Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr.
Seen it?1999 | 91 min | Documentary
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for the curious. If you loved 13th, start here.
- The mood
- Harrowing, eye-opening.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 31 min.
- What might put you off
- Nothing much for most grown-ups.
Documentary filmmaker Errol Morris investigates the case of a man who became an authority on capital punishment, but was discredited when he got involved on the wrong side of a court case. Leuchter, a meek man whose appearance belies his grim expertise, develops what he says is a more effective electric chair. Before long, he's in demand from officials who want his opinions on other execution methods. But when called to aid the case of an accused Holocaust denier, Leuchter's problems begin.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$508K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 16K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Errol Morris
- Fred A. Leuchter Jr.Self
- Robert Jan van PeltSelf
- David IrvingSelf
- Caroline LeuchterSelf (voice)
- James RothSelf
- Shelly ShapiroSelf
- Suzanne TabaskySelf
- Ernst ZündelSelf
- David CollinsRe-enactment cast
- Daniel PolsbyRe-enactment cast