In Sean Penn's "Into the Wild," Emile Hirsch delivers a powerful performance as Chris McCandless, a young man who rejects societal norms and embarks on a transformative journey into the Alaskan wilderness. Based on Jon Krakauer's book and a true story, the film follows McCandless as he sheds his past, encounters various individuals, and confronts the raw elements of nature. Hirsch's portrayal captures the essence of McCandless's idealism, his yearning for freedom, and the tragic consequences of his choices. This article explores the depths of Hirsch's preparation for the role, delving into his physical and mental transformation, his interactions with McCandless's family and friends, and his collaboration with director Sean Penn.
Embracing the Wanderlust: Initial Connection with Chris McCandless
Hirsch's journey into the wild began with an immediate connection to Krakauer's book. As he read about McCandless's adventures, he experienced a strong sense of wanderlust, a feeling he had often ignored in the past. The book provided an "intellectual construct" that resonated with him, making McCandless's desire to escape the confines of society understandable and appealing. This initial spark ignited Hirsch's passion for the role and fueled his commitment to portraying McCandless authentically.
Physical and Mental Demands: A Transformative Challenge
Hirsch described his experience filming "Into the Wild" as the most challenging period of his life, citing the immense physical and mental demands of the role. He had to shed the "negative bullshit" of Los Angeles and adopt a completely different perspective on the world. This involved stripping away layers of superficiality and reconnecting with his true self.
Immersion through Connection: Family, Friends, and Literary Influences
To fully immerse himself in Chris McCandless's life, Hirsch engaged in extensive research and personal interactions. Crucially, he spoke with McCandless's family and friends, including his sister Carine, who provided invaluable insights into Chris's personality and motivations. Carine presented "a side of [Christopher] that was so much more vulnerable and so much more emotional than the book can kind of let on," which helped Hirsch to understand the complexities of McCandless's character. He also spoke with Wayne Westerberg, who knew McCandless by his alias, Alex, in South Dakota.
In addition to personal accounts, Hirsch delved into the books that shaped McCandless's philosophical outlook. He read works by Jack London and Henry David Thoreau, including "Walden," which offered a glimpse into McCandless's mind and his fascination with nature and self-reliance.
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The Absence of Family on Set: Maintaining Authenticity
To maintain the authenticity of certain scenes, McCandless's family was intentionally kept off-set. Sean Penn believed that their presence would be distracting for both the actors and the family members, ensuring that the emotions portrayed on screen were genuine and unburdened by external influences. The family was present only in select scenes that Penn felt would be conducive to both parties.
The Guiding Hand: Sean Penn's Direction and Influence
Hirsch greatly admired Sean Penn's commitment as a director. Penn's experience as an actor allowed him to deeply understand what his actors were going through, providing guidance and support throughout the challenging production. Penn was "keyed into what all of his actors are going through at all times, even if it's very hard."
No Whining Allowed: Fostering Resilience and Focus
Penn's demanding approach, which included a "no whining allowed" policy, pushed Hirsch to his limits and helped him stay focused on the task at hand. By discouraging complaints, Penn fostered a sense of resilience and encouraged his actors to simply "do it and not think about it so much."
The Hilarious Interlude: Vince Vaughn and the Protein Bars
Despite the intensity of the production, there were moments of levity. Hirsch fondly recalled working with Vince Vaughn, describing him as "so much fun to work and spend time with." One memorable anecdote involved Vaughn's playful teasing during Hirsch's "ultra-mega diet" in South Dakota. Vaughn, finding Hirsch in his trailer surrounded by protein bars, initially encouraged him to indulge, only to later scold him for eating too many, creating a humorous and memorable on-set experience.
Physical Transformation: Embracing Depletion and Vulnerability
Hirsch underwent a significant physical transformation to portray McCandless's dwindling condition in the Alaskan wilderness. He lost a substantial amount of weight, working closely with a doctor to ensure his safety. The weight loss had a profound impact on his mental state, leading to feelings of vulnerability and a heightened awareness of his own mortality. "There were a lot of feelings like I was almost disappearing. It was a strange thing. Looking in the mirror at, times, was kinda creepy," Hirsch recalled.
