M
M - Eine Stadt sucht einen Mörder
Fritz Lang
© Tamasa
It's all over the news: the child killer who has been terrorising the city for some time has claimed another victim. In charge of the investigation, Inspector Lohmann steps up his raids in the slums. Annoyed by all the commotion, the underworld decides to track down the criminal themselves...
Cast : Peter Lorre, Ellen Widmann, Inge Landgut, Otto Wernicke, Theodor Loos, Gustaf Gründgens
Scenario : Thea von Harbou, Fritz Lang
Cinematography : Fritz Arno Wagner
Sound : Adolf Jansen
Editing : Paul Falkenberg
Scenario : Thea von Harbou, Fritz Lang
Cinematography : Fritz Arno Wagner
Sound : Adolf Jansen
Editing : Paul Falkenberg
Production : Nero-Film AG
Distribution : Tamasa Distribution
Distribution : Tamasa Distribution
Fritz Lang’s first talkie is a terrifying dive into the underbelly of a city, revealing a society based on rumour and denunciation. Still marked by expressionism, the film is designed like a trap, where shadows, lines, grids and reflections gradually ensnare M, leading him into a maze with no way out. The fate of the hunted man, revenge and the pressure of the masses are themes that would mark Lang’s American debut a few years later, as well as the entire film noir genre. With his staggering gait and bulging eyes, Peter Lorre gives an unforgettable, poignant performance. His expressive gestures and the haunting refrain from Peer Gynt he whistles contribute to the film’s status as one of the great classics, of unrivalled power. (cinematheque.fr)