The Enigma of Kasper Hauser

Many consider this to be Werner Herzog’s best work. I’m not sure I agree. Whilst the wild young man played by Bruno S. is without a doubt an enigma, deeply strange and not a little bit disturbing, I’m just not sure that there is enough here to fill out the 109 minutes. Herzog’s films are notoriously slow and normally this is a good feature as one needs time to contemplate the striking images he presents and the complex underlying themes. With Kasper Hauser there just seems to be a little too much time. I loved the scenes of the waving fields of corn and the site of Hauser standing in the town square with his letter and prayer book is not one easily forgotten. The music is beautiful. Arguably no one other than Bruno S. could have played this role – it’s hard to imagine him playing any other as role as well. His performance is not so much acting as embodiment. This is not an easy movie to get through, but for those that persevere there are gems of insight to be had. The original German title translates as "Every Man for Himself and God Against All" and gives away a bit more of what the movie is about.