Narrating the documentary, Herzog allows the evidence to build while asking gently probing questions of his interviewees and the audience. His interest is not in excoriating Treadwell, but rather in goading us to ask ourselves the deeper questions about the nature of the universe. Is the universe ultimately governed by harmony, benevolence, and respect – or chaos, murder, and self-interest? Herzog’s treatment of the tragedy that befell Treadwell’s girlfriend and companion is particularly poignant, and like the rest of the film, rife with incompletely answered questions.
Marjorie Baumgarten
August 19, 2005