Having just finished THE INDIAN RUNNER, I've noticed some patterns in his first three films (haven't caught INTO THE WILD yet): an overall sincerity tainted with a swagger, an obsession with the heavy drinking/smoking "beautiful loser" archetype, strong casts (I was surprised by Harry Crews' cameo and Charles Bronson's touching performance in INDIAN RUNNER), fine acting jobs (Viggo Mortensen, some of Nicholson's best, most understated work from the last 15 years, David Morse), an overt fondness for classic '70s naturalism, and some intense acting scenes. Overall I'd say his work shows talent but is inconsistent. I hope he continues writing/directing and hones his craft into stronger films; the potential's certainly there.

I think INTO THE WILD is far and away Penn's best, most consistent film. The others all feel too indulgent of their casts - 'actor's workshops on film' that for me are jarring melanges of performance style. Especially THE PLEDGE, which struck me as kind of wretched in execution, though fascinating in theory.

I was a bit taken aback at how much better-controlled INTO THE WILD is.