Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by danj (A) on May 06, 2002 at 08:40:55

In Reply to: Fritz Lange's 'M' - any fans? posted by Sattler in Melbourne on May 06, 2002 at 08:04:49:

It is an early talkie and there are some scenes with little-or-no sound but it is most definitely a talking picture, as they were called in the early thirties.

"M" is an absolutely brilliant film in all respects, not the least of which is the stunning performance of Peter Lorre.

This film made Lorre an international star and prompted his invitation to Hollywood, where he enjoyed a busy and lucrative career. He starred in a movie series in the late 30's and early 40's as Mr. Moto, a sort of cross between Charlie Chan and Sherlock Holmes. It was a very entertaining series. He spent the last twenty years of his too short career as a character actor, often in horror movies. He did have many memorable roles through his career - notably in "Casablanca", "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea", and "The Raven", where he more than held his own with his co-stars Boris Karloff and Vincent Price.

"M" has been remade several times. Most remakes have suffered badly in comparison to the original.

The first time I saw "M" was in the original German, of which I understand only a little. It mattered not as the film is so well done that understanding the language isn't needed. Tone of voice, faces, and body language tell the characters' stories. Set, pacing, lighting, and editing tell the rest. It's pretty much a textbook example of good film storytelling.

IMHO, any "Best Films of All-Time" list that doesn't have Fritz Lang's two masterworks, "Metropolios" and "M" included, is hackwork.