But there's no implication in the movie that Treadwell is admirable. Herzog is kind of notorious for believing that nature is out to kill you, and I think you leave the film pitying Treadwell, but not feeling like you should like him.
That's not what I said. I don't particularly like Treadwell (I mean, can you imagine spending any time with the guy?) and definitely don't admire him, but I found his story compelling, just as I found Herzog's way of presenting the story compelling. I just don't think he was particularly selfish or stupid, either. I think I used the word "delusional."
Or are you contrasting Treadwell with the guy in Into The Wild. Is he supposed to be admirable? I guess I'm not sure how we got from A to B.
I think Herzog believes that nature is indifferent to human specialness. We're just another animal to the universe. But I also think Herzog has a deeply humanist belief in the importance of mutual kindness and respect, and that he loves humanity for being crazily possessed by our dreams.