The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser

1974 Director Werner Herzog

Herzog's film is based upon the true and mysterious story of Kaspar Hauser, a young man who suddenly appeared in Nuremberg in 1828. This was Herzog's "breakthrough" film. Kaspar Hauser is played by Bruno Schleinstein an equally enigmatic figure of Herzog's finding.

Hauser shows up unannounced in the middle of a village square, intriguing the people with his bizarre behavior. He cannot talk, nor is there any indication of his parentage, thus Kaspar is immediately the object of close scrutiny by the authorities. When he finally does develop the power of speech, he reveals a highly advanced state of intelligence. His child like innocence and questioning mind cause consternation to the more conservative members of the community.

This is a charming film full of irony and subtle comic wit in a tragic setting.  Bruno plays the part with insightful sympathy that marks him as an outstanding actor. Unfortunately this genius came with a tragic amount of mental illness and this was only one of two films he took part in, the other being another Herzog production, Stroszek in 1977. Kaspar Hauser was the winner of the 1975 Grand Jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival.