Grizzly Demise

The grizzly bear has scored its fair share of movie roles. It’s the beleaguered cub of Jean-Jacques Annaud’s ode to nature, The Bear, the object of ill-fated Timothy Treadwell’s obsession in Werner Herzog’s documentary Grizzly Man, and has had its anatomy revised for maximum cuddliness by Disney on more than one occasion. Californians will be most familiar with the bear through its filmic lives, since the last living Grizzly in the state, Monarch, died in captivity in 1911. Sabrina Alonso’s visual essay, Grizzly Road, ponders Monarch’s fate, as well as that of his kin, who were no match for the human steamroller that was Manifest Destiny. Alonso’s camera captures what’s left of the Grizzly in California: carvings sold at roadside tourist hubs dressed as the cowboys and pioneers who hunted them out of existence. Under her gaze, it’s apparent how macabre their costuming is. Alonso’s film doesn’t just eulogize the bear, but explores the tenants of Westward Expansion that allowed progress to eradicate Grizzlies and Native Americans while solidifying their idealized place in history. Alonso attends this screening in person.
Sat., Aug. 16, 8 p.m., 2008

 
My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest
 
©2013 SF Weekly, LP, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places San Francisco / Bay Area

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city