Review of M (1931) by Panos T — 24 Feb 2009

A masterpiece in the truest, fullest sense of the word. M is not just a thriller, but a study of human behaviour and the diseased mind and how the eternal battle of mind and soul forever troubles us or as it happens in this case, destroys us, after the main character has destroyed the lives of others.

It also very successfully shows how society, even its most unjust members, craves for justice and how unprepared, or unwilling it is to tolerate child murder. Furthermore, the tendency of human psyche to take law in its own hands above and beyond its appointed instruments, in the event of the most horrific crimes involving children, is also very clearly demonstrated in M.

Though released in 1931 its story and underlying principles remain timeless.

Perhaps a lesson for todayâ??s filmmakers: Fritz Lang undoubtedly did not have access to advanced computer technology nor a budget in the multi million range and yet he delivers a film that is much more successful in both thrilling, respecting and entertaining its audience than many of todayâ??s ultra-expensive productions that desperately try to hide their lack of substance by filling the screen with gory, blood-filled imagery.