Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr.
rated PG-13 91 minutes a documentary featuring Fred A. Leuchter Jr., Caroline Leuchter, and Ernst Zundel directed by Errol Morris
A Video Review by Frankie Paiva
Fred A. Leuchter Jr., a man who improved the electric chair, gallows, and the lethal injection machine in the 1980s, should not expect his research to concern a large audience. After all, only those receiving capital punishment would ever get to experience his work. So maybe Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr. is supposed to educate its audience about his progress in the field. We certainly learn more about the before and after of the electrocution process than most will ever need to know. Leuchter is so straightforward when he explains why two shocks of electricity must be used, or lists everything that could go wrong with a hanging that his graphic statements are never short of sickening. He is dismayed there is no interest in making executions more humane. Looking for any way possible to increase awareness of his research, Leuchter agreed to travel to Poland to investigate sites thought to have been gas chambers during the Holocaust for Ernst Zundel. Zundel published a pamphlet claiming the Holocaust was a hoax, and was brought to court in Canada for printing something he knew was false. After some rather amateurish investigation, Fred believes there was no way any type of gas chamber could have existed. One gets an even better sense of this disturbing man as the film goes on from interviews with his wife and others.
This is probably one of the closest attempts to making a documentary horror film ever. Fred A. Leuchter Jr. is one of the most interesting subjects to come along in a while. When he drones on (sounding amazingly like Woody Allen) about why a lethal injection machine is totally different from an electric chair he sent chills down my spine. Even scarier is the thought that this man is an actual person. His odd appearance, Austin Powers yellow teeth, and bizarre coffee addiction makes him even creepier. Errol Morris has an exciting visual style that is defined, but never glossy. The movie is always attention grabbing for its entire ninety-one minute running time.
Mr. Death certainly raises questions of free speech. Regardless how many Jews disappeared from the planet, Zundel’s trial does raise questions that could perhaps be relevant to other cases or situations. Queries also arise about the accuracy of Fred’s research. Not only is seeing him illegally rummaging through piles of rubble surrounding Holocaust ruins disrespectful, it is downright frightening. In one interview the scientist who tested Leuchter’s samples of walls and soil from Poland for traces of cyanide reveals he probably did the tests wrong. Since cyanide only leaves traces about the size of a tenth of a human hair, it is uncertain whether or not the negative results are accurate. Looking into his eyes as he admits to probably performing the wrong procedures is daunting. These scientific errors could happen to you.
This is not an entirely great film, but certainly a unique one that looks at death and persons who do not believe in the Holocaust with care and a sense of fairness. This is a rare documentary because it examines both sides of the issue. Take a journey with Fred A. Leuchter Jr. and you will be disturbed and entertained in a way different to anything you’ve experienced before.
B+
Frankie Paiva SwpStke@aol.com http://www.homestead.com/cinemaparadise/mainpage.html
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