Bill Simmons, not content with being on Doc Rivers and Isiah Thomas’ shitlists, graduates to Werner Herzog’s “Grizzly Man”

It’s the first documentary since “American Movie” that ranks a perfect 100 on the Unintentional Comedy Scale. First of all, it’s directed by Werner Herzog, who (incredibly) decided to narrate the movie even though he sounds like he’s auditioning for a Hans & Frans sketch. Second, the Grizzly Man guy is an absolute maniac and can’t be described even remotely. You just have to see him in action. He’s surpassed Mark Byars (from “Paradise Lost”) and Mark Borchardt for me, and I never thought I would say that. Third, there are so many ridiculously funny moments (like when Grizzly Man claims that he lost out to Woody Harrelson as Coach’s replacement on “Cheers,” or when he’s playing with the bear poop) that you can’t even believe it’s happening as it’s happening. I kept thinking that this was like the “Blair Witch Project,” some sort of elaborate hoax by the creators of “Mr. Show.” But it’s not. And fourth, this is the first movie that I can remember that glorifies someone who’s completely insane. I mean, COMPLETELY. Utterly and totally.

(You have to rent this movie — it’s disturbing, hilarious, creepy, haunting, you name it. I won’t even spoil the ending for you. Just see it)

Replies Tim Midgett,

I suppose it is a bit much to expect Simmons to appreciate that something can be creepy, sad, funny, and profound all at once. And ON PURPOSE.

I dunno, how else would you describe the career arc of Shannen Doherty?