Review of Grizzly Man (2005) by Steven M — 26 Jan 2010

This has to go down as one of the best documentaries I've ever seen. Herzog here has the perfect subject, a total enigma of a man who was both vulnerable and controversial. I found this so multi-layered and thought-provoking. We are given just enough material on Treadwell to be intrigued and unsettled at the same time. The only jarring note was the overly dramatic coroner who describes the audio recording of Treadwell and Huguenard's death - this seemed inappropriate.

This was so real and powerful that there were many points when I thought that it was distasteful to be seeing someone's life laid bare. Herzog must have had some reservations knowing Treadwell's state of mind, but the film was actually made on his own wish. This only leads to more disquieting questions. Complicated.