This is one of those films that snobbish cinema types probably say you need to see. Kind of like '8 1/2' and 'Citizen Kane'. I am always suspicious about films with that much hype.
This was a really good film in a total non snobbish way. I was pleasantly surprised. It was kind of like watching CSI Berlin (the 1930s version). This was the first kinda sorta psychological thriller mystery type movie. And even though this has been done thousands of times, this film still felt fresh. I guess that is a testement to Lang's movie making skill. Not only that a movie that is over 70 years old can feel fresh, but one where this was the prototype. Nicely done.
This movie was part of a movement called German Expressionism (which heavily influnced the Hollywood Film Noir genre). Is this important to know to enjoy the film, no. It's just me showing off and being a film snob.
This was Lang's first talking picture (or should I say non-silent film)? And to his credit he doesn't fill the film with endless chatter. In some places, he actually uses silence (while the action on the screen is still going on). And, one can't talk about this film without mentioning Peter Lorre. He is really good at playing the creepy dude (see 'Casablanca' and 'The Maltese Falcon').
One word to describe 'M': Expressionist.
Friday, February 26, 2010
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