Grizzly Man.

Posted by: Malky on 20 September 2006

Just watched this on DVD. An utterly absorbing and masterful piece of cinema. The tale of Timothy Treadwell, a well meaning, likeable but disturbed young man who spends his life living with bears, and is eventually mauled to death, in the Alaskan widerness. He filmed himself over many years with a hand held camera. As the film unfolds, Treadwell begins to talk more about himself. It becomes clear that this is a man who has had great difficulty in relating to other humans throughout his life and who seeks emotional security and acceptance amongst some of the wildest animals in the world. Eventually, he loses it completely and stands ranting to the camera in a truly uncomfortable and cringe inducing scene.

Interspersed throughout the film are moments of magical charm, such as his befriending of a family of foxes as well as moments of utter terror as he squares up to huge grizzlys defending their territory. As director and narrator, Werner Herzog, observes, it becomes a film not just about Treadwell but about mankinds relationship to the world.
Unique and highly recommended.
Posted on: 20 September 2006 by SteveGa
And then, of course, there is the score by Richard Thompson. Any comments on that Malky?
Steve
Posted on: 20 September 2006 by Malky
Yeah, I thought I recognised the guitar, superb. Reminded me a bit of Neil Young's music for 'Deadman'.
Posted on: 20 September 2006 by SteveGa
Another added to the "wish list" Smile
Posted on: 20 September 2006 by Phil Cork
I saw this on TV a while back. Powerful, and quite disturbing, especially as the viewer knows the outcome (at least I did) whilst watching. Listening to Tim explaining his special relationship with the bears, considering himself invincible, whilst knowing that they kill him in the end was certainly more than a little voyeuristic. Worth watching.

I must confess to not having noticed the score especially - must've done a good job of setting the mood without dominating.

Phil