Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Did Timothy Treadwell Die Happy?:



Grizzly Man, a documentary by Werner Herzog, follows the life of Timothy Treadwell, a man passionate about his dare routs task of protect the grizzly bears of the  Katmai National Park in Alaska. The film sparks questions about Treadwells inner thoughts, as he is presented as a very complex and unique character. In an attempt to understand Treadwells thoughts and motivations, I traced his life story (all of it that was shown in the film) and through my personal interpretation, formed a narrative arc.

     Timothy begins just above average, doing well in life but not excelling. It increases when he gets a scholarship to college for swimming, but then plummets after he hurts his back and loses his scholarship. After moving to California in hopes of a new start, he doesn't get the job he wanted, and as stated in the interview with his parents, Timothy spiraled down from there. His rock bottom, in my opinion, might have been his near death drug overdose. Timothy became happier as he started to work with animals. He claims that he had no life before the animals, and that they gave him his life. Timothy went from a serious alcoholic to completely giving up drinking, just so h could better protect the bears that he so dearly loved. His life then sloped upwards as he spent more and more time with the bears. Eventually, Timothy was recognized as some sort of celebrity adventure man, created a steeper increase to happiness. Then, upon his death, the graph could branch off many different ways.

     After all he had done for these animals, was Timothy angry at the bear who turned on him? Did he feel any regret? Was Timothy ready to die? Was Timothy hoping that his death would finally bring the proper recognition for his cause?

     I chose to continue the arc past Timothy's death, as if he was still alive, approving of disapproving of what was going on. I believe it would have greatly upset Timothy that the bear who killed him was shot. The killing of the bear is everything that Timothy worked his whole life to prevent. Is this where his narrative arc ends? In my opinion, it continues on, along with Timothy's legacy. An interview with one of Timothy's lose friends reveals that he thought that his own death would be the most effective way to spread his message. Although opinions vary, Timothy is generally remembered for his courageous and dangerous dedication to these animals which he adored, which was Timothy's goal in life. He seemed pleased with the 13 years of protection he provided, and he continued to do what he loved, which brings happiness. Therefore, I believe that Timothy Treadwell died happy, and his death is ultimately positive.

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