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The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser (1975)
Runtime: 1 hr 50 mins
Synopsis: Director Werner Herzog (AGUIRRE, THE WRATH OF GOD; FITZCARRALDO) approaches the true story of famous wild child Kaspar Hauser as a metaphor, continuing his cinematic investigations into human consciousness and civilization. In 1828, Kaspar was found in the town square of Nuremberg,... Director Werner Herzog (AGUIRRE, THE WRATH OF GOD; FITZCARRALDO) approaches the true story of famous wild child Kaspar Hauser as a metaphor, continuing his cinematic investigations into human consciousness and civilization. In 1828, Kaspar was found in the town square of Nuremberg, Germany, hardly able to speak or walk, having been kept in solitary confinement by unknown forces for his entire life. As Kaspar is taken in by the locals, his integration into society and the curiosity posed by his mysterious and possibly dangerous origins start to pull at the carefully kept seams of civilization. In Kaspar, Herzog creates an idealized and unspoiled perspective through which to see both the ridiculous and the sublime aspects of humanity and nature as well as the interaction between the two that results in civilization. Breathtaking and eerie images of natural landscapes are juxtaposed with the intricate artifice of Kaspar's indoctrination into the language, thought, religion, and culture of 19th-century Germany. Bruno S. (Stroszek in Herzog's film of the same name) gives an astonishing performance as the haunting man-child Kaspar, stumbling, literally and figuratively, through his newfound environment, giving human and emotional life to the enigma of Kaspar Hauser. [More]
Genre: Foreign Films
Starring: Bruno S., Walter Ladengast, Brigitte Mira
DVD Info
Release:
Aug 1, 2002
DVD Features:
- Region 1
- Keep Case
- Anamorphic - 1.77:1
Audio:
- Mono - German
- Subtitles - English - Optional
Additional Release Material:
- Audio Commentary - 1. Werner Herzog - Director, Norman Hill
- Trailers
Interactive Features:
- Scene Access
- Interactive Menus
Text/Photo Galleries:
- Biographies - 1. Werner Herzog - Director
Reviews
The film has turgid stretches, but this flaw is largely overwhelmed by compositions which are meaningful and hypnotic, and a startling performance from Bruno S as poor Kaspar.
It's a very odd story but Herzog brings it across with a touching human side and a refreshing lack of sentimentality.
Every Man is a superb movie because Mr. Herzog has managed to treat the fable in stunning human and dramatic terms.
Stuffed with obscure images and silent passages of profound, frightening insight.
There is a profound philosophy at the base of Kasper Hauser: How does emotional growth occur, deprived of any foreign influence, sociological, familial or otherwise?
The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser achieves timelessness through its satire and its sensibilities seem less stodgy than in most period films.
Kaspar Hauser is one of the purest film examples I know of in which an artist of Romantic sensibility puts society to the test and finds it wanting.


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