I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Yawn. Poorly Filmed Snooze Fest.

Wow! Such a good movie.

Admirable film.

Ah, yes... the classic PBS fund raiser film, pulled out of the attic, dusted off and hyped for far more than it is to get donations. Every pledge break, the local PBS hosts redundantly chant about how this man was "alone". They detail how this man was not only capable of making a spoon from a log, but was able to set up a camera and film his amazing skills at the same time.And yet, there are so many shots where the camera is obviously being held and controlled by another human. It follows along side him as he walks. It zooms in. It even pans side to side. And yet the masses are convinced he was "alone". Yeah, I could see buying into the concept that he set up the camera on a tripod on the beach, hit record, then got into a canoe and paddled away. And that afterward, he'd have to paddle back, shut off the camera and dismount it for the next shot. But when you get to the scenes where the camera is following along side of him as he walks, all authenticity of being "alone" is destroyed.Then there's the incorrect speed of the film. Some of the shots from the magical walking, panning, zooming "tripod mounted camera" are faster than real time. Common for old movie cameras when the batteries were low. Batteries... batteries in the wilderness, But why wasn't this corrected when the video was mastered? It just makes him look goofy when he walks. I could be wrong, maybe he really did walk that way... possibly from the lack of toilet paper when you're "alone" in the real, raw, hard wilderness.Cut to another pledge break and the host will drone on about how this film appeals to so many people, because, face it, we all imagine what it would be like to just leave it all behind and go survive "alone" in the wilderness. Seems it wouldn't be too rough if you had some dude stop by in a plane all the time and drop off food, supplies, "all natural" waterproof roofing materials, plants and obviously camera batteries. So... why make hinges out of a gas can if your plane buddy could bring them for you next time he stops by with batteries? If somebody spent time and money flying supplies out to you, wouldn't they need to be paid? If so, where do you get cash in the wilderness? Maybe you could borrow it from the magical walking camera.A few more questions... What's with the narration? Why is there always a long pause after every time he says "I"? Why is the word "I" always prolonged? How can you not be killed by that bear you spent time locking out during the many weeks when there was no cabin? Wouldn't it be cheaper to buy hinges from the airplane dude than destroy a gas can? Who brings a gas can to the "wilderness" if there's no gas powered engines?Anyway, it's sad that PBS insists on making this film more than it is. If they'd stop trying to hype that he was actually alone, that he went above and beyond setting up all the camera shots and especially that he left it all behind, it would be more tolerable. After all, it does have one redeeming quality in that the almost mantra like speech patterns can be used to induce sleep, maybe even a coma.

If you've ever thought about giving it all up and setting off into a life in the wilderness, then this is the film you need to see. Even if it has only ever been a flight of fancy, you will love this film. You will admire a master craftsman at work. You will respect his work ethic, and his attention to detail. He is patient and diligent. Dick Proenneke takes you on an amazing journey as he carves out a new life for himself in the beautiful and unspoiled Alaska of the late 60's. I love to watch a man of skill work and I have watched this film time and time again. Each winter, when it's too cold and too snowy, and I'm not planning to go anywhere, I make a cup of cocoa, wrap up warm, and I watch Dick go to work, carving out his dream. It's amazing to watch a man build something with just what nature provides and a few hand tools. No machines, no electricity, no help. I would love to live a simple life, out away from everything, but not alone. If you admire the pioneer spirit, then you owe it to yourself to watch this man show you what it it takes to make a home with just your two hands. I don't think they make them like him anymore. If they do, I hope I find one.

I've seen this movie several times and own the DVD. It's simple, authentic and moving. The prior comment (by "[email protected]") is quite strange indeed. There are simple explanations RE: the questions of authenticity, namely that part of what Dick Proenneke was doing was self-documenting his experience with his own 16mm camera, which is where all the footage comes from. What would motivate someone to take the time to write and submit such an ignorant, childish post on something as simple and straightforward as this particular documentary? God only knows. In any event, this DVD is a must-see for those who love nature, solitude, the outdoors and who admire strong work ethic; whether or not they are also latte drinking, SUV driving "normal" folk. Dick Proenneke would have appreciated his viewership one and all.

This movie shows the beauty of Alaska and the tenacity and ingenuity of man. It is somewhat simple in its presentation, but this makes it all the more endearing. The narrative is in Dick Proeneke's own words though and show his intelligence and respect for the wilderness. If you see only one documentary in your life, this is the one to see. Once you see it you will want to share it with everyone you know. By the end of the movie you will have a tear in your eye because you both don't want it to end and have been introduced to an amazing man who has since left us. To sum this up, watch it, watch it, watch it. After seeing this movie be sure to go to the library or book store so you can read more about this amazing man. There are 2 or 3 books written about him and are based on his writings.