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IMDb 7.5

The Deathmaker

1995 1 h 50 min Drama · Crime Der Totmacher

A stark chamber drama reconstructs the psychiatric examination of a confessed child-killer, as a professor probes whether he can be held responsible.

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Where to watch online

Official services. The link goes straight to this film.

No official service carries it yet — the film has not been released online.

About the film

What it’s about

In 1924, Fritz Haarmann has confessed to killing and dismembering at least 24 young men. A psychology professor questions him to determine whether he is sane and can be held responsible. Their conversations form the entire film.

What hooks you

Götz George won the Volpi Cup at the Venice Film Festival for his portrayal of Haarmann. Jürgen Hentsch plays Prof. Dr. Ernst Schultze. The film was nominated for the Golden Lion and for the European Film Academy's award for best young director.

Who it’s for

It is worth a look for anyone who is drawn to intense psychological confrontations and courtroom-style drama that unfolds in a single setting, and for those interested in the darker chapters of criminal history.

Technical details
Country
Germany
Year
1995
Genres
Drama, Crime
Running time
1h 50min
World premiere
Nov 23, 1995

Ratings

MOVIE․ONE · 864 votes
7.5 /10
IMDb
7.52,500
Kinopoisk
7.2315
Your rating —
— /10
1 · Didn't land 10 · Masterpiece

Creative team

All 9
Screenplay Romuald Karmakar
Starring
  1. 01 Götz George Fritz Haarmann
  2. 02 Jürgen Hentsch Prof. Dr. Ernst Schultze
  3. 03 Pierre Franckh Stenographer
  4. 04 Hans-Michael Rehberg Commissioner Raetz · Inspector Rätz
  5. 05 Matthias Fuchs Dr. Machnik
  6. 06 Marek Harloff Ward of the state Kress · Kress
  7. 07 Christian Honhold Guard Schweimler
  8. 08 Rainer Feisthorn Doctor

Awards and nominations

1 win 2 nominations

All
  1. 1 win Venice Film Festival 1995 · 1 nomination
Top wins
  1. Volpi Cup for Best Actor Götz George Venice Film Festival · 1995

Also nominated European Film Awards1

Reviews

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