The Sandman
Der Sandmann
Synopsis
Based on the classic 19th century tale by German writer/composer E.T.A. Hoffmann, the film investigates the tale's themes of obsession and madness, emphasizing expressionist imagery and theatrical style. The story relates the life of the young student Nathanael, whose childhood memories are haunted by a sinister man. As a child, Nathanael believed this dark figure to be the mythic Sandman, who puts children to sleep by stealing their eyes. When confronted by this same evil presence as an adult, he is pushed toward madness as he tries to confront his childhood fears.
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Dagmar Damek
- Original Title
- Der Sandmann
- Country of Origin
- Germany
- Spoken Languages
- German
- Runtime
- 1h 11m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Dagmar Damek
Department Leadership Roster
Dagmar Damek
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Sandman.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Sandman
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Sandman about?
Based on the classic 19th century tale by German writer/composer E.T.A. Hoffmann, the film investigates the tale's themes of obsession and madness, emphasizing expressionist imagery and theatrical style. The story relates the life of the young student Nathanael, whose childhood memories are haunted by a sinister man. As a child, Nathanael believed this dark figure to be the mythic Sandman, who puts children to sleep by stealing their eyes. When confronted by this same evil presence as an adult, he is pushed toward madness as he tries to confront his childhood fears.
Who directed The Sandman?
The Sandman was directed by Dagmar Damek.
Who stars in The Sandman?
The principal cast of The Sandman includes Christoph Waltz, Monika Baumgartner, Dominic Raacke, Rudolf Schündler, Claus Eberth.
When was The Sandman released and how long is it?
The Sandman was released in 1983 with a total runtime of 1h 11m.