Review of Grizzly Man (2005) by Jimmy C — 25 Mar 2009

The best documentary I have ever watched. The subject matter is poignant, intriguing and opinionating, and Werner Herzog tells the story perfectly. The juxtaposition of a sometimes irate Treadwell with the beauty of Alaska is strangely fascinating.

Then you see the other side of Treadwell, who could capture some magic film that few other documentary makers could do, who cared for the animals deeply, and the poignancy of the foreshadowing of his own death in many of his own recordings.

Herzog narrates brilliantly, and explores the backstory of Treadwell in the depth. My only complaint would be that Herzog comments on Treadwell "crossing lines of nature" without giving any explanation for these comments (what are these lines?), but all in all he keeps a very balanced and neutral commentary, with some intriguing insights.

Great filmmaking.