Review of M (1931) by Buddy K — 10 Mar 2010
A really great film made not too long after the transition from silent films to "talkies". You can tell because of the way that the actors move and the way it's shot. The lack of sound in a number of sequences provides some awe-inspiring visuals and allows actors actions to do the talking.
I'd argue even that save for the films climactic makeshift trial sequence the whole film would have been just as good if it were made in the silent era. Though the film doesn't really focus on any one main character and really lacks any sort of a protagonist (more of a benefit than it sounds like) Peter Lorre is the cast standout as a psychotic child killer.
Watching this its easy to see that it's influences are great on the psychological thriller and most recently David Finch's terrific Zodiac is indebted to this film.
This review of M (1931) was written by Buddy K on 10 Mar 2010.
M has generally received very positive reviews.
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