Pretty good movie about surviving on your own in the wilderness. The guy is definitely making the best of his situation. Eats whatever he can hunt and supplements his diet with rice and beans he purchases every year. He survives alone in the mountains with just his dog through harsh winters. Apparently he had two horses that died, understandably with his living conditions. Not sure how he could keep horses fed when he and is dog live hand to mouth with what they hunt. The winters get desperate and he eats a rat at one point. He films it all himself and narrates his life. A lot of remembering the past and explaining how he does things. He states he was married multiple times and at one point a functional remember of society.
One thing that strikes me is he has created this narrative for his life that contributes to his station. Seems to me he is creating his own prison. Maybe he wants to live this way but it doesn't seem so. The man phrases everything as if he had little or no choice. He cries about his child but seems to have made no effort to be a part of her life. I think that getting this man some mental health care would be the best way to help. He needs to break through the barriers he has made for himself. If he started thinking differently it could get him out of the woods. He appears to have a lot of regret and feels he can't do anything about it. His black and white thinking: "I prefer this to living under a bridge". Illustrates his idea that those are the only 2 options. He must be in constant fear of being discovered as he is illegally squatting on federal land with a fake mining claim. Not to mention he is getting old and may reach a point he cannot take care of himself. He also has extensive dental issues that could result in a life threatening infection.
Overall I did enjoy the documentary and it gives one a unique perspective. Not often do we hear from an individual that walked away from society. I am impressed by his skill and dedication to surviving. Definitely check it out.