IMDb RATING
6.4/10
3.7K
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A small-time pimp is torn between his lover and Bruno the gangster.A small-time pimp is torn between his lover and Bruno the gangster.A small-time pimp is torn between his lover and Bruno the gangster.
- Director
- Writer
- Stars
- Awards
- 2 wins & 1 nomination total
Monika Nüchtern
- Kellnerin Erica Rohmer
- (as Monika Stadler)
Peer Raben
- Jürgen (also Waffenhändler (voice))
- (as Wil Rabenbauer)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
If Rainer Werner Fassbinder catches your attention, this first feature just might well be worth a mention, as it makes an introduction, to some actors and production, the director went to use with great effect. While the themes are quite generic and seen before, the reflection is distinct, some will adore, the inventive presentation, the budget scenes shot with invention, all in all, boundaries pushed out, to clear the floor.
From a director that went on to create some of the finest films of the last century, a take on the often spun theme of the seedier side of society, as a couple of low grade villains get into some capers, ably supported by their a lady of the night, the perpetually wonderful Hanna Schygulla.
From a director that went on to create some of the finest films of the last century, a take on the often spun theme of the seedier side of society, as a couple of low grade villains get into some capers, ably supported by their a lady of the night, the perpetually wonderful Hanna Schygulla.
Robotic, detached, static...this exercise in style holds fascination for the patient cinema goer. The influence of early Godard is evident, along with a Warholian aesthetic of minimalism in both plot and action.
The black and white cinematography is beautiful to look at, while the blank stares of the cast exude a frigid, mannequin-like quality. The atmosphere is Teutonic and bleak, while the glacial pace and extended pauses in both action and dialogue bring to mind the Iranian school of slow cinema. Film noir elements add a flavour of low-rent glamour.
For serious cinema buffs and Fassbinder enthusiasts only.
The black and white cinematography is beautiful to look at, while the blank stares of the cast exude a frigid, mannequin-like quality. The atmosphere is Teutonic and bleak, while the glacial pace and extended pauses in both action and dialogue bring to mind the Iranian school of slow cinema. Film noir elements add a flavour of low-rent glamour.
For serious cinema buffs and Fassbinder enthusiasts only.
Aesthetically a beautiful film. That being said acting is awful and direction leaves a lot to desire for. Archetypal gangster characters taken to a ridiculous caricaturesque level through uber german coldness. With an erratic rythm I made it to the end thanks it's only 1:25. I guess this is for fans only and film snobs.
10oslane
Fassbinder's debut feature seems to be strongly influenced by early Godard films like Breathles or Band of Outsiders in both its gritty black and white style and references to the gangster/noir genres. But where Godard's characters have a playful sense of humor, trying to act their gangster fantasies wearing fedoras and poorly executing non-thought out crimes to the tune of a swinging soundtrack and beautiful woman, Love Is Colder than Death does all with a fridgid, robotic sense of cool. Every shot is like a black and white photo where the acting is like posing in front of mirror before the action (or one of the characters)gets executed. The film is pretty avante-garde in using mostly completely static shots and the characters pretty much act "too cool". They just stare at you as you're supposed to react, then when there's an action, you get surprised and realise it's still in the movie. Forget that the plot is simple, threadbare even, this is an atmosphere piece.
This film is not for every one. If you are mostly familiar with American Fim Noir or Gangster movies... Don't Go Here! This is one dark, moody, cynical and depressing film. Yet, that being said, every lingering shot and silent moment has more layers in it then most entire movies do today.
The story here is very simple; two criminals meet when they are recruited by a crime syndicate. They become friends, we find out one is a pimp and the other is a killer for hire. Later, needing a place to stay, the killer falls in love with the pimp's girlfriend (also a prostitute). The three begin to work as a crime trio with the killer doing most of the dirty work.
But the focus here is not the story. Fassbinder subtly allows the three character's relations towards each other become the real story. The people in this film have sold their souls to criminal life a long time ago. Yet, like everyone else in the world, they still struggle for there inner desires, and the need to feel something real.
This movie quite obviously had a very low budget. As a person is shot we, rarely see an exploding squib or even a blank cartridge being fired. The prime focus is the actor facial expressions and reactions. (Equally as powerful, yet more creative then seeing blood) The camera work is extremely minimal, yet far more revealing of the characters subconscious as they walk down a park or into a supermarket.
This is not your modern day first time film maker or film school graduate. Don't expect a Chris Nolan or a Quinten Tarentino. LOVE IS COLDER THAN DEATH, does borrow from certain film genres but it is so uniquely its own film, and creates such a beautiful sense of detachment that has rarely been attempted in film.
The story here is very simple; two criminals meet when they are recruited by a crime syndicate. They become friends, we find out one is a pimp and the other is a killer for hire. Later, needing a place to stay, the killer falls in love with the pimp's girlfriend (also a prostitute). The three begin to work as a crime trio with the killer doing most of the dirty work.
But the focus here is not the story. Fassbinder subtly allows the three character's relations towards each other become the real story. The people in this film have sold their souls to criminal life a long time ago. Yet, like everyone else in the world, they still struggle for there inner desires, and the need to feel something real.
This movie quite obviously had a very low budget. As a person is shot we, rarely see an exploding squib or even a blank cartridge being fired. The prime focus is the actor facial expressions and reactions. (Equally as powerful, yet more creative then seeing blood) The camera work is extremely minimal, yet far more revealing of the characters subconscious as they walk down a park or into a supermarket.
This is not your modern day first time film maker or film school graduate. Don't expect a Chris Nolan or a Quinten Tarentino. LOVE IS COLDER THAN DEATH, does borrow from certain film genres but it is so uniquely its own film, and creates such a beautiful sense of detachment that has rarely been attempted in film.
Did you know
- TriviaFirst feature film of German director Rainer Werner Fassbinder.
- Goofs01:12. Bruno loads Johanna's unconscious client into the back seat of a car, and just as he is about to close the door, there is a glimpse of the man's hand moving quickly as if to prevent it from getting hurt.
- Quotes
Franz Walsch: Some Turkish guy was shot. He had a few girls working the streets for him here. So his brother comes looking for revenge and some rat tells the guy I killed his brother.
Bruno: And?
Franz Walsch: As if I'd killed a Turk.
- ConnectionsEdited from Le fiancé, la comédienne et le maquereau (1968)
- SoundtracksDer Rosenkavalier
By Richard Strauss
- How long is Love Is Colder Than Death?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Love Is Colder Than Death
- Filming locations
- Ostbahnhof, Orleansplatz, Munich, Bavaria, Germany(Bruno arriving and stopping a taxi)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- DEM 95,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $8,144
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $11,623
- Feb 16, 2003
- Gross worldwide
- $8,158
- Runtime1 hour 28 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.66 : 1
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By what name was L'amour est plus froid que la mort (1969) officially released in India in English?
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