The Wild Child is a 1970 French film directed by François Truffaut. It is based on a true story of a feral child found wandering in the woods outside Aveyron, France. The film follows the efforts of Dr. Itard, played by Truffaut himself, to bring the boy, who he names Victor, into human society.
When Victor is first brought to the asylum, he is unable to communicate, walk upright, or control his bodily functions. He is kept in a cage and treated like an animal. The film portrays the harsh and sometimes cruel treatment of mentally disabled people at the time.
Dr. Itard believes that Victor has the potential to learn, but he needs to be taught everything from scratch, starting with basic human concepts like language and social interaction. He begins by teaching Victor to identify objects and eventually, to speak. He also teaches him how to dress, groom, and eat like a human being.
Dr. Itard's approach to teaching Victor is unconventional and at times controversial. He tries to balance teaching with nurturing and making sure Victor does not feel like a lab subject. However, he also relies on disciplinary methods and rewards to reinforce learning.
The film is a touching portrayal of the relationship between Dr. Itard and Victor as they struggle to bridge the gap between animal and human. The cinematography is beautiful, and Truffaut's performance as the compassionate but determined doctor is captivating. The Wild Child is a powerful film that raises important questions about education, language, and what it means to be human.
