Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr.

Critics Consensus

Mr. Death outlines its subject's controversial life's work with the deeply fascinating and thought-provoking élan film fans have come to expect from director Errol Morris.

100%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 42

87%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 4,027
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Movie Info

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. Leutcher, 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 kinds of execution. But when called to aid the case of an accused Holocaust denier, Leutcher's problems begin.
  • Rating:
    PG-13
  • Genre:
    documentary
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Errol Morris
  • Producer:
    Dorothy Aufiero, David Collins, Errol Morris, Kathy Trustman, Michael Williams
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $495.3K
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Fourth Floor Pictures, Independent Film Channel, Channel Four Films, Scout Productions
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround

Cast & Crew

Fred A. Leuchter Jr.
Himself (as Fred Leuchter)
Robert Jan Van Pelt
Himself
David Irving
Himself
Caroline Leuchter
Herself
James Roth
Himself (analytical chemist)
Shelly Shapiro
Herself
Suzanne Tabasky
Herself
Ernst Zündel
Himself
David Collins
Re-enactment cast
Daniel Polsby
Re-enactment cast
Errol Morris
Director
Dorothy Aufiero
Producer
David Collins
Producer
Errol Morris
Producer
David Schisgall
Associate Producer
Jonathan Sehring
Executive Producer
John Sloss
Executive Producer
Kathy Trustman
Producer
Michael Williams
Producer
John Kusiak
Original Music
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr.

All Critics (42) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (42)

View All Critic Reviews (42)

Audience Reviews for Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr.

  • Jan 27, 2012
    Wow! Great early effort by Errol Morris and we can see how his effective documentary tools were developed here. Leuchter probably gets more attention that he deserves as a result but it is a shocking look at the true nut jobs that exist in the broader world.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Jan 18, 2009
    Interesting study of Fred Leuchter's underwhelming career, poor judgement and antisemitic reasoning.
    Randy T Super Reviewer
  • Apr 22, 2008
    What a bizzare little man.
    The M Super Reviewer
  • Feb 08, 2008
    Amazing look at an outsider, and the choices he makes to be accepted, no matter by whom. Disturbing and sad, this is a truly great film about lonliness and what it drives people to do.
    Christopher B Super Reviewer
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