A great little Herzog movie. I remember seeing the first half of this on TV many years ago. I was late at night and I fell asleep, but always wanted to know what happened. Something about the acting of Bruno S. haunted me - I had to know the full story.
I'm lucky enough to have just seen the whole thing for the first time, and for me this is a real classic. It's based on the true story of Kaspar Hauser, a real-life enigma of the 19th century. He was apparently brought up locked in the room for his childhood and teenage years, with little human contact or indeed contact with the outside world. He was then dumped and left to fend for himself in an alien society.
Inevitably the story draws comparisons with the likes of THE ELEPHANT MAN and it's clearly a labour of love for Herzog himself, who had tackled similar themes of isolation in his documentary LAND OF SILENCE AND DARKNESS. It's a stunning movie - heartfelt, full of emotion and sadness. The wonderful cinematography is a real asset, but it's Bruno S. who makes the film for me - he's completely sympathetic in the leading role. THE ENIGMA OF KASPAR HAUSER is one of those quiet, unassuming movies that grows on you all the time, and far more memorable than many a noisy, brash Hollywood outing. In fact, I'd go so far as to call it unforgettable.
I'm lucky enough to have just seen the whole thing for the first time, and for me this is a real classic. It's based on the true story of Kaspar Hauser, a real-life enigma of the 19th century. He was apparently brought up locked in the room for his childhood and teenage years, with little human contact or indeed contact with the outside world. He was then dumped and left to fend for himself in an alien society.
Inevitably the story draws comparisons with the likes of THE ELEPHANT MAN and it's clearly a labour of love for Herzog himself, who had tackled similar themes of isolation in his documentary LAND OF SILENCE AND DARKNESS. It's a stunning movie - heartfelt, full of emotion and sadness. The wonderful cinematography is a real asset, but it's Bruno S. who makes the film for me - he's completely sympathetic in the leading role. THE ENIGMA OF KASPAR HAUSER is one of those quiet, unassuming movies that grows on you all the time, and far more memorable than many a noisy, brash Hollywood outing. In fact, I'd go so far as to call it unforgettable.