Grizzly Man on DVD (2005)

Great footage and surprisingly hilarious

Gareth from Shropshire , 08/04/2006

Treadwell from the first moments of the film is shown to have a different outlook on life.

The film works great on 3 main levels, Firstly you're seeing amazing footage of bears from over 13 years of filming and footage that is shot so (insanely)close up to the bears you wonder if you will ever see this type of footage again.

Secondly Treadwell is a case study in loneliness leading to self delusion (that only he can save the bears)but puts his case with such belief its staggering.

Thirdly the film is hilarious. Treadwell seems blissfully unaware that his bizarre behaviour and some outlandish views are so laughable and the people brought on camera to talk about his character don't seem know him that well but like to be on film. I came out undertanding why he thought the wildlife and bears needed protection but ultimately his methods were more harmful than beneficial, you may come out with a totally different view. The film may not be completely to your taste though as it features Americans who display that forced sincerity and crying for camera, even the coroner can't just provide a normal report.

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Soon to be cult movie!

JackBison from Lincolnshire , 27/05/2006

I've never enjoyed a Werner Herzog movie so much!

Whilst Grizzly Man is a poignant, moving film, Mr Treadwells own footage can sometimes be unintentionally hilarious.

There are at least 3 scenes which will have you in stitches...depending on how black your sense of humour is!

However, the overall feeling is one of foreboding and this film will still be on your mind weeks later.

Give it a go...you won't be disappointed.

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Beware!!

Fortunatus from Kinghorn , 18/05/2007

Do not watch this documentary if you are looking for a genuine exploration into some side of existence... or even a biography of an avid nature-lover.

'Grizzly Man' brings together Treadwell's own footage of his 'expeditions', interviews with some unbelievably stupid people (who both insult the human race and, on the other hand, provide something to laugh at), and narration from Arnold Schwarzenegger's long lost, slightly camp, slightly slow cousin.

This documentary could have been outstanding, but it fails miserably. To consider Treadwell's original footage, we are faced with the video diaries of a man with some quite glaringly uncommon psychological processes, along with some infrequent but excellent close-up shots of wild animals. From here we have the potential for a brilliant documentary - what should only have been a psychological case study of a (self-proclaimed) 'troubled' individual, and his encounters with nature.

Instead, the life of this man is portrayed hideously. Both the narrator and the majority of the interviewees try to bring a sort of 'magic' to this man and to his story, and romanticise every detail. For instance, as we watch his last piece of footage - filming himself a few hours before his death - the narrator comments on how he seems to hesitate from leaving the shot, not wanting to leave the gaze of the camera. If they hadn't noticed, he does this in almost every shot he appears in! This guy loves filming himself! To emphasise his final hesitant moments like this is purely to romanticise them, draw out meaning where there is none, and force upon them a magical, almost supernatural, aura.

Similarly, there are the descriptions from the oddball coronor, who obviously decides to take the opportunity to discuss Treadwell's death and, at the same time, audition for an over-dramatic Shakespeare production. Amidst theatrical expressions, poses, and hand-movements he comes out with such rubbish as: 'as his life faded away, he only wanted to save his girlfriend' (how the hell does he know?!).

And, on top of the likes of this, we get classic lines of narration such as “this landscape in turmoil is a metaphor for his soul” and “I believe that the common denominator of the universe is chaos, hostility and murder”. Dear God.

This documentary manages to salvage one star out of five, however, purely for the original footage. Putting aside the romanticised rubbish, the adherence to American ideology, and the acceptance of interviewees' opinions as fact, we can catch a glimpse of a troubled man, and possibly even discern the motives for his actions. And, when all else fails, at least there are frequent shots of cute baby foxes.

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Bearly believable

bozo from Bacup , 31/05/2006

I swear that if i did not know better (and i'm not entirely sure that I do)that this documentary was a spoof, in the same fabulous vein as Spinal Tap. This film has many layers and you can wade in as deep or shallow as you like. Many people will see Tim (the main protagonist) as psychologically flawed. I see an out of work bum actor desperate to make his mark. You'll also see some stunning performances from his ex-girlfriend (relieved that she never took up his offer to go camping) and a very bizarre coroner. I soon found myself watching this film for all the wrong reason and finding entertainment in what is in truth a very sad story, bearing in mind (no pun intended) you know the tragic outcome from the start, an innocent bear dies. Thank you to Wener Herzog for bring this tale of one mans sad folly to my attention. Eventhough Tim, is wholly unendearing in his pretend fight against the Federal authorities. I feel he is owed a small gratitude of debt for giving the world some great footage of the wild Alaskan bears, oh and giving his life too.

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bored

A customer from england , 26/07/2006

Should have been good, but was crap - A film about a grade A nutter running with grizzly bears disturbing their peace.

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What a nut case

A customer from UK , 12/04/2008

If you have a love of amateur (or even professional) psychology then this film is for you. Forget the bears, the Grizzly Man's mental stability is much more interesting. Rarely do I think about film characters for days after viewing but this guy deserved some thinking about. What a nutter!

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