Into the wild, with Penn and Krakauer
Blessed with one of the better titles in all of TV, "Iconoclasts" - returning tonight at 10 for a third season on Sundance - nonetheless has some peculiar defects. It sometimes (if memory serves) teeters on the edge of blandishment if not outright puffery. These profiles can be nicely attired hagiographies, without much substance, and (after all) what Hollywood bigshot wouldn't wanna be an "iconoclast?" The compliment's delivered in the title alone.
Viewer warning thus dispensed, check out tonight's edition on Sean Penn and Jon Krakauer. With the possible exception of Dave Chappelle - who ultimately iconoclasted himself - no one over three seasons of this series better deserves the title of "iconclast" that Penn, I should think; Krakauer's just a hell of writer, which is credit enough.
Anyway, they're paired (everyone's always paired up on "Iconoclasts") because they collaborated on the movie version of Krakauer's "Into the Wild" - just released - which was directed by Penn. This COULD be a thinly disguised hour-long trailer for the movie if you choose it to be, or it COULD be an interesting look at two particularly talented and gutsy people, which I chose it to be. (I'd also advise checking your opinions on Penn's politics at the door - if possible; he's still a talented and gutsy person.) These two have a lot to say about their respective crafts, as they totter/drive/stumble/climb about the Alaskan wilderness. Penn on acting: He now harbors a "dark bitter hatred" for it. Krakauer on life: The worst thing imaginable is "boredom..." He'd rather be "dead," says he, and you truly believe him.
Book/movie's about Christopher McCandless, the kid from Emory who gave away his life savings, burned his last dollar, and trekked into the Alaskan wilderness. Best of all tonight - check out the scenery. It will simultaneously take your breath away and almost help you understand how it might lure a young man to eternity.