Werner Herzog's "Grizzly Man": Documentary Analysis and Review

In the vast wilderness of Alaska's Katmai National Park and Reserve, a man named Treadwell dared to forge an extraordinary bond with one of nature's most formidable creatures – the mighty bears. For thirteen remarkable summers, he fearlessly lived unarmed among these majestic beings, immersing himself in their world and capturing his awe-inspiring experiences. In October 2003, the remains of Treadwell and his beloved partner, Amie Huguenard, were discovered near their campground in Alaska's Katmai National Park and Reserve. This captivating tale, set against the backdrop of untamed nature and human spirit, unfolds in the documentary film 'Grizzly Man,' directed by Werner Herzog.

Analysis and Review of "Grizzly Man"

Through the adept utilization of strength, texture, and sequence as visual elements in the film, the director artfully develops his argument. By employing an expository sentiment, Herzog effectively showcases Treadwell's profound passion for working with the bears and presents a compelling case acknowledging the achievements he had made. The visual elements of unity, texture, and sequence play a pivotal role in Herzog's film as they distinctly establish Treadwell's intentions. From the film, I gleaned Herzog's fundamental lesson; although Treadwell's love for creatures is admirable, his failure to recognize the imminent danger ultimately foreshadowed his demise.

Throughout Treadwell’s life, he was incessantly intrigued by bears. In the film, when Treadwell's parents were interviewed, they explained how he forged a bond with his mother based on their mutual love for wildlife. They shared how Treadwell struggled academically for years, and his affinity for the camera was evident when he moved to Hollywood and appeared as a contestant on Love Connection. Later, he stumbled into broken relationships and excessive drinking, developing an intense passion for grizzlies. For over 12 years, he documented grizzlies and his interactions with them near Alaska's Katmai National Park. He visited numerous elementary and secondary schools, sharing his experiences and knowledge about grizzlies, advocating for grizzly conservation, and establishing the non-profit organization, Grizzly People.

However, Treadwell failed to realize that this unbalanced subject-object relationship could never be reciprocated: the grizzlies would never assimilate into human characteristics. Moreover, Herzog avoids becoming the object of his own narrative, being conscious of the perils involved. Despite being aware of the dangers, Treadwell attributed human-like traits to the bears and sought a spiritual connection with them, but in the end, this 'bond' distorted his perception of reality. The film primarily serves as an exploration of Treadwell's character, portraying him as uncorrupted yet dangerously obsessed with the bears, verging on madness, a point Herzog accentuates. The film thoughtfully unveils the authenticity of Treadwell's passion and observes as he progressively distances himself from sanity.

The film refrains from romanticizing Treadwell or sentimentalizing nature, even though these might have been the easiest routes to take. Instead, Herzog crafts a narrative that shifts focus away from the notion of harmony in nature, directing it towards the chaos of the universe. In one particular scene, Herzog directly inserts himself through narration, highlighting his disagreement with Treadwell's belief that nature is inherently harmonious.

Treadwell's experiences among his beloved grizzlies also took on a performative aspect, where truth and lies blended on the stage of celebrity. While his choices were perilous and ultimately fatal, he followed a quintessential American path shaped by boundless optimism and an almost religious faith in oneself. He lived among grizzlies because he believed he could. Consequently, the ugly aftermath that followed his demise, including the callous sarcasm that crept into newspaper headlines ('Grizzly bear that killed pair attacked at noon'), leaves a lasting impact. For some, Treadwell's death confirmed the perception that animal activists and environmentalists are dangerous eccentrics; for others, it may have suggested something equally disconcerting: that sometimes, a smile and American goodwill are insufficient.

Conclusion

Throughout 'Grizzly Man,' people bear witness to Treadwell's charm and naivety. Some show kindness, while others are less forgiving. Each observer captures a genuine aspect of Treadwell's persona, who, from the evidence of his recordings and Mr. Herzog's thoughtful inquiry, seemed equally amiable and credulous, brave yet foolhardy. At some point, that recklessness expanded into a plethora of delusions about his ability to survive in the wild, a venture he carelessly embarked upon. His demise, as inevitable as it was preventable, may suggest that he was more lost than found.