Grizzly Man (2005) is a gripping documentary directed Werner Herzog that explores the life and tragic fate of Timothy Treadwell, an environmentalist and self-proclaimed protector of Alaskan grizzly bears. Combining breathtaking wilderness footage with personal video diaries shot by Treadwell, the film is both a fascinating character study and a powerful meditation on humanity’s complex relationship with nature.

The Story

The documentary follows Treadwell’s thirteen summers spent living among grizzly bears in Alaska’s Katmai National Park. During this time, he filmed over 100 hours of footage, capturing intimate moments with the bears and offering personal reflections about his life. Treadwell believed he had formed a unique bond with the bears and saw himself as their guardian against poachers and environmental threats.

However, in October 2003, Treadwell and his girlfriend Amie Huguenard were killed by a grizzly bear. Herzog’s documentary investigates the events leading to their deaths while also delving into Treadwell’s psyche, his passion for wildlife, and his increasingly erratic behavior over the year