The Wild Child

Composite Score: 85.17

Starring: François Truffaut, Jean-Pierre Cargol, Françoise Seigner, Paul Villé, Pierre Fabre, and Jean Dasté

Director: François Truffaut

Writers: François Truffaut and Jean Gruault

Genres: Biography, Drama, History

MPAA Rating: G

Box Office: $65,560 worldwide

Why should you Watch This Film?

                The Wild Child is François Truffaut’s adaptation of Dr. Jean Marc Gaspard Itard’s report on his studies and training of the “feral” child Victor of Aveyron. The film follows the discovery of Victor and his early days learning at Itard’s estate, exploring the concept of humans as originally savages and the ways that society and civilization can change us. It stars Truffaut in the role of Dr. Itard, Jean-Pierre Cargol as Victor, and Françoise Seigner as Itard’s housekeeper and fellow caretaker of Victor, Madame Guérin. Its exploration of childhood and the “taming” of children into something more socially acceptable has made it one of Truffaut’s most celebrated films.

Why shouldn’t you Watch This Film?

                Truffaut’s work on The Wild Child constitutes a decent rumination on the nature of education and childhood while also erring, almost defeatedly, on the side of society in “bettering” children. The writer/director/actor seems enamored with the idea of this child in a veritable “state of nature”, but, like the character he plays, he can’t help but insert the child into society and celebrate when his rebellions are broken off bit by bit. This is not to say that everyone needs to abandon society and its structures, but the implications of this particular Truffaut film lead to a conclusion that feels very conformist. He seems to resign himself (and Victor) to a state of being less than true to himself in order to keep those around him happy and comfortable, and while this may ring true to an extent (basic hygiene and manners and the like), the natural conclusion is that any rebellion against societal structures will only bring you pain and lessen your overall experience, so you may as well just assimilate and stop asking questions. I do think the film provides a cool look at the basics of education, but any implications beyond its specific scenario become too troubling for me to fully recommend it.

So wait, why should you Watch This Film?

                Despite the questionable nature of the ultimate conclusion that The Wild Child reaches, the film manages to maintain a level of greatness thanks to the performances from its three leads. Seigner delivers a complex performance as Madame Guérin, playing both housekeeper and mother figure to Victor, offering the nurturing perspective to balance Dr. Itard’s more analytical approach. Her care for the boy and for the doctor comes through in every frame that she spends on screen as she works with both to create a livable environment for Victor. Cargol delivers a surprisingly impactful performance as the titular wild child, portraying the boy in a similar manner to someone diagnosed with autism or perhaps even as a deaf-mute, like Patty Duke in The Miracle Worker. It’s a performance that’s somewhat surprising to see this early in the understanding of child psychology, but one that should be witnessed because of its skill and emotionality. Truffaut even delivers a more nuanced performance as Dr. Itard than just playing an analytical observer/scientific type. He plays the doctor as a caring educator and even at times a troubled father, giving more depth to the character through voiceovers and his own facial expressions. While his methods might not always be the best ever executed, his performance certainly impresses.

                The three leads of The Wild Child bring a deep level of emotion and humanity to the pages of research and history that bring the story to life in a way that will resonate with audiences as Truffaut so often accomplishes. The more conformist tones of this particular film might trouble some audiences, but the humanity that sits at the heart of the film belies a less malign intent and keeps the film commendable. It can currently be streamed with ads on Tubi for anyone seeking it out in the near future.