M is a German thriller film, that is beautifully shot but slow-paced, released in 1931 and is directed by Fritz Lang. Lang also co-wrote the film alongside his wife, Thea von Harbou.
Peter Lorre is in the lead as a serial murderer of children named Hans Beckert. Other cast members include Otto Wernicke, Inge Landgut, Gustaf Grundgens, and Theo Lingen.
Berlin is being terrorized by a killer who abducts children. While the police are diligently trying to track the elusive Hans Beckert down, the local mafia group is also concerned about the buzz of activity from law enforcement that is interfering with their dubious dealings. Beckert will face justice, but it will either come from the courts of Berlin or those who reside among the streets he has stalked.
As mentioned before, the cinematography for that time was quite good. Lorre’s talent is pretty evident in this very early performance in his career.
The film also delves into the early days of forensics and handwriting analysis. This film is one of the first of what is known as police procedurals.
Lang is one of those legendary early film directors, and this piece showcases the reason why he has so much acclaim.
The film does feel a little long even though it does come in just under two hours. There are moments that it seems to drag. Ultimately it does deal with the questions surrounding justice and vengeance. It also raises the question of what the punishment should be if someone could truly be insane.
The dialogue is in German, so for us Americans, the subtitles are an essential friend.
The film does have some historical cinematic significance, but it does take some patience and probably more of an early day viewing.
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