The documentary Grizzly Man was definitely a unique viewing experience. I found Timothy Treadwell to be the most unintentionally hilarious person I've ever heard, making it enjoyable. The part where the fox runs off with his hat to the den still makes me crack up if I think about it too intently. But also, there was something disturbing about it. Why was he there? Was he sane? These are the questions no one really knows the answers to, but Werner Herzog (the director) likes to think he does.
I don't think Herzog did a very good job of portraying Treadwell in a fair light. He puts in his own two cents whenever given the chance, generally an opposing view to that of Treadwell's. It seemed disrespectful to basically mock a man who died doing what he loved. It's not fair to judge someone else's life based on how you live yours. I have no right to say that what Timothy Treadwell was doing was wrong, because it may have been the most right thing for him to do. I think there was something a little off about him, but who doesn't have something they'd rather keep to themselves?
Another thing I wonder about is if he wanted anyone to see his video footage. Some of it seemed private-- it was like a diary. I wouldn't want someone to look my diary if I had one and make fun of me when I am not there to defend myself. The best parts of the film were not Herzog's contributions; they were the words of Timothy Treadwell and his actions.
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This is really well written. It is clear that you have thought about this film deeply and have thought about it in a way I wouldn't have. I guess I just took for granted that Treadwell was giving his consent for the footage to be used by seeming to address an audience, but your idea of the videos being a diary is interesting. Good job overall!
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