|
M ***** out of *****
Genres
1931 Directed by Fritz Lang Written by Thea von Harbou and Fritz Lang Cast Peter Lorre .... Hans Beckert Ellen Widmann .... Frau Beckmann/Madame Beckmann Inge Landgut .... Elsie Beckmann Otto Wernicke .... Kommissar Lohmann/Inspector Karl Lohmann Theodor Loos .... Kommissar Groeber/Inspector Groeber Gustaf Gründgens .... Schränker Friedrich Gnaß .... Einbrecher/Franz, the burglar Fritz Odemar .... Falschspieler/The cheater Paul Kemp .... Taschendieb/Pickpocket with six watches
Iconic German filmmaker Fritz Lang belongs among the most influential and elite filmmakers the world has ever known. He created some of the most intricate and beautiful silent films, such as Dr. Mabuse, der Spieler in 1922 (a.k.a. Dr. Mabuse, King of Crime), and pioneered modern special effects in his 1927 film Metropolis. At his peak Lang’s films were the cause of much controversy in Germany, at that time under Hitler’s Nazi regime, and his first sound film M caused quite a stir in the halls of power. The regime issued an outright ban on the film, seeing it as a metaphorical statement against the Nazi party. The same occurred with his follow-up film The Testament of Dr. Mabuse, and it was soon after that that Lang fled Germany never to return. He continued his filmmaking career in the United States up to 1960 and died in 1976.
M tells the sordid tale of Hans Beckert (Peter Lorre), a devious child murderer who has long thrived beneath the surface of society. As Beckert takes another victim hysteria builds. Doggedly pursued by the police, hunted by the criminal underworld, and hated by all, Beckert has nowhere to go. He can no longer exist beneath the surface, no longer stalk in the shadows. He is now visible and as vulnerable as his victims. On the run and crucified at every turn, Beckert is forced to confront the pain caused by his own acts of evil and tyranny, He must also now endure the violence and fury of a society he has long avoided, a society intent on vengeance and justice. He is a man that will forever bare the mark of M, murderer and monster.
The history of M is a long and complicated one. Having only just premiered in 1931 and suddenly being banned in 1934 the film was vaulted away for many years. It wasn’t until 1966 that audiences got to see Lang’s final complete version of the film. When it came time to release the film on home video in 1996 the film underwent a restoration. However music and sound effects were added in places that Lang purposely left quiet. The film was also mutilated, with several scenes missing and, to add further insult to injury, the image was cropped to fit the more conventional 4:3 screen shape. This so-called restoration was a mockery to this classic film.
It wasn’t until 2003 that the film was finally given the restoration that it so rightfully deserves. The film was edited back to its uncut version, and the music and sound were restored to their original presentation. And, most importantly, the film was given a complete clean-up and, for the first time since 1931, presented in its original 1:19:1 pillar box ratio.
Long after he left Germany and his passing M stands as one of the greatest films ever made, and a cinematic gem that is, thanks to the many organisations that lent their services to the complete restoration, unbelievably still available to audiences after 73 years of neglect and damage. It was with their help that this film will continue to live on for many more generations to see and enjoy.
Many reviewers have heralded this film, but what is it about this film that makes it so good? To begin with, considering the date of creation, the film’s subject matter is considerably grim and dark. The story is based on an actual murder, but sensationalised here in the film, which was rather groundbreaking in the time where cinema was still an emerging art form; no one expected to see a serial killer story on the screen, people were still being charmed by Chaplin. While the story is tame by today’s standards, the creep factor still holds up. Imagine how audiences might react if you took a film like Se7en, went back in time to the 1930’s, and screened it. That’s probably how they reacted when M first premiered.
Lorre’s performance as Beckert is compelling and haunting. Lorre really shines, especially during the trial by criminals at the end of the film. Here we see a true artist at work. The performance is so emotionally deep you’ll actually feel for the character’s plight. In fact his performance was so wonderfully realised that it haunted Lorre’s entire career, causing him to be typecast as the villain in many films.
Finger_Of_DOOM's reviews also appear on DVD Compare, where they include details of the DVD release. For this review click here. Discuss this article on the forums. (0 posts) |
