Features: DVD
In 1828, as if out of nowhere, a young man appeared in Nuremberg's town square. He had no history, spoke only a few words, and could not stand upright. Having been locked in a basement for 17 years, Kaspar Hauser was more beast than man. Who was he, and where did he come from? Despite attempts by townsfolk to understand and civilize him, Kaspar became little more than a sideshow attraction. And though the mystery of his origins remained unanswered, perhaps the biggest question of all was, why did someone want him dead? Based on a true story, Werner Herzog's poignant, often funny and unforgettable tale of "the enigma of the century"--punctuated by a brilliant performance by Bruno S.--will haunt viewers forever.
"Herzog's best film." Leonard Maltin
"...a startling performance from the actually unstable Bruno S..." Michael Thomson, BBCi
"A stunning fable, beautiful and piercing, cryptic and satisfying." New York Times
Editor's Note
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.
Plot Summary
When a feral boy who was kept confined since birth inexplicably appears in a German town, the fascinated townspeople try to civilize him, only to eventually view him as a source of cruel amusement. Director Werner Herzog's film was inspired by a true story.
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