Film Forum

France, 1970
Directed by François Truffaut
Screenplay by François Truffaut, Jean Gruault
Starring Jean-Pierre Cargol, François Truffaut, Françoise Seigner, Jean Dasté
In French with English subtitles.
Approx. 84 min. 35mm.

1797, and as a child is found in the wilds, having grown up without any human contact, Dr. Itard (played by Truffaut himself) is delegated to educate the boy into civilization. Based on the real Itard’s reports, this is simultaneously one of the director’s most austere and moving works, with Nestor Almendros’ B&W photography and Truffaut’s deadpan doctor directing gypsy boy Jean-Pierre Cargol within the film.

Presented with support from The George Fasel Memorial Fund for Classic French Cinema

A FILM DESK RELEASE

Reviews

“Truffaut places his personal touch on every frame of the film.. And delivers an understated, compassionate performance, a perfect counterpoint to Jean-Pierre Cargol’s ferocity and fear… it is an intellectually cleansing experience to watch this intelligent and hopeful film.”
– Roger Ebert

“Unlike any other film Truffaut has ever made, yet only Truffaut could have made it. It is a lovely, pure film. A CLASSIC!”
– Vincent Canby, The New York Times