In an interview with director Errol Morris, he explained that he was attracted to quirky and odd subjects, because he felt that way about himself, and he enjoyed documenting the oddballs. As a result, it's no surprise that Morris was intrigued by Fred Leuchter, execution machine expert, and Holocaust denier. Although it would extremely easy, and definitely justified, to make a documentary attacking Leuchter as a maniac or evil anti-Semite, Morris allows for Leuchter to fully explain his story and his opinions, no matter how wrong and terrible they may be.
Morris' portrayal of Leuchter at the start of the film is an extremely interesting choice. Unless you haven't read anything about the film, you will have known that Leuchter…

In an interview with director Errol Morris, he explained that he was attracted to quirky and odd subjects, because he felt that way about himself, and he enjoyed documenting the oddballs. As a result, it's no surprise that Morris was intrigued by Fred Leuchter, execution machine expert, and Holocaust denier. Although it would extremely easy, and definitely justified, to make a documentary attacking Leuchter as a maniac or evil anti-Semite, Morris allows for Leuchter to fully explain his story and his opinions, no matter how wrong and terrible they may be.
Morris' portrayal of Leuchter at the start of the film is an extremely interesting choice. Unless you haven't read anything about the film, you will have known that Leuchter…

Ninety percent of the screen time of 'Mr Death' is devoted to the man himself, Fred A. Leuchter. The son of a prison corrections officer, Leuchter is essentially raised on the inside. As he grows up he blags his way into a job repairing and modifying execution equipment, becoming a renowned expert despite having no formal training.

This guy is from another planet!

Leuchter is strangely endearing, in a macabre, morbid way. The longer he talks the more amoral he seems. You slowly get the feeling that the his reputation and expertise builds through default, as he is picking up the jobs that everybody around him feel sit outside their ethical comfort zone.

The film takes a distinct turn when…

FILM:
Errol Morris consistently brings out the best and the worst of some of the most interesting and/or eccentric people living on this planet. Mr Death is among his best works, in that his subject is both interesting AND eccentric, and his story elicits such a wide range of emotional and intellectual responses. Morris allows us to see the many sides of Fred Leuchter... At times a genius, at times a dolt; At times a brilliant engineer, at times a mad scientist; At times sympathetic, at times revolting, and at times pitiful. Documentaries don't get much better than this.

The Good: Fascinating subject that inspires a wide range of emotional and intellectual responses; excellent score; Takes you on a strange…