Review of M (1931) by Emerson B — 12 Aug 2013

This is one of the oldest and best made films I have ever seen. Directed by Fritz Lang, this German crime film follows a city's panic as a child killer's victim count increases. M is powerful now as when it was released and is rather erie watching the paranoia knowing its historical context. The film shifts from a focus on imagery and mood at the beginning of the film to deep philosophical and psychological statements as the characters grow more desperate.

Music plays another key role even though it may be in the form of a sole song. Grieg's "In the Hall of the Mountain King" is the mark of the killer which gives it a dual role of being playful and foreboding. Peter Lorre who plays the killer gives an amazing performance and especially with the film's concluding sequence makes us sympathize with that which is unforgiving. This film is a treasure of history and a great achievement of high art.