Wild Man

It's amazing that 20 years ago, Sean Penn made news because he was punching out photographers who were taking pictures of him and Madonna.

Now he's making news because he's a director of such commanding assurance and skill, I almost think I'm watching a movie from Fred Zinnemann or Elia Kazan.

Penn's "Into the Wild'' is a superb movie with an ineffable quality that compares to movies made by Zinnemann and Kazan. Their films have a buzz, an excitement about them that something worthwhile is about to unfold. And they have humanism and compassion. Take a look at Penn's "The Pledge'' and "The Crossing Guard,'' two movies of surpassing intelligence and feel for the human condition. Jack Nicholson never had better dramatic roles.

"Into the Wild'' is based on the adventures of the late Chris McCandless, as captured in the best-selling book by Jon Krakauer. Penn wrote and directed; Emile Hirsch stars as McCandless in a performance startling for its grace and charm.

"Into the Wild'' is playing in New York and will open at area theaters in October; see it.