L'Enfant Sauvage (aka The Wild Child) (1970)

In 1798, a naked boy (Jean Pierre Cargol) about 11 or 12 years old is discovered in the forests of Southern France. The boy, who seemingly can't hear or talk, has apparently grown up in solitude in the forest since an early age. A doctor (Francois Truffaut) at the institution where the boy is placed takes the child under his wing and along with his housekeeper (Francoise Seigner) attempt to educate the boy. Based on a true story and directed by Francois Truffaut (JULES AND JIM). This is a wonderful movie. Truffaut has always shown an interest in children in his movies like THE 400 BLOWS and SMALL CHANGE and this fact based movie adds a layer of fascination as he examines the question of the noble savage versus the civilized human. It's clear which side he weighs in on. Refreshingly concise and compact (it runs under 90 minutes) in this era of three hour movies, Truffaut gives us a near poetic portrait of innocence. The superb B&W images courtesy of the great Nestor Almendros are museum worthy. With Jean Daste and Claude Miller.