Watch Bearskin or The Man Who Didn't Wash for Seven Years

The movie Bearskin or The Man Who Didn't Wash for Seven Years is a captivating and unique drama released in 1984 that centers around the life of a man named Bearskin, who is played by Glenn Taylor. Bearskin is an eccentric hermit who has made the decision not to wash for seven long years, leading him to be ridiculed and isolated from society. The film explores his unconventional lifestyle and the effects it has on his relationships and sense of self.

At the beginning of the movie, we see Bearskin as a relatively normal person, but he gradually becomes more and more disheveled, embodying his moniker. His decision not to wash is a result of a traumatic event that occurred in his past, but the audience is left to speculate on the true nature of this event until further into the film. Bearskin is a unique character, a rebel in society, who lives by his own code and refuses to be defined by the expectations of others.

The movie follows Bearskin through a series of events that lead him to meet a young woman named Helen, played by Helen Stoltzfus. Their interactions are initially fraught with tension due to Bearskin's unconventional appearance and behavior, but they gradually form a friendship. Despite his social isolation, Bearskin is a thoughtful and intelligent man with a dry wit that endears him to the audience and Helen alike.

As the film progresses, we see Bearskin's situation become increasingly dire, which only serves to further engender sympathy for the eccentric hermit. Despite his emotional and social isolation, Bearskin is not without his quirks – he enjoys playing the harmonica and interacting with the various animals that surround his hermitage. His quirks give us a glimpse into a man who seems to understand the world around him in a way that is different from others.

Kate Weber's portrayal of a social worker tasked with helping Bearskin is commendable, as we see hints of compassion and empathy towards our protagonist. Bearskin's interactions with Weber's character serve to highlight the inherent isolation that comes with mental health struggles and how those struggles have repercussions on the people around them.

Bearskin's story is tragic but hopeful, and the overall message of the movie is one of the importance of choosing to live life on your own terms, rejecting societal norms in favor of a more authentic existence. While the movie does not answer all of the questions it raises, it is a poignant reminder that every individual has a story and an experience that is more complex than meets the eye.

The cinematography is beautiful, with stunning shots of the rural landscape and intimate moments between Bearskin and the other characters that highlight the tension and emotion present in the relationships. The film's score is breathtaking as well, with haunting melodies that serve to underscore the bittersweet nature of the story.

Bearskin or The Man Who Didn't Wash for Seven Years is a movie that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled, thanks to its unique storytelling and sympathetic portrayal of a person living with mental health struggles. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the human experience and the complex relationships that exist between individuals, society and the world around us.