The Enigma of Kasper Hauser is a 1974 movie directed by Werner Herzog.
WHAT HAPPENS?
A man suddenly appears in a small town unable to walk or express himself. He eventually is taken in by a benefactor and educated, which yields interesting results.
ONE LINE REVIEW
The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser chronicles a mysterious man learning to think.
THE ACTORS
It wouldn’t be a Werner Herzog movie if a mercurial lead actor wasn’t featured. While his interactions with the director aren’t as legendary as those of Klaus Kinski, Bruno S. was known as an unorthodox method actor with his own mysterious past.
His performance here is brilliant. He inhabits a character who is essentially a wild-eyed barn animal. His Kaspar has to learn to walk, talk, write and ultimately think. Bruno S. expertly conveys the character’s struggles, as he can’t control his legs – he wobbles and can’t bear weight. His gravity lunges him forward at the dinner table – he spits out his food.
Kaspar is inspected by the locals before eventually becoming part of a freak show. He later escapes and is taken in by a cultured family. Kaspar progresses to learning music, philosophy, religion and logic. His transformation is impressive, as he learns to question his world. His thoughts are both simple and profound – he asks: “Why can’t I play piano like I breathe?”
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