About

Wanting to make "an explicitly gay film," Kurt Raab wrote Tenderness of the Wolves, based on the true story of serial killer Fritz Haarmann. Known as the 'Vampire of Hanover', Haarmann preyed on young boys in early 20th Century Germany, mutilating and cannibalising a minimum of 24 before he was captured and executed. Raab stars as Haarmann, recalling F W Murnau's Nosferatu with his bald head and sallow skin. Using his status as a police informant to procure victims and deflect suspicion, Haarmann disposes of the bodies by serving the flesh to his friends or selling it to restaurants. No doubt coloured by Fritz Lang's M and the character of serial killer Peter Lorre, both the film and Raab position Haarmann as a sympathetic monster. Directed by Fassbinder friend and actor Ulli Lommel, Tenderness of the Wolves boasts a cast with Fassbinder regulars Margit Carstensen, Ingrid Caven, Brigitte Mira, El Hedi ben Salem and even an appearance from Fassbinder (who also produced the film).

Ages 18+

Ages 18+