Watch: "M" (1931)

Now, we’ll be transitioning into our unit on how sound, in conjunction with movement in the frame, are utilized in films to create meaning.

VideoWatch: M (1931) Links to an external site. (1 hr and 48 min)

To illustrate these ideas, we'll be viewing the 1931 film M. The film is directed by Fritz Lang and follows a town of citizens that track down a child murderer. M was one of the first synch-sound feature films. Lang uses a combination of minimal sound design and movement to portray the chase for the criminal. 

 

 

Watch ThisWhile Watching...

  • Pay attention to how sound and movement are used in the film.
  • In M, sound is used to indicate off-screen space. Find some examples of diegetic sound that indicates space off-screen.
  • The blocking and movement of groups illustrates the theme of impeding justice throughout the film. Identify some moments in the film where this occurs.

You can view the film at the above link or here: https://ucf.kanopy.com/node/112966/preview Links to an external site.

After the screening, you'll be participating in a discussion related to the film. 

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