Filmium Back to search
Movie Backdrop

The Cremator streaming

Original title: Spalovač mrtvol
1969 Movie Drama, Comedy, Crime
By: Juraj Herz With: Miloš Vognič, Vlasta Chramostová, Rudolf Hrusínský, Eduard Kohout, Ilja Prachař

Czech Karel Kopfrkingl enjoys his job at a crematorium in the late 1930s. He likes reading the Tibetan book of the dead, and espouses the view that cremation relieves earthly suffering. At a reception, he meets Reineke, with whom he fought for Austria in the first World War. Reineke convinces Kopfrkingl to emphasize his supposedly German heritage, including sending his timid son to the German school. Reineke then suggests that Kopfrkingl's half-Jewish wife is holding back his advancement in his job.

Filmium rating
89%

Mood

Black Comedy
Dark
Disturbing
Horrific
Morbid

Cast & Crew

Juraj Herz
Ladislav Fuks
Miloš Vognič
Zora Božinová
Rudolf Hrušínský
Rudolf Hrusínský
Jana Stehnová
Vlasta Chramostová
Ilja Prachař
Eduard Kohout
Stanislav Milota

Adaptation

Based On Novel

Budget

Low-Budget

Cinematic Technique

Close-Ups
Fast Editing
Fisheye Lens
Post-Synchronization
Wide Lenses
Wide-Angle Shots

Film Movements

Czechoslovak New Wave
German Expressionism

Narrative Structure

Monologue-Driven
Monologues
Non-Linear
Nonlinear
Psychological
Psychological Exploration
Visual Montage

Pace

Disorienting
Erratic
Fast-Paced
Rapid-Fire

Soundtrack

Asian Motifs
Classical Music
Melodious

Style

Black And White
Cinematic
Czechoslovak New Wave
Expressionist
German Expressionism
Surrealism

Time-Period

1930S
Interwar Period

Central Conflict

Family Betrayal
Identity Crisis
Ideological Delusion
Madness
Moral Conflict
Murder

Characters

Family Victims
Karel Kopfrkingl
Nazi Supporters

Ending

Bleak
Driven To Death Camps
Final Drive

Historical Context

1930S Europe
Nazi Occupation
Rise Of Fascism

Key Plot Points

Family Murder
Nazi Ideology
Visions Of Tibetan Buddhism

Plot

Family Murder
Family Tragedy
Mad Cremator
Madness
Moral Decay
Murder
Nazi Influence
Rise Of Nazism

Setting

1930S
1930S Prague
Crematorium
Czechoslovakia
Nazi Germany
Nazi-Occupied Czechoslovakia
Prague

Shooting Location

Pardubice Crematorium
Plzen Grave
Prague Crematoria

Theme

Absurdity Of Death
Death And Rebirth
Death And Reincarnation
Madness
Moral Decay
Nazism
Nazism And Ideology

Genre

Dark Comedy
Horror
Psychological
Psychological Drama
Psychological Thriller

Audiences

Adults
Art House Audiences
Art-House Viewers
Fans Of Horror And Dark Comedy
Horror Enthusiasts

Titles

The Cremator

Awards

Best Film Sitges 1972

Critical Reception

Praised For Atmosphere
Stylistic Horror

Festivals

Sitges Film Festival
Zagreb Film Festival

Popularity

Cult Status
Film Festival Screenings

Ratings

90.2% Czech/Slovak Movie Database

Reception

Award-Winning
Awards Recognition
Critical Acclaim
Cult Classic
Cult Following
Film Festival Awards

Production Countries

Czechoslovakia

Release Year

1969
mowizz ID: 04c31b4c-1f21-46bc-bc2c-bfb9034d8cdf
Imprint
Privacy policy
Terms and Conditions
About us
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Supported by:
KtBE
BAK
EGS
Suissimage
Swissperform
© 2026 Filmium GmbH - all external content remains the property of the rightful owner
Version: v1.2.61 (frontend) | (backend)