This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.
Fritz Lang #13
"M" is a masterpiece. Lang expertly utilizes the new medium of sound film to capture the relentless hustle of a city that never sleeps. Peter Lorre delivers one of the greatest performances in film history, cementing his place as an iconic figure in the role.
Thematically, the film is gripping, drawing a cinematic parallel between criminals and state institutions, with the underworld appearing far more organized. It's fascinating to see how the group dynamics play out: they…
This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.
Fritz Lang #15
Fritz Lang’s first Hollywood film, and it’s an immediate standout. It starts off typically— a young couple in love, romantic music, a farewell at the train station. But the film quickly picks up pace, and the story changes almost abruptly. Lang masterfully uses music, sound, and editing techniques to create a threatening atmosphere that feels deeply uncomfortable. Sylvia Sidney and Spencer Tracy portray the initially mismatched couple very well, but the film truly shines once they are…
Upon the second viewing, the film feels considerably weaker. However, the cinematography, sound/music, and editing are all well executed, creating an appropriate atmosphere. The acting is also solid, and Nicolas Cage, who walks the fine line of over-the-top performance, actually works well for me. When it comes to the story, though, it’s clear that many ideas were introduced, but none were fully developed. There are strong influences from The Silence of the Lambs, along with occult themes, the supernatural, strange…
