Love Is Colder Than Death (film)

Love Is Colder Than Death (German: Liebe ist kälter als der Tod) is a 1969 West German film directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, in his directorial debut. It is associated with the New German Cinema movement. The film stars Fassbinder himself, along with Hanna Schygulla and Ulli Lommel.

The narrative revolves around Franz (played by Fassbinder), a young man in Munich whose life is disrupted by the arrival of a gangster named Bruno (Lommel) and his associate, Joanna (Schygulla). The film explores themes of love, alienation, and the allure of the criminal underworld, and features a deliberately detached and stylized aesthetic. It is characterized by its minimalist dialogue, static camera work, and unconventional pacing, creating a sense of unease and alienation.

While not a commercial success upon its initial release, Love Is Colder Than Death is now considered a significant early work in Fassbinder's filmography and a key example of New German Cinema's exploration of societal issues and experimental filmmaking techniques. The film's title is often interpreted as a metaphor for the emotional barrenness and destructive nature of the relationships depicted.