitchhiking in Alaska.
Who is Jim Gallien?
"You are wrong if you think Joy emanates only from human relationships. God has placed it all around us."
Who is Chris McCandless/Alex Supertramp?
This elderly, retired army veteran met Chris in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and asked to adopt him.
Who is Ronald Franz?
This desert locale was a popular gathering spot for drifters and nomads, where Chris spent some time.
What is Slab City?
The vast, unforgiving Alaskan wilderness itself, which is both a source of peace and ultimate danger for Chris, represents this complex relationship.
What is Man vs. Nature?
This acclaimed musician composed and performed the film's entire original soundtrack.
Who is Eddie Vedder?
"I wondered why he hadn't tried to call in case I might answer. He could've hung up if it wasn't me. Why wouldn't he send a letter, maybe through a friend? It hurt a little, but I told myself it was good."
Who is Carine McCandless?
This South Dakota grain harvester was like a father figure to Chris and offered him work.
Who is Wayne Westerberg?
The first thing Chris does after a flash flood ruins his car.
When does he burn his money?
This object, given to Chris by Ronald Franz, symbolizes the human connection and the "trail" of people Chris leaves behind.
What is the leather belt?
The film was shot over this many years, in over 35 different locations, often at the actual sites Chris visited.
What is two (or more than one)?
"We want to get you out of that junker".
Who is Billie McCandless?