I have referenced this unofficial genre in many film reviews of late, so I thought I should dedicate a post to it. Especially since it doesn’t have a Wikipedia page.
Because I made it up.
I did a check list for the genre in Wild. So I’ll copy and past it here, and elaborate.
THE RUNAWAY GENRE GROUND RULES:
One or two characters who have suffered trauma
Inner-conflict (usually expressed via flashbacks)
At least one emotional breakdown
Typically involves a marriage break-up or violence
Expression of every emotion
Writing down of feelings/diary-keeping
Genre that is mostly likely to conclude with tragedy (according to unofficial polling)
Now, I love this genre. Sure, I’ve made up the title and the rules, but they are typically wondrous, fantastical, deep, meaningful, adventurous insights into a character.
I love psychology, and these movies tend to play on why we make the decisions we do, and why we interact in the way we do.
Keep an eye out for films of this genre. They’re quite easy to pick.
Director: Sean Penn
Writer: Sean Penn based on Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone, Catherine Keener, Brian Dierker, Vince Vaughn, Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Stewart, Hal Holbrook
Released: September 2007
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WARNING: THIS FILM MAY GIVE A GIANT REALITY CHECK TO MANY ASPIRING TRAVELLERS. YOU MAY END UP CANCELLING YOUR ADVENTURE PLANS AND BECOME CONTENT WITH A SECURE, SAFE 9-5 JOB.
This took me soooo long to sit down, and watch successfully from beginning to end. I attempted watching it twice, about two years ago. But I found it slow-paced and uneventful.
Oh boy was I wrong.
Based on a true story, Into the Wild is about a privileged young man, Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), who graduates from university. He has the world in his hands, from the outside he has a top-class education, and wealthy, supportive parents.
But his deepest desire is to distance himself from the material world of money and ‘things’. So he sets off on a journey in search of adventures in the Alaskan wilderness.
I’m gonna be all the way out there, all the way f*cking out there. Just on my own. You know, no f*cking watch, no map, no axe, no nothing. No nothing. Just be out there. Just be out there in it. You know, big mountains, rivers, sky, game. Just be out there in it, you know? In the wild.
A few months ago I took the time to watch it properly. I watched it just before my graduation from university, which was probably why I loved it so much; the story seemed to parallel my life at that point.
I think everyone’s had that desire to break away from the life they know and rough it out in East Jesus nowhere. And, just like every other ‘runaway’ film, Into the Wild lives out your secret fantasy.
Society, man! You know, society! Cause, you know what I don’t understand? I don’t understand why people, why every f*cking person is so bad to each other so f*cking often.
It’s certainly a sad story, and it bursts your idealistic bubble of living in the wilderness. As it turns out, being in the wild is a brutal place to be. Especially all alone.
But, in Christopher’s eyes, he did exactly what he wanted to do. He created his own challenges and hurdles, his own dreams and goals. I feel he was in complete control of his life for once. And despite the tragedies along the way, at least you can say he truly led a free life.
Check out Christopher’s real-life story, there’s a few interesting facts you’ll find out about him… But it’s probably best to read the true story after watching the film. Otherwise you’ll kill the magic in the film.
With this gorgeous song leaving you at the end of the film, I found myself to feel extremely humbled. Christopher’s story was an incredible one to say the least, but as I said, it will smash your travelling dreams with one heavy swing of reality.
This is a ‘quieter’ film to Wild, which is why the rating is a smidgen lower. I think the lack of dialogue and music works for this film, but I ultimately prefer Wild‘s soundtrack and use of dialogue more.
Jodie’s rating: 7.5/10
Please watch the trailer – the score and the editing just punches you in the face with awesomeness.
Director: Jean-Marc Vallee Writer: Nick Hornby (screenplay), Cheryl Strayed (novel) Released: December 2014 (USA), January 2015 (NZ) Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Thomas Sadoski, Michiel Huisman and Gaby Hoffman
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Based on a true story, Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) battles the ghosts of her past: heroin addiction, divorce, the death of her mother and the abandonment of her father. As a way to start fresh, she goes on a 1000-mile journey along the Pacific Crest Trail.
To be frank, the flashbacks made me feel really uncomfortable. But… I guess the world of heroin addicts shouldn’t exactly be attractive.
A classic ‘runaway movie‘, although I’m not entirely sure if this is actually a sub-genre. Nevertheless, Wild fits into this category along with Into the Wild,Thelma and Louise.
In fact, if you enjoyed Into the Wild (also a biographic), then you’re likely to enjoy Wild. It’s basically the same story but from the perspective of a woman, with different life problems.
I honestly had little doubt in Reese Witherspoon. I knew she would play this complicated character well. I’ve really enjoyed her more serious roles ever since Walk the Line.
