THE ENIGMA OF KASPAR HAUSER
“The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser” is a movie about seemingly feral person who had just been released from dungeon captivity. He wanders through the streets of Nuremberg with a note clutched his hand to inform people about who he is. Herzog blended many film sources together to produce the movie’s stellar look. However, watching Kaspar Hauer get toyed with by German society is the real eye catcher. Whether it’s working in a Freak Show or becoming the pet project of an intellectual, Kaspar never gets to know peace.
The film comes with a commentary track featuring Werner Herzog as the only special feature. I’ve heard the commentary before on the Anchor Bay DVD and I adored it. When I was in college, it was enough to get me to hunt down any original books or academic texts on Kaspar Hauer. Herzog is pretty nihilistic and comes through every frame of the film. But, Kaspar remains hopeful that something will improve his life. All the way until his untimely end.