The most interesting quote in the film Grizzly Man was spoken by Herzog. Herzog said, "I believe the common denominator of the universe is not harmony, but chaos, hostility, and murder." This quote highlights the contrasting views of nature that Herzog and Treadwell have. While both men care for nature, Herzog sees the negative qualities in nature, and Treadwell sees the positive qualities. In reality, nature is a balance between the two views of the men.
Treadwell had such a passionate love for protecting the Grizzlies. He dedicated his summers to living out in Grizzly territory during hunting season. Treadwell made a spiritual connection with the bears and the nature he lived in with them. He felt it was his true home, and that the bears were his true friends. Many of his human friends speculated that Treadwell actually wanted to become a bear. He was fearless, and believed he had nothing to fear about living with the bears. Nature, to him, was harmless and misunderstood. He felt it was his job to correct the general opinion about nature, especially the bears. He also wanted to bring awareness to the public and be the voice for the bears. I think Timothy's motives were inspirational. His dedication and passion were admirable. It is obvious that Treadwell has an optimistic view of the bears. I think he feels so strongly about the bears because he feels they saved his life, so he wants to repay them and protect their lives. Although his views on nature are extreme, it is important that more people open their eyes to the potential damage that humans are causing the earth.
Herzog had a much more pessimistic view of nature, yet he respected it. He realized the dangers that lived within nature. However, he lacked the empathy that Treadwell possessed. Herzog was very much anti nature, and didn't believe the bears needed the protection that Treadwell was providing them. In a way, he saw Treadwell's protection as a fight against civilization. I think Herzog was a little harsh on Treadwell. He was basically saying Treadwell got what he had deserved. However, I think it's better to be more cautious about nature than to be too fearless about it like Treadwell. I think Herzog respects nature in that he realizes the power it possesses. Just like nature, I think there needs to be a balance between the views of the two men. Its important to have a passion for nature and a desire to protect the earth; however it is necessary to be careful with nature, and never underestimate the strength and power it contains.
I loved how you opened your post with the idea that nature is a balance between both beliefs. You and I have very similar views on this topic because though I respect Treadwell and find his work to be inspirational, there is no doubt that we should be cautious of the strength the natural world has that we do not. Nature is a key part of our lives and it is important we remain passionate about it, and it seems as though we also agree that we should not underestimate it.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed how you brought in the concept of balance. I disagree with the comment how how Herzog was anti-nature, but I do agree that he was a bit harsh on Treadwell, as he disagreed with his intentions and motions. Both men had pretty opposite views when comparing the two perspectives. Would you agree more with the views of Treadwell or Herzog?
ReplyDeleteI liked how this began with a quote from the documentary. The way you described each of the men was very in depth and insightful. The idea of balance was a great addition to the blog post. I don't think that Herzog wa necessarily anti nature. I just think he saw it from a more negative point of view than Treadwell did. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI don't necessarily mean to be the only person who doesn't agree with your interpretation on the opposing views Treadwell and Herzog have, but I would have to say that Treadwell knew about the dangers Nature had; for some reason he either seemed to underestimate these dangers, or he ignored them in order to "prove his point." Herzog saw the beauty in nature, but he also understood and acknowledged the chaos, and the hostility of nature. He has a reverence for nature in that he would never cross the boundary made between humans and the natural world. Personally, I wouldn't necessarily say Herzog's view on nature is only negative, but it was more realistic, rather. I guess that's all I am trying to say. But anyway, I love how you explained the oppositing between the two mens opinions as something that could bring a balance throughout nature. What effect do you think this balance could essentially bring to the relationship between humans and the natural world?
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