The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser

Herzog’s acclaimed film about the near-legendary foundling of the title is also one of his most eloquent and moving. In 1828 a young man, barely able to walk or talk, appeared in Nuremberg clutching a note claiming his name was Kaspar; he soon became a figure of fame and controversy among doctors, scientists and others. Herzog resists speculating about Kaspar’s mysterious origins, focusing instead on the encounter between a wise innocent at the mercy of a society too sure of itself and the well-meaning but blinkered rationalists determined to shape his new life. Bruno S, himself something of an outsider, plays Kaspar to perfection, while Herzog’s incisive script and lyrical images produce a poignant account of purity imperilled by ‘civilisation’.

Geoff Andrew, Programmer-at-large

See the Relaxed screening of this film.

See our Seniors’ Matinee + intro by Geoff Andrew on Monday 29 January.

See the release of Werner Herzog: Radical Dreamer.

See our Werner Herzog season.

Also available on BFI Player