Alone in the Wilderness 2 DVD Package

Description

Part I gave a little more of the background, and then focused on how Proenneke went about setting up his new home at Twin Lakes, Part II delves more deeply into the activities he engaged in over the years. We finally get to see how he built his raised storage shed. We see it in the first film, but nothing much is said about how it got there. In this film, we watch him construct it. To say Dick Proenneke is inspirational is a gross understatement. After watching him go about his daily life, you want to jump up and go find yourself something productive to do. Really, his ability to do so much with so little makes MacGyver look like a rank amateur. When our son was going through his challenging teen years, we had him watch Proenneke in this video journal Bob Swerer has put together. It really puts life into perspective when you see a man who fully takes responsibility for his life, and who goes out and does all the things that needed to be done, even though he undoubtedly felt many times like sitting back and coasting. From the standpoint of what it takes to live a life that is richly fulfilled, these films on Dick Proenneke should be mandatory viewing in our schools. I've lived in Alaska, and return there yearly. This film, like its predecessor, captures the beauty of the land and its animals in a way few films, documentary or otherwise ever have. Swerer has done an outstanding job of editing this old footage into a tapestry of segments that flow effortlessly together. His selected readings from the journals of Proenneke are exquisitely chosen, and compliment the film footage beautifully. Another reviewer captured the feel of this film perfectly; it is almost a Zen experience to watch. I've viewed both Parts I and II more times than I can count. I can probably quote significant portions of the narrative, and yet, like a moth to the flame, it just keeps me coming back again and again. Get this film, and Part I as well, if you don't already have it. You'll probably find it draws you back many times, as it has me.