Grizzly Man (2005)

This is probably one of the most fascinating documentaries I've seen.

Plot: Narrated and directed by Werner Hezrog, this documentary tells the story of Timothy Treadwell, a man who lived with grizzly bears during the summer in Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska. Treadwell did so for thirteen summers, until 2003 when he and his girlfriend were killed and partially eaten by a grizzly bear in the park. During his summers, Timothy shot over 100 hours of video footage, which we see. Hezrog also adds footage of his own. We see footage of grizzly bears, many of which Treadwell is in close proximity. He interviews numerous people involved with Treadwell, including his longtime friends, the coroner and the man who found the bodies.

Review: As I mentioned, this is probably one of the most fascinating documentaries I've seen. Grizzly Man shows us the story of a man who was possibly mentally ill, but loved what he did. I admire that Treadwell was able to survive as long as he did. He didn't have pepper spray or anything else along the lines of protection. But then again, many people who are interviewed believe that Timothy Treadwell was doing more harm than good. I can see there points of view. He is in very close proximity to the bears, at some points he's actually touching them.

I like Hezrog's narration, but I feel that he's very judgmental. He immediately judges Treadwell as an insane human being who basically had a death wish. I don't think that Treadwell had a death wish. It's obvious that he loved the bears and that he did think he was doing right by the bears.

This is a documentary that will have people talking. People will see both sides of the story. It's a documentary that will have people wonder if man and nature are allowed to interact in the extents that Treadwell was.

Rating: 5/5