Diving: A discussion after a screening of "M"
Fritz Lang’s M (1931) is a film that continues to provoke serious reflection. Set during the final years of the Weimar Republic, it follows a city’s effort to capture a child murderer. The film builds tension through its use of sound, silence, and atmosphere, revealing a society unraveling under fear, suspicion, and distrust of authority.
The Sadist ("Der Sadist") is a book published by the German psychiatrist Karl Berg, following the confessions of Peter Kürten, a well-known serial murderer in late 1920s Germany.
Studying the book, M does a superlative work of depicting the proclivities of Hans Beckert, the protagonist of M, which in turn makes the film still relevant and factually accurate.
The murderer’s eerie whistling of “In the Hall of the Mountain King” became one of the earliest uses of a recurring audio motif in film history. Lang also used silence deliberately, creating tension through restraint.
Although an early talky, M's success influenced the development of noir, crime drama, psychological thriller, and police procedural genres.
Involving the ringvereine (the German equivalent of the mafia), M depicts the societal chaos in 1930s Germany and the failure of Weimar administration.
What's more, basing story events on real crimes conducted by the ringvereine, M stands out among serial killer films by being authentic, engaging, and socially relevant. Lang chose M as his favourite for its social and political commentary.
M is not a film, but a masterpiece. It's for the beady-eyed film student and the picky connoisseur. It's for the thoughtful and the thirsty.
It's something that will linger in your memory for its unique story and masterful storytelling.
During our recent screening and discussion of the film, we looked at the real-world influences behind the film - especially the case of Peter Kürten and how Lang used Karl Berg’s The Sadist to shape the character of Hans Beckert. The film’s attention to psychological detail is one reason it still feels current. Lang didn’t rely on sensationalism. He focused on behavior, voice, and movement to create something that still disturbs audiences today.
We also spoke about M’s technical and cultural legacy. As an early sound film, it introduced techniques that would shape noir, psychological thrillers, and procedural dramas. It also portrayed organized crime and law enforcement in ways that were uncommon for its time, raising questions about accountability and power.
More than ninety years later, M still feels relevant. Thanks to everyone who came for the screening and stayed for the conversation.
IF YOU LIKED SERIAL KILLER FILMS LIKE SEVEN, PSYCHO, AND THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS; THEN THESE ARE FOR YOU:
-
Burning (2018) by Lee Chang-dong
-
The Snowtown Murders (2012) by Justin Kurzel
-
Memories of Murder (2003) by Bong Joon-ho
-
Monster (2004) by Patty Jenkins
-
Badlands (1973) by Terrence Malick
See you at the next one!
Comments
Edward Tang —
I’m beyond grateful to Dr. Benjamin for changing my life completely! I had been playing the Mega Millions lottery for years without success, until I came across Dr. Benjamin and decided to give his spell casting services a try. After performing a powerful lottery spell for me, everything turned around in the most unbelievable way—I won the Mega Millions jackpot of $670,000,000,00! The experience still feels like a dream come true. Dr. Benjamin was professional, kind, and deeply spiritual throughout the entire process. He guided me with confidence and positive energy, and his work truly produced results beyond my imagination. I highly recommend Dr. Benjamin to anyone who believes in miracles and is ready for a life-changing breakthrough. reach him via drbenjaminlottospell711@gmail.com or WhatsApp: +18588585788.
Edward Tang —
I’m beyond grateful to Dr. Benjamin for changing my life completely! I had been playing the Mega Millions lottery for years without success, until I came across Dr. Benjamin and decided to give his spell casting services a try. After performing a powerful lottery spell for me, everything turned around in the most unbelievable way—I won the Mega Millions jackpot of $670,000,000,00! The experience still feels like a dream come true. Dr. Benjamin was professional, kind, and deeply spiritual throughout the entire process. He guided me with confidence and positive energy, and his work truly produced results beyond my imagination. I highly recommend Dr. Benjamin to anyone who believes in miracles and is ready for a life-changing breakthrough. reach him via drbenjaminlottospell711@gmail.com or WhatsApp: +18588585788.
