daltongray Review of The Wild Child

The Wild Child (1970)

Social Contract Theory and Truffaut's The Wild Child

[6/10 · 9 December 2012]

Francois Truffaut's 1970 The Wild Child follows the real-life discovery of a young, uncivilized boy discovered in 18th century France, and a doctor's attempt to civilize him. This film deals with concepts of one's "state of nature" and the entrance into a civilization as found in the works of social contract theorists Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. The child certainly falls under Locke's assertion that a person in the state of nature is in a state of freedom to act as they wish; however, the child is most reminiscent of Rousseau's understanding of the "natural man." The titular character shows no cultural trappings, such as language or clothes. Furthermore, in response to approaching hunters and their dogs, the boy remains solely concerned about his self- preservation. Similarly, the child is generally seen as peaceful, despite his instance of self-defense against the hunters, and is seemingly alone. Additionally, the wild child is seemingly only driven by basic animalistic instincts. Though a significant difference between the social contract theorists and the film is the boy does not willingly enter into to society (as the earliest members of civilization do in said theories), but, instead, he is coerced by others into it; regardless, the boy is trading his absolute freedom in the wilderness for obvious gains in security in the doctor's residence. These newfound limits affect the character throughout the film. He has to wear clothes, socialize with others, learn others' language, and, among other things, have manners.