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| Movie Review: Grizzly Man Alternate Title: Where the Wild Things Are
Story: Environmental activist
or self-aggrandizing showman? This fascinating, but at times, tedious
documentary by Werner Herzog about grizzly bear self
acclaimed protector, Timothy Treadwell, gives us much to chew upon (no
pun intended since Treadwell and his girlfriend ended up as dinner for
a very hungry grizzly in 2003). Using Treadwell's own videotapes (he had over100
hours of his 13 summers with the bears) Herzog weaves a tale of a passionate,
moody, driven man. Treadwell reinvented himself in the early '90's as
the man who would 'protect and save' these majestic creatures. Over
the years he appeared at schools to help educate kids about grizzlies,
started a foundation, grizzlypeople.com, and appeared on David Letterman's
show to eventually became a minor celebrity. His surfer looks and Peter
Pan personality was easy on the eyes and ears. If Treadwell and his girlfriend had not died in 2003 there would have
been no need for a film. The deaths were recorded (but the lens cap
was covered). Apparently the attack was sudden. Their bodies were discovered
the next day. Can your passion kill you? Was his passion real? Was he simply running
away from an otherwise mediocre, failed life? Who can say? But as a
film...it is good, though weird stuff. Acting: Not applicable - but I did find the scenes
with Treadwell many takes of his rants, pontifications and tirades fascinating
footage.
Predilection: I like animals and documentaries.
Critters: Bears, foxes and salmon.
Food: Bears, foxes, salmon and Treadwell.
Visual Art: The Alaskan wilderness is luscious.
Theater Audience: Pretty crowded (mostly guys) for
a Tuesday afternoon. Squirm Scale: There is some very squirmy footage
of bear fights.
Oscar Worthy: No
Soap Box: As an avid conservationist I have very
mixed feelings about a loner, whose motives are questionable, going
out there and trying to bond with wild animals.
Big Screen or Rental: Either.
Length: Under two hours
LOBO HOWLS: 6
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