Der Wolfsjunge (1970)
44KDer Wolfsjunge: Directed by François Truffaut. With Jean-Pierre Cargol, François Truffaut, Françoise Seigner, Jean Dasté. In a French forest in 1798, a child is found who cannot walk, speak, read or write. A doctor becomes interested in the child and patiently attempts to civilize him.
“Lu0026#39;Enfant sauvage, Dir François Truffaut 1969u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eReviewed by Ollie December 19th 2003u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThree hunters discover and a naked child, living in a forest. Capturing him, he is taken to an institute for deaf and mute children. From there he is used as little more than an exhibit.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eHaving read of his story, Jean Itard, a Parisian doctor, played by Truffaut himself, makes it his goal to integrate this `wild childu0026#39; into society. What follows is an astonishing tale of a boy, completely deprived of all human contact, as he adapt to life in an unfamiliar, structured society. Named simply `Victoru0026#39; by Dr Itard, we watch as kindly doctor attempts to educate and communicate with this unusual child. We see Victoru0026#39;s first smiles; we hear his first intelligible sounds, and witness, for the first time, his tears.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis is a deeply powerful film, directed brilliantly by Truffaut, and far surpassing his earlier, and much more critically acclaimed `400 Blowsu0026#39;. Jean-Pierre Cargol plays Victor with a remarkable passion, and is absolutely convincing as this child of the forest. His mannerisms, his posture, his very presence would have one believing he genuinely was a `wild childu0026#39;.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eTruffaut follows this story with startling accuracy based on the real life journals of Dr Itard, his adaptation is faithful to the last. His portrayal of the Doctor is filled with compassion, and a tenderness rarely seen in films.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis is genuine pleasure to watch, and is a testament to enduring spirit of mankind. The main criticism I have is the abrupt ending. We are left with so many unanswered questions. In truth, the real `Victoru0026#39; died approximately 28 years after his first encounter with Itard. I know little of what happened during the time span between the end of the film and his death, but I intend to find out. This film is only a glance at a boy being introduced to a strange, frightening and unfamiliar world.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIt is not without its moments of humour. The scene where Victor practically throws the doctor tending to Itard from the house is both funny and charming, while remaining delicately underplayed.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eEverything about this film works so well, from the minimalist photography to the classical score. The casting could not have been better. Truffaut presents himself as not only an accomplished director, but also as an inspired actor. Jean-Pierre Cargol is utterly believable, and thoroughly likeable as Victor, and mention must go to Françoise Seigner, as Madame Geurin, Itardu0026#39;s housekeeper, and the childu0026#39;s carer.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis is a very special film, which deserves a great deal of respect. The visual transfer to DVD is accurate and crisp, and the mono soundtrack subtle, clear and effective. This is one DVD which would have greatly benefited from some extras. Perhaps some insight into Victorsu0026#39; life from adolescence to his death, and some information on what became of Itard. Lack of extras notwithstanding, this should still be very high on anyoneu0026#39;s shopping list, and is highly recommended. I believe this was Truffautsu0026#39; crowning achievement, and is a truly beautiful and inspiring film.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eReviewed by Ollie”
