My favorite aspect of this movie is probably the glimpse into the kindness of humanity that does indeed exist. Chris' ultimate goal is to escape from all of society, but in reality I think the true beauty is portrayed in his experiences on his way to Alaska. The joy he shares with Jan, Rainey, Ron, Wayne, and apparently some nudists, is pure. He escaped the ills he saw in his own parents and discovered the genuineness that thrives in certain other people. Yet this manifestation of joy is not what Chris seeks, so he continues on his journey to be truly alone in the wild.
Ironically, I think in some ways Chris' selfishness is a reflection of the society that he so despises. He hasn't yet understood the value of inter-human experiences, and so he writes off people who care deeply about him. His transience seems to actually diminish the potential meaning he could find in life from building relationships and learning to care about another person.
The change in Chris' parents is fascinating. I think Chris' intentions in leaving were for his personal escape from the confines of society, but as a result, he ends up having a large impact on those he leaves behind, and now the millions of viewers of this movie. The forced reflection inflicted on his parents is a necessary step that every member of society should take. It follows with Socrates' living an examined life instead of becoming a robot of society.
Although he needed to make this journey, I wish he could have gotten back to the people he seemingly resolved his differences with…apparently some nudists, hilarious.
ReplyDeleteI like how you mentioned all of the people Chris met on his way to Alaska. I don't think he was expecting to form such genuine, joy filled relationships with people who shared similar thoughts about the constraints of society. In a way, he found a few places where he could fit in and be happy. This is vital to his journey because I think this helps him determine, in the end, that happiness is meant to be shared, and being alone does not truly make him as happy as he first thought it would. If he survived, I think he would have gone back to his family, found a niche in society, and been more receptive to the people.
ReplyDeleteI think he did realize what you said, that the people he met along the way were worthwhile and genuine people. I bet if he had gotten to know his friends and family back home he would have had a similar experience. Some people are like onions, they seem bad on the outside, but after peeling back a few layers, they aren't so bad after all.
ReplyDeleteThose small instances where it seems that there is hope for humanity are my favorite parts of life. I am currently experiencing one of these moments in extension while reading 'However Long the Night." The purity of the men and women of Africa and the value they place on their relationships to others instead of their relationships to things is a genuine representation of the conclusion that Chris comes to at the end that "happiness is only real when shared."
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