Close Analysis Essay: Grizzly Man

Prof. Brian Dunphy

Mackenzie Campbell

FILM 3001

February 16th, 2014

Close Analysis Essay: Grizzly Man

Documentary films can be presented in many ways, with filmmakers blurring the lines of film styles to create an individual piece. When analyzing documentaries, the truthfulness in which the subject or argument is presented can easily be questioned. The authenticity of an argument can be a difficult aspect to successfully showcase in a film. By repeatedly watching the assigned scenes of Grizzly Man, it is clear that the appearance of truth within the scenes comes into question. The method in which these scenes are directed and shot, is in direct relation to the way Herzog wants the audience to interpret them. Therefore, Herzog has complete

This Michael Moore-esque move plays on the scenes appearance of reality, by making Herzog personal to the viewers, and embedding himself within the incident. Though the director himself appears within the scene, it still seems to be somewhat rehearsed and takes away from the authenticity of the emotional moment he has with Jewel. Herzog’s narration at the beginning of this scene does however set the scene up to sound more truthful, bringing a participatory factor to this otherwise seemingly reflexive film. The motion of the camera zooming towards Jewel’s blank, disturbed expression adds an essence of suspense as the audience waits patiently for her reaction to his words. By showing the extreme close up of Herzog as he listens to the audio tape and begins to break down, it shows the true trauma and horror that is recorded on the tape, causing the audience to believe Herzog’s information. His emotion brings an undeniable reality to the scene, unlike the falsity displayed in the staged coroner scene. Herzog shows his directive dominance by instructing Jewel to turn off the tape, as it is too horrific to listen to. Like Herzog’s filmed emotion, Jewel begins to cry, making the moment that much more upsetting, trying to evoke an empathetic response from the viewers. Herzog controls the scene by instructing Jewel to never listen to

Obviously, we know that this statement itself, is not entirely true either. Film makers, like Herzog, use various methods to portray their truth. The way a certain shot is framed, such as in the interview scene, or the manor in which the information is presented, like in the coroner scene, can greatly affect the truthfulness and authenticity of the film. The information being presented in the scenes, is of a very serious subject matter, however, Herzog’s directing makes it appear to be false and is difficult to take as seriously as one would expect. Herzog flip flops between the participatory and reflexive modes of documentary, drawing attention both to himself and the seemingly staged information he is showcasing. His control over the shots and scripting greatly influences the viewers response to the film, making it appear less believable than the bear attack incident actually was. In a film like this, Herzog is embellishing his information to make the film better. If the film and scenes are more dramatic, it will have a better response from viewers, in turn, making more money, and more success. Herzog is able to make this film in such a dramatic way because he is the director, and he showcases that control and dominance throughout the