“The length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder.” Alfred Hitchcock
With conveniences such as Redbox, Netflix and microwave popcorn, it’s kind of hard to justify paying $20 for two people to see a movie in the theater. Don’t you think? But every now and then a movie will be released that just calls me to the theater.
A Long Walk
The last time we were in a movie theater was back in May 2013 while we were still living in Ashland, OR. We went to see the documentary, “Walking the Camino, Six Ways to Santiago”. I left the theater completely committed to one day walking all 500 miles. And guess what, we are just 3 1/2 months shy of taking our first steps on the Camino.
Hollywood Rolled into Town
One day in October of the same year, 2013, a huge film crew rolled into Ashland and pretty much took over the town’s central plaza for a couple of days. I remember walking toward the plaza trying to get a glimpse of what was happening when a crew member asked us to bypass the area. He explained that while they could not insist we not pass through, they were asking locals to be respectful of the process. So…. we made our way around and came at it from a different angle. There really wasn’t much to see but a mile long line of production trucks and trailers. It was fun just the same.
It Did Not Disappoint
It’s been quite some time since I was lured to the theater. This time, Wild, was calling me. I just had to see it. I didn’t read the book, Wild, because the life of an innkeeper – at least for me – did not lend itself to afternoons cozied up with a good book. As it turns out, I’m glad I hadn’t read it because it allowed me to just sit back and enjoy the film for what it was without the inevitable book to movie comparisons. And, it did not disappoint.
Wild
The movie stars Reese Witherspoon taking on the role of Cheryl Strayed who at 26-years-old recognizes her life is spiraling out of control and sets off to …hike her way back to the woman her mother raised. In 1995, she spent 94 days hiking a section of the Pacific Crest Trail from Mojave, CA to just east of Portland, OR at the Bridge of the Gods.
A Character Study
As Cheryl hikes her way along the PCT, her story unfolds through a series of flashbacks. They are often raw and graphic, and always deeply personal. On the trail she carries a 75 lb. pack. She literally cannot lift it, let alone carry it. This makes for a humorous scene in the beginning of the movie. But carry it she does, along with an unmeasurable amount of emotional baggage, both of which wreak havoc on her physically. If you haven’t read the book – or yet seen the film – I won’t give away too much of the story. Suffice it to say this is a character study of a young women who fought her way back after losing herself in some of the worst possible ways.
A Stellar Performance
Reese Witherspoon bought the rights to Cheryl’s book. Her investment in telling the story is brought to the screen in a powerfully raw and exposed performance in which she transforms herself. Already nominated for a Golden Globe, don’t be surprised if you see her nominated for an academy award as well. Her performance is stellar.
Jerry Garcia Dies
We lived in southern Oregon for nearly four years. Watching the Pacific Northwest serve as a backdrop to Cheryl’s story was an added bonus. That part of the country is like no other. And watching the scenes which were shot in Ashland, made us giggle. Cheryl walked through Ashland when the newspaper headlines read, “Jerry Garcia Dies.” The town plaza was filled with flower children paying homage to Jerry’s passing. The funny thing is, that’s Ashland. Nothing has changed. And, nothing ever will. But it was fun to be there when a little bit of Hollywood rolled into town.
Note: Wild is rated R for a reason. The F bomb is dropped more times than not, there are sexually graphic scenes and drug use is shown.
Instagram Feed
Never heard of Wild. Sounds well worth viewing. Thanks for the recommendation and good luck on the Camino.
Gran Canaria Local recently posted…Restaurante Tehran
Thanks so much! Wild was a best selling memoir here in the U.S., and just recently released as a movie. Powerful story and performances. Hopefully, you’ll get to see it.
I’ll have to try and catch that film if it’s showing at the multiplex in Hanoi, it looks great. We just watched The Way for the first time last weekend and loved it; I really want to watch Six Ways to Santiago now and can’t wait to read about your Camino adventure next year!
Amy recently posted…A (Bizarre) Birthday Trip to Kim Boi
The Way is a very good movie, Amy, but since the stories are fictionalized it’s not the same as the documentary, which is just so inspiring! We’re going to be walking the Camino in mid April and I’ll definitely be blogging as we go!
This is awesome Patti and thank you for including the trailer so that I could watch that. I remember reading an outtake from the Strayed story a while back and it was quite riveting. It may have actually been during or after her trek. I love true life stories of overcoming adversity that are put up on the screen. – albeit some of those films are better than others. There is a new (about a year or so) theater here in Reno – Galaxy – that has luxury, reclining seats. It is absolutely incredible. We won’t even go to the old theaters anymore because we’ve been spoiled. Like you though, I rarely go out to the movies, but this theater has definitely made it more enticing. Have a great week! 🙂
Mike recently posted…Seattle, Washington – I’m Back And Not Wanting To Go Home!
That sounds like an amazing theater, Mike, reclining seats! Where do you like to sit in the theater? Front? Back? Middle? We always aim for the top row. I hope you get to see, Wild, it’s well-worth a trip to those reclining seats!
The screens are SO huge these days I have to sit as far back as my buddies will compromise with. I read that the human brain can only take in so much to see an entire frame at once. Any closer and your head is swiveling back and forth constantly, Patti 🙂
Mike recently posted…Phoenix, My Golden Retriever, And Believing In Santa Claus
This is one situation where I might want to read the book first.Did I ever tell you about the time I was trapped in a Philadelphia water ice store in Santa Monica with Reese Witherspoon? She was hiding from the paparazzi. I was just chatting up the owner, you know, because I thought he might be from Philly (which he was) and happened to get stuck in there. My sisters were furious. They were outside with the paparazzi in front of another store, waiting for her to come out.
I’m actually thinking of reading the book now that I’ve seen the movie. I do think they followed the story line very closely because from what I’ve read Cheryl Strayed was often on the set and was definitely part of the process. I do remember you telling the story of being in the store with her. It’s a good story to have! 😉
I haven’t been in a movie theater in over 10 years but with all the great reviews of Wild I may have to find one. Always fun to see a place you know well in a movie.
Gaelyn recently posted…Foto Friday Fun 89
It was fun, because we saw the little changes they made that no one (who had never spent time in Ashland) would have known. It is a very good movie, worth seeing.