LogFAQs > #983057601

Inviso
This movie was neither bad nor good, in my eyes. I think it had some flaws, like a VERY noticeable lack of sound design or music at key points during the film, and a somewhat disjointed narrative. BUT, I can also appreciate the plot itself, in terms of spending the first five to ten minutes setting up this mysterious murderer, and really instilling that sense of ominous dread that builds until the visuals of a lost ball and a lost balloon. From there, you get neighbor turning against neighbor and general accusations across the board, all in service of the police being at their wits end trying to catch this child serial killer, to the point where their overzealousness is hurting the criminal underworld. The idea of criminals hunting down a murderer is kinda interesting, especially since they have methods beyond those of the police (who, to their credit, also figure out the murderer). And Peter Lorres pleading monologue ALMOST makes you feel sympathetic for himuntil you remember he murdered multiple little girls. But definitely understand how he became a big, American movie star, given that he did so well in this role.

Johnbobb
Why I included it:
From the master Fritz Lang, and his personal favorite of his own movies. M basically sets the stage for every serial killer police hunt movie to come over the next century. It defined Peter Lorre's career as a legendary character actor, and also helped to form the idea of the likeable mob (which we'd see explored a lot more when crime films hit their stride in the 60s and 70s) who despite their crimes still hold themselves to a higher standard than a child murderer and who can organize just as well, if not better, than the police.

What I thought:
M's biggest flaw is probably that it takes a little longer than it really needs to to get where its going, especially in a movie where the "race" between the mob and the cops is so central to the film. However, it's never uninteresting, even when the audience is impatiently waiting for someone to finally recognize the whistle we hear early in the film. And the ending, when we finally get to see Lorre in his full terrified state at the hands of people who are never really going to give him anything resembling a fair trial, stands as one of the best crime film endings to date.

Side note, looking for low Letterboxd reviews just has me groaning because so many of them are "they're trying to make us sympathize with child murders" and I just cannot roll my eyes hard enough at this braindead take.

Favorite 1/2 star Letterboxd review:
can u tell im taking a film class