M - Eine Stadt sucht einen Mörder

The first 2 episode of "M - a city hunts a murder" fails its clearly visible potential, by cardboard characters whose uninspired dialogue drains the series of any interest. Which is a shame as it's easy to see the universe it sets out to create succeed.

Most reviews are very negative. I beg to differ, by far . This mini serie amazed me. It managed to honor Fritz Lang atmosphere,idiosyncracy while adapting the story to today's austria schiziphrenia. It is, i feel, inspired by Twin peaks. Hat's off, Chapeau bas !

It does follow the original M concept, it does pay hommage through several iconic sounds and images to Fritz lang's work. But that's it.

If this show has a filiation, it's to the third man and Welles. Of course, it takes place in Vienna, and a number of images are direct hommages to Welles. It also has the same dark violent, somehow nihilistic tone, that the Third Man has, especially in regards to power, politics and the single soul.

Departing from Lang's post impressionism, it favors Welles vibrant contrasts, and does translate them in beautifully constructed and shot color scenes.

It may be low on dialogs and surprises, but characters and violence are strong.

But what makes it worth watching is the rational step of tilting Lang's story towards far right political manipulation, new asocial guilt free political models, and the egotism of individuals.

The victims are not so innocent, the cops and scum not so clearly separated, and the monster not sympathetic but rather estranged.

All in all, forget Lang, and enjoy a rather well crafted mini-series.