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Confronting Pain: Primo Levi's "If This is a Man"
To further understand the experience of starvation, Hirsch read Primo Levi's "If This is a Man," a harrowing account of the Holocaust. Although Hirsch acknowledged that his own hunger was nowhere near the level of suffering endured by Holocaust victims, he experienced a visceral reaction to Levi's words, gaining a deeper appreciation for the physical and emotional toll of extreme deprivation.
Echoes of Exploration: Sean Penn's Connection to McCandless
Hirsch recognized that Sean Penn identified with Chris McCandless's spirit of exploration and idealism. Penn, an avid traveler himself, saw parallels between his own desire to experience new places and McCandless's yearning for adventure. Penn's idealistic nature and his desire to make the world a better place also resonated with McCandless's values.
Disagreement and Understanding: Embracing the Complexity of McCandless
While Hirsch did not necessarily agree with McCandless's initial motivations, he came to understand and appreciate the evolution of his beliefs. He stated, "I don't agree with what Chris McCandless started on this journey and what he believed in, but I agree with where he ended up." This suggests that Hirsch recognized the transformative power of McCandless's experiences and the profound impact they had on his perspective.
Physical Preparation: Beyond Weight Loss
Hirsch's preparation extended beyond weight loss. He engaged in rigorous physical training to prepare for the demanding scenes in the wild. This included running, weight lifting, and learning to kayak in rapids. Hirsch stated that "A lot of it is getting your body in shape."
Confronting Fear: Kayaking the Colorado River
The kayaking scenes, particularly those involving the Colorado River rapids, were especially challenging. Hirsch emphasized that overcoming these obstacles required "willpower and learning to face challenges that are mentally daunting and fear-inspiring." He learned that "a lot of the time you feel like you can’t do something, but you really can. It’s only your own fears that are holding you back."
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The Authenticity of Nature: An Unscripted Co-Star
Penn emphasized the importance of authenticity in the film, stating that "Everything was made more authentic because nature is relentlessly authentic." The tangible environment and the non-theoretical nature of the filming locations brought out the reality in all the situations, creating a truly immersive experience for the actors.
Facing the Grizzly: A Test of Courage
One of the most challenging and memorable days of filming involved working with a 9-foot-tall, 1,000-pound grizzly bear. Despite the bear's training, Hirsch described it as a "method actor" prone to improvisation, making the experience both terrifying and exhilarating. Walking away from that day "with my limbs intact" was a personal triumph for Hirsch.
The Unknowable Ending: Speculating on McCandless's Intentions
Hirsch acknowledged the ambiguity surrounding McCandless's intentions, stating, "no one knows where he was going." After spending 113 days alone in the Alaskan wilderness, McCandless would have undoubtedly been profoundly changed. While Hirsch could not definitively say whether McCandless intended to return to society, he speculated that he likely would have.
Early Encounters: A Boyish Fascination with the Wild
Hirsch revealed that he had been fascinated by McCandless's story since childhood. He recalled an "amazing episode" that he never forgot, sparked by "The idea that a young man would go into the wild on his own." Little did he know that years later, he would have the opportunity to portray the very figure who had captivated his imagination.
Creative Leverage: Embracing the Wild's Influence
While the film was based on a true story, Penn allowed Hirsch a degree of creative freedom in his portrayal of McCandless. Both men feared that too much planning would stifle the character's authenticity. They wanted "the wild to speak to us and inform us," allowing "nature and the actors and the moment dictate a lot of what we did." This approach fostered a sense of spontaneity and allowed Hirsch to fully embody the spirit of a free spirit in the wild.
An Enigmatic Character: Unraveling the Complexity of Chris McCandless
Hirsch recognized the complexity of McCandless's character, describing him as "a very enigmatic character…and someone who just kept me thinking…for endless hours." He acknowledged that McCandless's journey was "a very cryptic kind of story" that could be interpreted in many different ways.