When I walked out of the cinema, I needed time to process. I really felt moved by this film, not only because I love the ‘runaway genre’, but because the film makers portrayed Strayed’s emotions so convincingly that I started to take her problems on board.
I’d like to point out that the screenplay was written by Nick Hornby, who wrote About A Boy. Whatta guy!
Wow, almost forgot to mention the soundtrack! The songs include a perfectly fitting Portishead song (Glory Box) that plays during flash-backs to Strayed’s lowest of times as an addict.
Other amazing artists on the soundtrack include Simon & Garfunkel, an R.E.M cover by First Aid Kit, Wings, Leonard Cohen, Bruce Springsteen… It goes on.
I think the best movies make you laugh, cry and leave you with something to ponder. Wild certainly does. Some parts are hard to watch (not quite on par with the dreaded Requiem for a Dream though), but for the most part, I enjoyed it.
Director: Ben Stiller
Writer: Steve Conrad. Based on The Secret Life of Walter Mitty by James Thurber
Released: January 2014
Featuring: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Shirley MacLaine, Adam Scott, Kathryn Hahn and Sean Penn
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An inspirational fable to say the least. I have been waiting for a movie like this for a long time.
“Having a Walter Mitty moment”, you’ve probably heard the phrase. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty explores the ‘what if’ situations in life.
Coincidently, there is a hilarious reference to Benjamin Button in the movie.
Everybody can relate to Walter Mitty. Dreamers, travellers, photographers, bored office workers… Anybody who fantasises about running away or doing something crazy.
Ben Stiller not only produced and played the lead, but he directed it too. I have a new-found respect for this man. I have fished him out of the pile of cheap laughs in comedies with Owen Wilson or Adam Sandler. He is way up there with respected artists and creatives. Absolutely incredible.
The shots are beautifully framed and the locations are simply breath-taking.
Iceland has been on the top of my travel list for a few years now, so the fact that this movie is mostly based in Iceland just gives me warm and fuzzies. No other location could offer this film with a better foundation. What an exceptional choice.
The characters are real. The acting and casting is superb. Kristen Wiig, Ben Stiller, Sean Penn, Patton Oswalt, Adrian Martinez… Holy beans. This cast is gorgeous.
I can’t think of another movie that put me in these situations and locations first hand. I feel like I experienced the courage Walter experiences, and how he felt when he is embarrassed or intimidated. I don’t know how they did it.
I suppose it is the genuine dialogue, the seamless transitions between scenes and the emotional and realistic reactions. Genius.
Now. The music. The soundtrack and the use of music for the scenes is simply a HUGE part of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Jose Gonzalez and Of Monsters and Men in particular had songs that complimented the film perfectly.
My favourite scene is the montage of Walter Mitty going through the mountains to the song ‘Lake Michigan’ by Rogue Wave. The music is more than icing on the cake… This is the flour IN the cake; it is so essential and so well mastered.
House on fire leave it all behind you,
Darkest night let the lightning guide you
– Step Out by Jose Gonzalez
I won’t lie to you; I did have a fat cry. But I shan’t be ashamed! This film just gave me chills, and the songs moved me. I blubbered like a baby. Deal with it.
Films should be entertaining and transport you to another world, and make you feel different when you walk out the theatre. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty did this. I walked out feeling inspired, excited, exhilarated, happy and feeling the urge to travel, even more so than before.
My favourite component is how a lot of the characters’ mistakes were things that would happen in real life, such as throwing something away absent-mindedly or daydreaming about having a conversation with somebody.
This is more than a feel-good film. This is a lively, funny, adventurous film, full of rich and interesting characters and places. I cried, I laughed, I felt empowered and excited. It’s just a magical adventure. I’m going to see this again.
Don’t just dream it; live it.
Jodie’s rating after first watch: 10/10
The first 10/10 ever given on filmfreak.co.nz!!
November 2014: I have to say, after almost a year of watching Walter Mitty, I think it’s realistically closer to an 8/10 because Kristen Wiig doesn’t really work with the genre, and the movie can look a bit sterile.
However, I’ll stick with 10/10, because that’s how it feels after the first watch.
I have referenced this unofficial genre in many film reviews of late, so I thought I should dedicate a post to it. Especially since it doesn’t have a Wikipedia page.
Director: Sean Penn
It’s certainly a sad story, and it bursts your idealistic bubble of living in the wilderness. As it turns out, being in the wild is a brutal place to be. Especially all alone.
A classic ‘
Director: Jean-Marc Vallee
To be frank, the flashbacks made me feel really uncomfortable. But… I guess the world of heroin addicts shouldn’t exactly be attractive.
In fact, if you enjoyed 
I’d like to point out that the screenplay was written by Nick Hornby, who wrote 
NZ Film Freak 