While there are melodramatic elements in Fritz Lang’s M, it’s difficult to categorize the film
as a melodrama. Nor, one could
argue, can M fit perfectly into the
realm of horror. As I watched the
film, I kept this question in mind – is it horror or melodrama? At M’s
conclusion, I realized that the film contains the best from both
worlds. Lang’s film seamlessly
integrates these different genres, creating a stunning composition.
Moreover,
though, I would argue that Lang’s M is
more along the lines of horror. Introducing
the murderer as a shadow, whistling an eerie but familiar tune, definitely
plays on the chords of horror. Not
to mention the film’s subject matter – a serial murderer who is utterly
powerless over his impulse to kill children. The subject matter in-and-of itself seems very
horror-esque. The elements of
suspense used in M also lead me to
this classification. As the film plays out, excitement and anticipation builds
for the viewer. So, really, one
could place M in a number of genres
or categories. In the end, it’s
viewer who decides.
I like your statement that "in the end, it is the viewer who decides. I agree that the movie does have elements of horror but I would argue that the movie is in the style of melodrama. I feel that horror movies try harder to scare the audience. This movie tried more to tell a story with much emotion as possible, which is very characteristic of a melodrama.
ReplyDeleteMark -
ReplyDeleteThanks for your response! Not to retract my statement, but I totally agree that Lang's film has many melodramatic elements. I guess my main argument, then, would be that M employs such a wide range of specific genres, that both points hold weight. Though, the film definitely seems to rely heavily on getting an emotional response from the viewer.
Thanks,
Ryan