Episode 60: Nomadland and Into The Wild

Cinema in Context

Houseless on the road. Sarah Watt, Jeremy Downing and William Chen discuss Nomadland (2020) and Into The Wild (2007), two films with protagonists who are houseless and on the road. We begin by discussing the real world connections inherent in both films, including the non-actors (but highlighting the skills and strengths of Frances McDormand), elements based on true stories and the production styles of both films. We unpack the narrative in Nomadland and how the manages genre, and what it is saying about capitalism, choice and survival. Our discussion then moves to Into The Wild, sharing our general criticism of the film, including the ethos of the main character, the photography, editing and direction. Our conversation then moves into the dystopian qualities of Nomadland, particularly the factory scenes set in Amazon, the central character Fern working at the Sugar-beet Plant and the open desert spaces, and highlights the commentary on modern day slavery. We praise the strength of Chloe Zhao's direction and criticise some of Sean Penn's direction. We talk about the past of Emile Hirsch and Sean Penn, touching on allegations of them being violent, Speed Racer (2008), and other connections to events and films of the time Into The Wild came out.