The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser (1975)

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,... 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]

Starring: Bruno S., Walter Ladengast, Brigitte Mira

Starring: Bruno S., Walter Ladengast, Brigitte Mira

Director: Werner Herzog

Director: Werner Herzog
Screenwriter: Werner Herzog
Producer: Werner Herzog

[See More Credits]