"Der Totmacher" or "Deathmaker" is a German 110-minute movie from 1995, so it had its 20th anniversary last year. The writer and director is Romuald Karmakar and it is easily the most known work by him. A lot of that also has to do with the film's success in terms of awards recognition. It won the grand prize at the German Film Awards (Outstanding Feature Film), brought Karmakar, who was only 30 back then, the directors' trophy and lead actor Götz George also won, while his co-lead Jürgen Hentsch was "only" nominated. This film is about Fritz Haarmann, one of Germany's most notorious serial killers and he was also the main inspiration for Fritz Lang's "M". over half a century before this film already. But back to this one here. It is really all about George's performance and he can let it all out without ever seeming desperate, cringeworthy or hammy in my opinion. Hentsch was good too and he was in basically every scene of this film as he was the guy interrogating Haarmann from start to finish. But he was really just a trigger that got the best out of George on many occasions.Do not be fooled here: This is a very dark film that takes us into the abyss of a deranged human soul, namely Haarmann's. Theer is lots of profanity in here, but the talk about how people were graphically murdered and also the talk about many sexual references (very explicit!) is nothing for the easily offended. But it is essential as it helps a lot in finding out who Haarmann really was. George died earlier this year and this work from over 2 decades ago is without a doubt one of the finest things he left us. I am not surprised the film was submitted by Germany to the Oscars, but I am not really surprised it did not get nominated as I can see some people not finding access to the material in terms of the dramatic impact it makes. But those who (like myself) will be really rewarded with a quality piece. Maybe the premise also was too simple for the Academy voters. It is basically from start to finish 2 people (sometimes more) in an interrogation chamber and a film cannot really be more dialogue-driven than this one here. What Haarmann says and how he says it are easily the heart and soul of the movie. I also believe, due to the setting, that this is a perfect film to turn into a play on the theater stage, but I have not really come across many approaches from that direction sadly. Maybe they were just scared because they probably never would be as good as the original. But it's fine, they don't have to be in my opinion. They can still be good and another approach on the subject would be interesting to see. Anyway, about this film here, I highly recommend the watch to everybody who likes psychological thrillers, crime movies or just lead actor Götz George. They will be really well-entertained by this bold and relentless (positively meant of course) achievement. You really do not want to miss out.

Most of my fellow reviewers around here dedicate their entire user- comment, or at least the largest part of it, to praising the formidable acting performance of Götz George. And don't get me wrong, I definitely concur. Götz George's depiction of the notorious and legendary despicable German serial killer Fritz Haarmann is absolutely stunning and mind-blowing! Jürgen Hentsch' performance as the shrink is terrific as well. Heck, even Pierre Franckh's performance as the silent stenographer is excellent! But a great film exists of more than just terrific acting performances from the lead characters, if you ask me. Thrillers, particularly when dealing with sensitive and socially relevant topics like real-life murderers, ought to have suspenseful scripts, moody atmospheres, authentic decors and filming locations and gripping action sequences. "Der Totmacher" isn't that type of film, clearly. The screenplay is based on Haarmann's profound and extended psychiatric evaluation, conducted by professor-doctor Ernst Schültze in between the serial killer's arrest and his inevitable execution. Fascinating material, for sure, but not suitable for a film. The long conversations between doctor and monster would make a compelling documentary and perhaps even mandatory viewing material for psychiatrist students, but it doesn't make a very interesting long-feature film. Despite the horrific content, "Der Totmacher" is tedious and monotonous. Fritz "The Vampire of Hanover" Haarmann previously formed the inspiration for another German thriller, the brilliant but sadly obscure "The Tenderness of Wolves" in 1973. That film features magnificent contemporary set pieces, numerous ultimately disturbing sequences and also fantastic lead performance (from Kurt Raab).

Basically that film is just about one long dialogue between the killer and his psychiatrist in a german prison (or psychiatric clinic?) in the 1920s or 1930s that spans over some days before the killer's death penalty. The other actors barely speak a word in this movie. That sounds rather dull but the compelling performance of the two main actors made me sit through the whole film. On the other hand, if you don't like dialogue movies the avoid. There's no action at all, only language and expressions... I'd give it a 7 out of 10..

this film can be enjoyed, but it's nothing too special. much-praised acting is no better nor worse than one would expect from professional performers. as for direction, maybe i missed it... there didn't seem to be any at all. this is by no means a film to be watched in the cinema. on tv, on a snowy winter evening, okay. better still, watch it performed onstage in a small, intimate theatre, where it belongs... the dearth of good german movies is highlighted by the fact that this very unexceptional effort garnered so much attention and praise in that country, which produces so much, but so little of note. keen to see "manila," though what i've heard thus far is anything but encouraging...