WERNER HERZOG
Bil’s rating (out of 5): BBBB.
Original title: Jeder Fur Sich Und Gott Gegen Allen–Kaspar Hauser
Alternate title: The Enigma Of Kaspar Hauser, The Mystery Of Kaspar Hauser
West Germany, 1974. Werner Herzog Filmproduktion, Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen, Filmverlag der Autoren. Screenplay by Werner Herzog. Cinematography by Jorg Schmidt-Reitwein. Produced by Werner Herzog. Music by Bruno S.. Costume Design by Ann Poppel, Gisela Storch. Film Editing by Beate Mainka-Jellinghaus. Cannes Film Festival 1975.
Fascinating study of a primitive man thrust into so-called ‘modern’ society. Purportedly based on a true story, Kaspar Hauser is discovered living in a secluded barn in which he has lived his entire life. After being rescued by a local nobleman, the wild child is introduced to the society around him, is educated and becomes a matter of fascination and curiosity for the people who come into contact with him. Herzog cast an unprofessional actor named Bruno S., a mentally hazy street person (allegedly) who is quite the natural in the lead role. What marks it apart from most other fish-out-of-water stories of its ilk is the very subtle tenderness that underlies every scene, a delicacy rarely found in the German master’s other films. Not for all tastes, but certainly unlike anything else you’ve ever seen.
