M (1931)

Fritz Lang's truly monumental serial killer hunt fuses thriller, mob, and police procedural amongst many other sub genres in one of the most influential films ever made. I saw M in a stunning 1080p blu ray transfer recently which really made a difference in the landscaping, pulling you into the black void that engulfs the unnamed German city in a pall of terror as a child killer stalks the streets. It's even comparable with the covid lock down, as police are forced to shut down and raid businesses throughout the city in an attempt to hunt down the murderer. Where the story really shines is where we get to see how the murders are affecting the success of criminals and the mob, and this is best depicted in an incredible scene that cuts between two separate meetings, one with police officials, and one with criminals from the underworld, but both discussing how they can catch/kill the murderer, for differing reasons. The influences are far flung and can be seen today, and not just in film; television's greatest ever show (The Wire [2002-2008]) harks back to Lang's behemoth on occasion. It's always churlish to suggest it, but M is without doubt one of the greatest and most influential films of all time. 9.5/10