jasmine walker —
I am so happy, i never believe i will be this happy again in life, I was working as an air-hoster ( cabby crew ) for 3years but early this year, i loose my job because of this deadly disease. called Herpes virus (HSV), I never felt sick or have any symptom, till all workers were ask to bring their doctors report, that was how i got tested and i found out that am HSV positive that make me loose my job, because it was consider as an STD and is incurable disease, i was so depress i was thinking of committing suicide, till i explain to a friend of mine, who always said to me a problem share is a problem solved, that was how she directed me to Dr OGBO, that was how i contacted him and get the medication from this doctor and i got cured for real, I just went back to my work and they also carry out the test to be real sure and i was negative. Please contact this doctor if you are herpes positive or any STD diseases his email is: drogboherbalhome@gmail.com or you can call or whatsApp his mobile number on +2348110968476
Iris Lopez —
God bless Dr. Uyi for his marvelous work, I was diagnosed of herpes for few years and I was taking my medications, I wasn’t satisfied i needed to be cured completely from herpes, I searched about some possible cure for herpes i saw a comment about Dr. Uyi, how he cured HERPES VIRUS and HPV with his herbal medicine, I contacted him and explain to him, he guide me I asked for solutions, after a few discussion and i have done what i was required to do, he sent me the medicine. I took the medicine as prescribed by him, few days later I went to the hospital for a test when the test was negative, i am now perfectly ok. Dr. Uyi truly you are great, If u need his help? contact him via email: uyiherbalmedicationcenter@gmail.com WHATS-APP +2348160813984
Johnson Elizabeth —
Best Crypto Recovery Company – visit Optimistic Hacker Gaius.
Optimistic Hacker Gaius is the best crypto recovery company. I was scammed and lost a significant amount of funds, but after reading a review about their success in recovering lost crypto, I reached out. Within just 6 hours, they traced and recovered most of my lost assets! Their service was fast, professional, and exceeded my expectations. I’m extremely grateful for their help and highly recommend them to anyone facing similar issues. Thank you, Optimistic Hacker Gaius!
Contact them at the following.
Visit Their Website: optimistichackargaius. c o m
Email: support@ optimistichackargaius. c o m
Text them on WhatsApp: (+44 737 674 0569).
John Smith —
I’m recommending Dr Agbon to everyone who has herpes simplex virus to get the cure from him. I was diagnosed with genital herpes in 2022 and I have been searching and asking questions to see if i could get something to cure the disease because i did not believe what the doctors say that no cure is found yet. I contacted Dr Agbon and explained my problem to him and he prepared the herbs and sent it to me . and gave me instructions on how to use it and told me to go for checkup after usage which I did after two weeks of taking the herbal medicine and my result was NEGATIVE. I waited another month and retested, the result was still NEGATIVE and my doctor told me that I am completely free from herpes, Contact him now WHATSAPP: +2349058797761.
Email: dragboherbalhome@gmail.com.
Website: https://dragbonherbalhome.wixsite.com/my-site-3
Melanie Case —
I was diagnosed with HERPES for 2 months and my doctor said it has no cure but not until I met Dr OLIHA who help me get rid of it totally using natural herbs without any effect , reach out via. https://olihamiraclemedici.wixsite.com/drolihamiraclemedici/ or whatsapp him +2349038382931
coinsrecoveryworldwide —
Investment scams are becoming increasingly common in the world of cryptocurrency, with many individuals falling victim to fraudulent schemes promising high returns on their investments. These scams can result in the loss of significant amounts of money, leaving victims feeling helpless and devastated.
CoinsRecoveryWorldwide is a trusted and reliable resource for individuals who have fallen victim to investment scams involving Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. They specialize in helping clients recover their lost assets and funds through their expertise and experience in navigating the complex world of cryptocurrency scams.
CoinsRecoveryWorldwide works tirelessly to investigate and track down the perpetrators of these scams, working with law enforcement agencies and other authorities to ensure that justice is served. They provide a range of services to assist clients in recovering their assets, including legal representation, forensic analysis, and negotiation with scammers.
If you have been the victim of an investment scam involving Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, don’t hesitate to reach out to CoinsRecoveryWorldwide for assistance. They have a proven track record of success in recovering lost assets for their clients and can help you navigate the process of recovering your funds. Don’t let scammers get away with your hard-earned money – contact CoinsRecoveryWorldwide today for help in recovering your assets.
Contact information
WEBSITE; https://coinsrecoveryworldwide.mobirisesite.com/ EMAIL.COINSRECOVERYWORLDWIDE@GMAIL.COM WHATSAPP:+17658236083]