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Crime Cult Classic

A master goldsmith’s obsession turns deadly in Edgar Reitz’s chilling adaptation.

CARDILLAC

1970 · 1h 37m · NR · Crime / Drama / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

The story of a gold smith who is so obsessed with his own craft that he murders his customers.

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Quick Answer

What is Cardillac about?

Cardillac is a 1970 German crime drama thriller directed by Edgar Reitz about a goldsmith so consumed by his craft that he murders his customers.

Programmer's Pick

Edgar Reitz goes for the jugular—literally and artistically—in this bold riff on creative obsession. Cardillac’s murderous compulsion is matched only by the film’s daring use of experimental flourishes and psychological intensity. If you think your local jeweler’s prices are killer, wait till you meet this goldsmith.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Cardillac, directed by Edgar Reitz, is a modern adaptation of E. T. A. Hoffmann’s novella Mademoiselle de Scuderi, set in West Germany. The film follows a gifted goldsmith whose passion for his art crosses the line into deadly obsession—he murders those who purchase his creations. With Hans Christian Blech as the disturbed artisan and Catana Cayetano among the cast, Cardillac explores the dark side of artistic genius and possession. The film weaves elements of crime, drama, and thriller into a story that examines the lengths to which someone might go to protect and reclaim their life's work, all within the framework of New German Cinema’s experimental style.

Details & Specs

Director
Edgar Reitz
Writers
E. T. A. Hoffmann, Edgar Reitz
Release
1970
Runtime
1h 37m
Country
Germany
Language
German
Genres
Crime, Drama, Thriller

Why This Matters

This film is a modern adaptation of E. T. A. Hoffmann's novella 'Mademoiselle de Scuderi,' a story that also inspired Paul Hindemith's 1926 opera, reflecting its enduring appeal across different artistic forms.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Edgar Reitz Writers: E. T. A. Hoffmann +1 more
Hans Christian Blech Hans Christian Blech Cardillac CC Catana Cayetano Madelon Rolf Becker Rolf Becker Olivier Liane Hielscher Liane Hielscher Liane S. WL Werner Leschhorn Albert von Boysen Gunter Sachs Gunter Sachs Heidi Stroh Heidi Stroh Rainer Penkert Rainer Penkert

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Why Cult

Murderous Artisan

Witness a goldsmith whose devotion to his craft leads him to murder his own clients—a chilling twist on artistic obsession.

New German Cinema Style

Experience the film’s experimental approach and visual inventiveness, emblematic of the New German Cinema movement.

Hoffmann Adaptation

A modern take on E. T. A. Hoffmann’s classic novella, blending literary roots with cinematic flair.

Bold Use of Nudity

The film doesn’t shy away from provocative content, featuring scenes of female frontal nudity and boundary-pushing imagery.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Goldsmith's obsession with his craft

Threat

Cardillac murdering his customers

Effect

Victims killed after purchasing jewelry

Setting

West Germany

Questions from the Vault

When was Cardillac released? +

Cardillac was released in 1970.

Who directed Cardillac? +

Cardillac was directed by Edgar Reitz.

How long is Cardillac? +

Cardillac has a runtime of 97 minutes.

What genre is Cardillac? +

Cardillac is classified as a crime, drama, and thriller film.

Where can I watch Cardillac? +

You can watch Cardillac on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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