Personal Boundaries: Protecting the Magic of Acting
Hirsch expressed his reluctance to discuss his personal life, believing that it could weaken the audience's interpretation of his characters. He compared acting to magic, arguing that revealing the secrets behind the performance would diminish its impact. "Acting to me is like magic. If the magician tells you how he did [his trick] afterward it suddenly sucks…and you don't care anymore."
The Edge of Endurance: Physical and Mental Strain
Hirsch recounted a disorienting experience during the filming of "Into the Wild," waking up in a hotel room, unsure of his location and convinced that Sean Penn and the crew had abandoned him to test his endurance. This anecdote highlights the immense physical and mental strain that Hirsch endured during the demanding shoot.
A New Threshold: Pushing Personal Limits
"Into the Wild" represented a new threshold for Hirsch, pushing him to his physical and emotional limits. He dropped a quarter of his body weight, ran 20 miles a week, canoed river rapids, and faced a grizzly bear, all while carrying a 30-pound pack in challenging conditions.
From Coaxing to Commitment: A Shift in Mindset
Catherine Hardwicke, who directed Hirsch in "Lords of Dogtown," recalled that he had initially been hesitant to even shave his head for that role. However, during the filming of "Into the Wild," Hirsch was so committed to the project that he embraced the physical challenges without hesitation.
A Lucky Break: From DiCaprio to Hirsch
Penn had originally envisioned Leonardo DiCaprio in the role of Chris McCandless, but by the time he secured the movie rights, DiCaprio was too old. Hirsch, on the other hand, was the perfect age, on "the cusp of going from boy to man."
The Impact of "Dogtown": Earning Penn's Attention
Penn was deeply moved by Hirsch's performance in "Lords of Dogtown," particularly his portrayal of the brooding but sensitive skateboard pioneer Jay Adams. Hardwicke's screening of "Dogtown" for Penn led to a meeting with Hirsch, setting the stage for his casting in "Into the Wild."
Early Acclaim: Oscar Buzz and Future Projects
"Into the Wild" and Hirsch's performance received high praise and generated Oscar buzz following the Toronto Film Festival. His upcoming role in "Speed Racer" further solidified his status as a rising star.
Staying Grounded: Maintaining Mellow Demeanor
Despite the whirlwind of success, Hirsch remained grounded and committed to staying true to himself. "I think I'll just stay pretty similar to how I have been," he said. "Pretty mellow, you know?"
A Foundation in Acting: From Child Roles to Leading Man
Hirsch began his acting career at a young age, landing small parts on television before transitioning to film. His early roles provided him with valuable experience and opportunities to work alongside established actors like Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver.
Earning a Doctorate: The Transformative Experience of "Into the Wild"
Hirsch viewed his experience making "Into the Wild" as a transformative one, akin to earning a doctorate. His extensive research, physical training, and emotional investment in the role allowed him to grow as an actor and as a person.
The Elusive McCandless: A Personality that Puzzles
Despite his extensive research, Hirsch ultimately found McCandless to be an elusive and enigmatic figure. "He's a guy who doesn't show a lot to anybody," Hirsch said. "Even to himself. He's happy and he's merry, but he's not a guy who's going to sit there and tell you his life story."
The Tragic End: Starvation and Self-Realization
McCandless's journey culminated in tragedy when he died of starvation in the Alaskan wilderness. Creating the moment on film when McCandless realizes his fate was one of the most challenging for Hirsch. Penn's direction, which involved giving Hirsch complete freedom to interpret the scene, resulted in a powerful and moving portrayal of McCandless's final moments.
Romeo and Juliet: A Parallel to Tragedy
Hirsch drew a parallel between McCandless's story and "Romeo and Juliet," noting the tragic inevitability of their fates. He saw McCandless's journey as a series of irreversible decisions that ultimately led to his demise.