M - Eine Stadt Sucht einen Mörder (1931)
M / Murderers among Us
Raiting: 
8,3 /10
Genre: Crime
Director: Fritz Lang
Stars: Peter Lorre, Gustaf Gründgens and Otto Wernicke
Country: Germany
Release date: 11 May 1931
Length: 117 minutes / 110 minutes (dvd)
"M - Eine Stadt sucht einen Mörder" (1931), directed by Fritz Lang, is a chilling and pioneering thriller that delves into the darkness of a child murderer's psyche and the ensuing manhunt in a German city. The film opens with the city in the grip of terror as several children have been abducted and murdered. The story focuses on the community's growing fear and the mounting pressure on the police to find the culprit.
The murderer, Hans Beckert, is portrayed as a psychologically tormented man driven by compulsions he cannot control. His character is hauntingly captured through Peter Lorre's groundbreaking performance. Beckert whistles the tune "In the Hall of the Mountain King" from Edvard Grieg's "Peer Gynt" suite, a motif that becomes synonymous with the presence of evil throughout the film.
As the police struggle to track down Beckert, the crimes begin to disrupt the criminal underworld's activities, prompting the local crime bosses to take matters into their own hands. They organize their network of beggars and criminals to conduct their own search for the murderer, using methods outside the law. The parallel manhunts of the police and the criminals converge as Beckert's compulsions lead him to target another child, Elsie Beckmann, whose safety becomes the film's central concern.
The tension escalates when Beckert is finally caught by the criminals and subjected to a kangaroo court, where he is forced to defend his actions. The film's climax is a powerful discourse on justice, guilt, and the nature of evil, culminating in a scene that forces the audience to confront the complexities of crime and punishment. The final moments of the film resonate with a haunting reminder of the ongoing threat to society's most vulnerable.
"M" is a masterclass in suspense and psychological drama, with Fritz Lang's innovative use of sound design, particularly the use of a leitmotif associated with the murderer, setting a new standard for the thriller genre. The film's exploration of the societal impact of crime, the methods used to capture a criminal, and the moral questions surrounding vigilante justice are as relevant today as they were at the time of its release. Lang's film remains a powerful and disturbing work that continues to influence filmmakers and captivate audiences around the world.
Top cast - M - Eine Stadt Sucht einen Mörder (1931)
Trailer - M - Eine Stadt Sucht einen Mörder (1931)
Fritz Lang's "M - Eine Stadt sucht einen Mörder" (1931) is a gripping psychological thriller that is often hailed as one of the early masterpieces of the sound era. The film's exploration of a child murderer on the loose in a German city is both harrowing and deeply unsettling, as Lang delves into the psyche of a killer and the societal reaction to his heinous crimes. The film is a landmark in cinematic history, not only for its subject matter but also for its innovative use of sound, which was relatively new to film at the time.
Peter Lorre's performance as Hans Beckert, the whistling murderer, is nothing short of iconic. Lorre brings a disturbingly human face to the character, evoking both revulsion and a complex, uncomfortable empathy. The way Lang uses Beckert's compulsive whistling of "In the Hall of the Mountain King" is a stroke of genius, creating a sense of foreboding and a signature audio cue that is still recognized by audiences today. The tension in the film builds masterfully, as the city's desperation grows and the narrative closes in on Beckert's world of psychological torment.
Lang's direction is precise and deliberate, with a keen eye for detail and a strong sense of pacing. The film's cinematography is stark and expressionistic, making excellent use of shadow and light to convey the darkness that lurks within the city and its inhabitants. "M" is also notable for its social commentary, addressing the impact of crime on a community, the effectiveness of the police, and the controversial theme of vigilante justice. The film poses difficult moral questions that remain relevant, encouraging viewers to ponder the nature of justice and the societal response to evil.
While "M" is an undisputed classic, its pacing and narrative style can be challenging for some modern viewers, accustomed to a faster pace and more explicit storytelling. However, those who appreciate the film's historical context and Lang's innovative techniques will find "M" to be a deeply rewarding experience. The film's climax, featuring Beckert's impassioned monologue in the face of an angry mob, is as powerful and provocative as anything in contemporary cinema.
In conclusion, "M" is a seminal work that showcases Fritz Lang's directorial prowess and remains a touchstone for filmmakers exploring the thriller and crime genres. Its influence can be seen in countless films that followed, and its themes continue to resonate with audiences today. "M" is not just a film; it's a piece of cinematic history that deserves to be seen, studied, and remembered for its contribution to the art of filmmaking.