I watched "Grizzly Man" with Dr. B last eve and, well, I have some comments. First and foremost, those that have not seen this odd and twisted documentary, please do. It will go places you had no idea a documentary would go. I expected a Grizzly Adam's type conservationist, what you get is a very lost and, I think, mentally challenged fruit loop.
First, we learn that Timothy Treadwell is a failed actor turned animal lover on a mission from God. I mean it. But to leave the description at that falls way, way short. Treadwell (self-described eco-warrior) went to the wilds of Alaska for 13 summers and filmed his last five before he and his girlfriend were chowed by a bear. Shocking result, I know.
Through his films, it becomes very apparent that Treadwell was trying to craft a mystique about himself as this loner, bear/animal advocate who was increasingly misunderstood and only happy when he was with his bears (Treadwell and Mr. Chocolate, pictured). Still, I came away with the impression that Treadwell really wasn't about conservation - how does spending a few months with bears in the wild equal conservation/preservation?
The film maker Werner Herzog points out that some of the best footage is when Treadwell leaves the shot and we see all the beauty that Alaska gives. Simply put, it seemed to me that Treadwell just didn't quite get it - he did not understand the way he was perceived both by humans and bears.
There is a part in the film when Treadwell's friend "Spirit" the fox steals his cap and takes it to his den (Treadwell situated his tent between two fox dens so he could commune with them). Treadwell swears at Spirit for several minutes for taking his hat, rather than realizing the humor of the situation. Maybe that is the crux of the problem I had with Treadwell. He couldn't deal with the human world because of its chaotic and ever-changing manner, so he fled to nature. However, there is not anything more random or chaotic than nature. Poor Timmy Treadwell.
Let's take a couple tracks off Ray-Ray's ever so good "This Is What I'm Talkin' Bout," here is Moving Units "Between Us and Them" and Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah! "Let The Cool Goddess Rust Away."
Let The Cool Goddess Rust Away
Well put, your money-ness, although I have not seen the film yet. I would say that I will now see it, but I probably won't as you've soured me on Timmy Treadinator.
Your straightforward assessment of the problem with his choice in lifestyle is refreshing to me.
I'm reminded of this one time, when I was a younger, gentler fellow, and I'd just read INTO THE WILD about a young man named Chris McCandless who went off to live alone in Alaska. Long story short: He gone (in the voice of Ken Harrelson, annoying White Sox announcer). Krakauer, I believe, was the author's name. A good book if memory serves. But I was telling this other friend of mine about the book back then, a young man also named Chris, and he said something like, "If I'd had to hang with that dude, I'd be glad he wandered off and died." I laughed. He had a point. To be so upset with the mechanized, westernized world we inhabit that you actually become this vigilant, dark outsider, well, it's a real downer when I'm just tryin to be smellin good, leather & wood, feelin on a little somethin, you know what I'm talking about? That's how we do. You know that's how we do, C-Dub.
Linwood, first and foremost thanks for commenting, I was beggining to think the only thing people want to talk about anymore is Osama. In addition, I am glad that you agree with my assessment, though please don't let my words sway you. The film is definitely worth seeing and I would love to know your thoughts about Timmy T. And yes, he gone and all I wanna do is keep it fat like ham bone and tight like 'nat booty. Werd to you and yours, Linwood.
this film is too good. i can't recommend it more.
[2] Oh, C-4-Realz, you're the hamboniest
Easy peaches! I'm interested in everything you have to say. I think that you're dreamy.
Thanks Thunder. You're the wind beneath my wings.
Finally saw this flick. Seems that Timmy was desperately masking his homosexual tendencies, lost his faith in human kind, and wanted to go out with style and a cause. I have to agree that he did more harm to nature than helping.
I found this film simultaneously bizarre (ranting at the Forest Service), disturbing (the intense bear fight), and hilarious (TT attempting a Steve Irwin crocodile hunter impression), and couldn't peel myself away, anticipating the grand finale ending. I especially got a kick out of the L.A. friend's B-rated acting ability for the interviews, Herzog's goofy narrating, and all of the other strange people in Tim's life for that matter (the ladyfriends, the parents, etc). Alaskan wilderness is beautiful, and moreso without Tim in it.
Good recommendation, C.
Jules - Glad you liked it and happy belated b-day you old bird.
Old is as old does, my friend.