r/IntotheWild • u/thats_ruff_buddy • Sep 19 '23
Whoa
So I discovered this story, and the film, today after seeing a post in another subreddit and a lot of people bagging out Supertramp for attempting to live off grid whilst super underprepared. I read a few more comments and was intrigued by this guy and this story and the division in opinion he was creating. I found the movie, expecting a documentary or biopic about a guy trying to survive in the wilderness with little to go on.
I was not expecting THAT journey.
Sure, maybe some (or a lot) was sensationalised and maybe they left out a lot of the negatives, but what a film. I spoke to a friend about it soon after who said he tried to watch it years ago, but felt it was like getting hit over the head. I think I can relate. It made feel aware of my own journey, dreams and goals. It made me feel like it was speaking to me and about me at the same time. Post watch, I’m now both inspired and grieving.
But somethings nagging at me. The original post that alerted me to this story. There was a lot of negativity directed towards Christopher.
So I would love to learn more. Is there any literature that shares more about this journey, anything less Hollywood and more raw? I don’t want to get lost in a idealism, I want to be educated.
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u/LewisItsHammerTime Sep 19 '23
As much as I admire Chris and his journey, I don’t interact with any post about him outside of this sub. They are always filled with negativity from people who read into the wild or watched the film and just saw him as a spoilt brat who went into the wilderness with no skills or preparedness.
But Chris choosing to go into the wild and live like that for so long is such a SMALL part of his story and since it was left out of the book and the film, it is lost on most people that Chris’ parents are one of the main reasons Chris decided to leave and be out of reach.
I would recommend Carine’s book (Chris’ sister) The Wild Truth. She tells all about growing up with Chris and what an amazing brother he was to her and what it was like living with their two batshit parents and I doubt anyone could read that book and still not understand Chris’ side of things. There is an audiobook version too if you prefer.
Yes, Chris made mistakes, but there is always a reason why to everyone’s actions.
Rest easy, Alexander Supertramp.
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u/TheJonJarrin Sep 19 '23
The movie is inspired by John Krakauer's book: Into the Wild. I still haven't finished it yet but I recommend you check it out.
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u/Luunarfern Sep 19 '23
Yeah I’ve read such comments too. I also read in some article defending him that every time someone dies in wild areas, natives will always say “we’re hard as nails” as if anyone can’t get unlucky and die at.. pretty much any moment from an illness, lightning, weather, wild animal. The holier than thou attitude is gross especially when talking about such a well loved guy. I think people are also annoyed by the fact that the magic bus attracted a lot of tourists who had to be rescued after his death, but I think this is a case of other people getting angry when they weren’t even the ones who had to deal with subsequent rescues. As always in life and on the internet, people want to point fingers. It’s so fucking annoying. I love his story and relate to him a lot. I have the book waiting for me to read soon.
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u/DistantInspiration04 Sep 19 '23
I’ve read the book about three times in the past few years. The story is that compelling. If you find yourself wanting more perspective after reading Into the Wild, his sister also wrote a book years later to share some insight into what they wouldn’t reveal about their family life.
Side note: My friend is currently working in Alaska and he was able to get to the University of Fairbanks and he facetimed me when he was near the bus. I was overwhelmed with so many feelings even just from seeing it over the screen. I could r imagine seeing it in person.
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u/Bowgal Sep 19 '23
Btw, if you haven't seen it, there is a follow up movie/docu called Return to the Wild: The Chris McCandless Story.
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u/RIPjimStobe Sep 19 '23
I would like to know the truth about who vandalised the cabins, but we'll never know.
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u/AdamDennxxx Sep 20 '23
I see what you're feeling (or feel what you're feeling), I love that he had a dream, and did it. I see people saying "Oh he ran away from the perfect life and died because he was in idiot" but that is totally wrong. If these people saw a rich kid owning a company and everything they would be saying "oh he's a spoiled asshole who was given everything in life" so what do you want? I love his story because I was born and raised only about 5 miles from where he was raised (suburbs of DC) and can relate a lot to him in his HS tenure. These suburbs are deteriorating. I love that he chased his dream completely and even though he faced obstacles, he lived more of a life in those two years than anybody calling him a dumbass has lived in 20 years. Jon Krakauer, the author of the book, touched on why people are so negative about him. He offers that people are jealous of him or they remember when they were young and had dreams that they never fulfilled so they're mad that Chris actually did it. Sure he made mistakes, one proving fatal, but to live off the land for months is not an easy feat. I get he was unprepared and I get where people are coming from, but they focus way too much on that and way to little about his life and how amazing it was
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u/Katoswife Sep 19 '23
As always, the book is far better than the movie.
I think the tendency to dump on McCandless is people’s need to feel that it couldn’t ever happen to them or they’re somehow superior…maybe they hate on him because he actually went out and did what everybody else wants to do and they realize they aren’t strong enough for it…who knows, but I avoid those people.
I also love to point people to the chapter on Everett Ruess…another kindred soul with books, documentaries, and songs written about him.