Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

Jeder für sich und Gott gegen alle (The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser)
1974
***
Director: Werner Herzog
Cast: Bruno S., Walter Ladengast, Brigitte Mira, Willy Semmelrogge, Michael Kroecher, Hans Musäus

A drama based on the legend of Kaspar Hauser who claimed to have grown up locked in a basement without human contact. In 1828 this simpleton arrives in Nuremberg where some want to protect and educate him, while others would like to put him on display as a freak. He's played by Bruno S., a totally inexperienced actor with a history of mental problems, and he's well suited to the role. Werner Herzog is quite faithful to Hauser's life story, but he approaches this fascinating character with intellectual detachment, and the film doesn't leave a long lasting impression.