Review of M (1931) by Mark W — 18 Aug 2011
Fritz Lang's (And Germany's) first talkie, but you wouldn't know it. You will see none of the return to stageyness that characterised so many of the earliest talkies. This film is brilliantly edited and the plot never drags.
Fritz Lang also tones down the strong expressionism from "Metropolis" and uses light and shadow in a way reminiscent of film noir, a genre that Lang was an outstanding exponent of in the 40s and 50s.
I saw the 2004 (?) restored version that runs for 150 minutes and despite the age of the film it works on every level. You are glued to the edge of your seat while you watch a cinematic masterpiece that is by turns frightening, thrilling, hilarious, poignant, avante garde or just plain thought-provoking or challenging.
If you are a student of film you have to see this, but you do not have to be a student of film to thoroughly enjoy it.
This review of M (1931) was written by Mark W on 18 Aug 2011.
M has generally received very positive reviews.
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