Review of Grizzly Man (2005) by Jess K — 05 Sep 2010

Over the course of Grizzly Man Timothy Treadwell shifts from intrepid naturalist to intolerable egomaniac so starved for love that he mistakes curiosity for affection. Treadwell emerges as a sociopath with a deep-rooted Messiah Complex, so insufferable that the best he could do for himself and others was scuttle off to the wilderness for months (if that makes him happy then good and those who write hate letters are despicable).

When not styling himself as protector of the bears he captures gorgeous footage of the Alaskan landscape and wildlife. His life and issues prove a fascinating character study that Herzog repeatedly intrudes upon with interpretation.

Even Treadwell's insertion into grizzly territory is less obstructive. Herzog's narration is the worst part of this disturbing, beautifully ironic tale and is better off ignored. Yet lost in attention to Treadwell and Herzog is the true tragedy, Amie Huguenard, whom Treadwell's zealousness murdered, even while she protected him.