Kaspar (film)

Kaspar is a 1995 German-language film directed by Peter Sellars. It is an adaptation of Peter Handke's play Kaspar, which itself is inspired by the historical figure of Kaspar Hauser.

The film explores themes of language, identity, and societal conditioning. It follows the character of Kaspar, a young man who appears seemingly out of nowhere, possessing only a single sentence. Through a process of often brutal instruction, he is taught language and social norms, effectively losing his original, uncorrupted state.

The film is characterized by its experimental style, often using minimalist sets and unconventional camera techniques. Sellars' direction emphasizes the abstract and philosophical aspects of Handke's play, rather than a straightforward narrative. The film is not widely known, but it is considered a significant work within Sellars' filmography and an important adaptation of Handke's influential play.