Nonureva Really Surprised!

TaryBiggBall It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

FirstWitch A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

Derrick Gibbons An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

teodorodontosaurus A great documentary about a troubled man that misinterpreted the concept of biodiversity conservation. Herzog didn't agree nor disagree with Treadwell's actions but was more fascinated by him as a nature filmmaker and by his extreme and weird ambitions. This insightful documentary also deals with the protagonist's psych, masterfully delivered by the director; this almost becomes more of a psychological drama than a nature documentary. The usual dark and pessimistic tone, typical in Herzog's films is also present here. Herzog's directing and constant interferences makes this the most artsy nature documentary I've seen so far. For example, that moment when he appears in front of the camera and listens to that audio tape, it's pure cinematic art! As a scholar in environmental sciences, I disagree with Treadwell's sloppy and unprofessional expeditions, but also somehow admire his courage and honest heart. It's interesting that he didn't choose an essential endangered species (even some invertebrates have a higher risk of extinction), but a very dangerous one, like he was asking for it. Treadwell was not a role model, nor hero or true naturalist; even if he's done more harm than good to wild bears, he was sincere and passionate about his work; a naive grown-up child that wanted peace for all living creatures on Earth.

SnoopyStyle Werner Herzog brings the story of grizzly bear enthusiast Timothy Treadwell. He sees himself as a protector of the grizzlies. He would spend time with them in Alaska and interact with them. He talked to kids about the bears living a meager existence while gaining a small amount of fame. He was a drunk until he discovered the bears. In 2003, he was killed with his girlfriend Amie Huguenard by a bear.Treadwell is an outsider. I would not categorize him as insane or crazy. He obviously found a calling and an obsession. I don't think it matters whether the audience agrees with Treadwell or not. He's a fascinating real life character either way. Personally, I agree with the native museum manager who says that Treadwell's story is both tragic and wrong. It's better to leave the bears alone.

Leofwine_draca The last Herzog documentary I watched was LAND OF SILENCE AND DARKNESS, a moving piece obviously shot a very long time ago. GRIZZLY MAN is something else entirely: a mainstream, English-language film that tells the unforgettable story of one isolated man and his (very) close encounters with wild grizzly bears in Alaska.You can see why Herzog was drawn to this material, as it's perfect for him. Themes explores include man vs the wild, human loners, hints at madness, the cruelty of the animal world, and of course death and destruction. Herzog has taken some 100 hours of camcorder footage shot by Timothy Treadwell out in the wild, and made a thoroughly compelling narrative out of here.As a film, GRIZZLY MAN has it all. There are more fascinating glimpses of the wild and its creatures than in an Attenborough documentary. There's a kooky, intriguing protagonist who seems on edge throughout. There's unexpected humour, alongside tragedy and triumph, and a great score. It's haunting and beautiful and everything in-between, and truly one of the most profound films I've ever watched. In fact, I can't wait to see it again...

begob Interesting portrait of a life - thin line between fact and fiction.The director pitches in with his own views, and his advice to destroy the death tape may confirm that this is a story based on true events, rather than a documentary. The controversy over the veracity of the released excerpts from that tape is a great post-modern joke. Or not.The most revealing part of the character comes from about 60 mins in, when he keeps referring to his sexuality. And conveniently his female companion remains mysterious, while the director chimes in with an excuse for not finding this crucial piece of the puzzle. And then we're told the guy was a failed actor.It's a deceptive piece of film. And, I suspect, a clever cover for bestiality.