The film, M, directed by Fritz Lang, is an instant classic because of its innovation in sound. Another name for the film was, Murders Are Among Us. This film was also Fritz Lang's first "talkie". It is the predecessor to all serial killer films such as The Silence of the Lambs and Physco. I will be discussing my personal reaction to the film, as well as the technical aspect of sound and the director's intent when making this film. .
When sound was first introduced into film, the natural response from filmmakers was to use it as much as they possibly could. For Fritz Lang, however, it was to be used sparingly. The story of 'M' should be familiar to those who have seen Spike Lee's 'Summer Of Sam'. There's a killer on the streets, kidnapping and slaying young children, and the police and the underworld of criminals have both set their sights on him. The film doesn't really concern itself with the killer, although he does have a few strong scenes. Specifically at the end of the film where he tries to plead his case before the criminal court. Both the criminals and .
the police want the killer caught for different reasons. The police want him to end the murders, the criminals want him caught so the cops will back off of them. The film makes this clear. It is a powerful film about desperation and fear, justice and innocence. Peter Lorre is incredible in the role of the killer. He has big eyes and frightening expressions that making the viewer fearful of what's to come. His monologue at the end of the film is one of the greatest moments in film. Fritz Lang's direction is as good as can be and his use of sound is breathtaking. The whistling of Grieg's "Peer Gynt Suite" has never been so frightening before.
Fritz Lang uses sound as if it were another part of the visual. In the film, M, Lang uses both silent parts of the film and dialog parts. He edits them both like they were the same.
During the first scene we can hear him talking to the girl Elsie.
