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Pat Tillman, Anti-War Hero
What are the similarities and differences between Pat Tillman and Chris McCandless from Into the Wild?
That’s an interesting question. They were both uncommonly idealistic. They were both pretty hardass in their ideals and sticking to them. But they chose such different paths—McCandless dropped out of society, while Tillman was all about living in this world and doing your duty. They were both very similar and very different.
Do you expect a film to be made of this Tillman book? And what did you learn from the film version of Into the Wild that will be helpful this time around?
I don’t know if a film will be made of this book. With Into the Wild, I pawned off that decision on the McCandless family. I proposed (and the family accepted) that I give the three of them (Walt, Billie and Carine McCandless) 75 percent of any money from selling the film rights to the book and keep 25 percent for myself. Additionally, I proposed that all four of us would have to unanimously agree on whether or not to even sell the rights and to whom—so that any one of us could veto a movie ever being made. In the case of the Tillman book, I proposed to Marie that she receive 75 percent of any money earned from selling the movie rights to the book, and that she have sole discretion about whether or not to make a movie, and who should make it. Marie agreed to this arrangement. I have no idea what she will decide. With Into the Wild, I really liked the film. I got lucky. I do not necessarily think that will happen again. Making a movie from a book is fraught with peril. I do know that Sean Penn (who wrote and directed Into the Wild) has talked to Marie and me about making a film of the Tillman book. I would certainly do another movie with Sean.
You do very few interviews for your books these days. And you don’t even have your photo on the book jacket anymore. Why is that?
Because I don’t have to (laughs)...I am doing more publicity for this book than I would like. But I have learned that if your picture is not on the book jacket and you’re not doing constant interviews, then it will pass quickly and fade away.
You have often told me in the past that Into the Wild remains your personal favorite among your books. Is that still the case?
It is. I have fond memories of the research and writing, plus I identified with McCandless. Into the Wild was also my first real book and will always remain a special book for me because it was written in a special time. I was more full of myself then, more intent on trying to be a stylish writer. Now, my writing is less slick. There’s just something about being young and full of yourself and trying so hard—I’m embarrassed by that, but also nostalgic for it. That was the only time in my life when I would wake up in the morning and be looking forward to writing. I never felt that way before, or since. I doubt I ever will again.
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John Douglas Marshall was the book critic of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer until it ceased publication in March. He has interviewed Krakauer for Into the Wild, Into Thin Air, Under the Banner of Heaven, and Where Men Win Glory.
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bluesraves
I look forward to reading the story as Pat Tillman grew up not more than a few miles from where I live and his name is frequently mentioned. No matter what side of the fence you are on in regards to Afghanistan or Iraq the facts most be told and lessons learned.
MatKen
I never shared in the Pat Tillman as great American hero storyline. In my 4 years in the Corps, I spent nearly 3 full years deployed to other countries or training in other states. I'm also a person that lost his father at a very young age so I understand the profound affect that can have. I always thought it was quite selfish of Mr. Tillman to chase battlefield glory and leave behind a wife and children. I will be interested in reading this book and hopefully finding out why he made such a poor decision.
jabernal
I knew Pat since the age of 5, he and my son were best friends. Pat left no children, sadly, just Marie. His decision was one made at an early age with his younger brother. The attack on 9/11 helped him make the final decision to join. Pat was someone who wanted challenge and thus he took joining the Rangers as the ulitmate..his was nat to chase battlefield glory, but to repay his Country for the freedom he and all of us live under.
JackBurton
I'd love to read this book. Pat Tillman should be looked up to as an inspiration for every person in America.
Vertilli
I cry "BS" on this whole article and the book in general admitting that I haven't read it.
Folks, close your emotions and just read what is written. Nowhere here does the author offer any reason for Tillman to loathe the war, the President who puts us there, the Army, and hate being away from his wife. Why on earth would anyone do everything they hate, don't believe in, and abhor AND be away from their family when they could have left???
BS...total BS.
JackBurton
I would encourage to read the book in order to find those answers out. That is, if you really care.
From my understanding, he did what he did out of a sense of duty to his country, regardless of his political views. That's what made him a remarkable human being. The lack of those traits make you an egomaniacal critic.
adagio
>"Why on earth would anyone do everything they hate, don't believe in, and abhor AND be away from their family when they could have left???"<
Obviously you missed the part about how complex Tillman was. Your inability to understand his motivation for joining the Army doesn't surprise me. You're more accustomed to the phoney patriotism from the right. The obsession with "lapel pins" and the packaged patriotism that you substitute for the real thing. When you see the real thing and the real sacrifice, you can't understand it. So...you call it BS. Not because it is...but because it's simply beyond your understanding, and anything you don't understand...must be BS.
whatchutalkinbout
Read the book dumba&#. I bet that had Pats parents been bible thumping after his death proclaiming that he died for Christ you would think he was a hero. I'd bet a thousand dollars you are shallow, stupid republican. Probably a big Sarah Palin fan and think that Joe the Plumber is a hero!
barkersboobs
Unselfish hero.
whatchutalkinbout
It's 2:42 am and I just finished this book. A pageturner that got me so angry I couldn't sleep two nights in a row. It is yet another story of the big lie machine known as the Bush Administration. Thankfully, Pat Tillman is the ray of hope in this engrossing story.
Pat Tillman was a liberal leaning, marshmallow hearted macho jock athiest with poetic tendencies and intellectual curiosity. His was multi-dimensional. He was deep. He still joined the Rangers. He still signed up. He wanted to contribute to something big. Unfortunately, his death was handled by small people, all in an effort to spin an illegal war with complete disregard for the people who fight in it.
He knew they would use him in death as they tried to use him in life. When Pat died he was unable to keep the Bushie's propagandist tactics at bay which including covering up the true cause of his death for years and blaming his family's lack of religious affiliation for their inability to "let it go." AKA "Searching for the truth about Pats death in a deeply entrenched system of lies and liars."
WMD, Valerie Plame, We Will Be Greeted as Liberators,Jessica Lynch, Abu Ghraib, Mission Accomplished, Enhanced Interrogation Methods, Pat Tillman the list goes on and on....and this is the stuff we KNOW about....
Pat Tillman was exactly the type of man the Sarah Palins of the world would call an elitist...yet he gave his life. He thought it was for a noble cause, I wish it would have been.
DavidBarron
Just finished reading the book. Amazing, well worth the hardcover price. This was a man who could not be summed up in a convenient adjective, and the narrative is cleverly split between big-picture history and personal biography.
Also, unlike some books about specific actions, this one has VERY clearly labelled maps and diagrams of the various events so I could follow along easily. It really helped me visualize it.
I'll be interested to see the updates I hope this book will inspire in the paperback version!
Barkoff
I enjoyed the book about Tillman, he was truly an inspiration, however I was disappointed the author chose to inject his politics into the book.
I did not to rehash how the author feels Bush stole the election, what relevance did that really have in this story?
I had no idea Krakauer's politics or opinions on "this so called war on terror". but now I do, but I shouldn't.
A good non-fiction book should be void of author opinion, IMHO
Tiillan walked away from money fame and glory, why shouldn't the president of the US recognize this, why is that propaganda?
For all of you who wish to make liars of the military, how many times during WWII do you think a soldiers CO embellished a soldiers death for the benefit of the family? I feel for the Tillman family, but I really believe Pat Tillman would not have liked how his family acted upon his death. Dying by friendly fire is no less noble or diminishes the scarafice than dying at the hands of an enemy, but more frustrating on the family.
Thank you.
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