The defence The Big-Idea Head
“Form is the argument.”
Every composed frame and deliberate cut is evidence that control can be thrilling in its own right.
Back to trending 
M
Crime · Drama · Thriller · 1951
In the city, someone is murdering children. The police search is so intense, it is disturbing the 'normal' criminals, and the local hoods decide to help find the murderer as quickly as possible.
Movie details
M
“The most gripping motion picture you've ever seen!”
1951 Crime · Drama · Thriller 1h 28m
Critical arithmetic
One number, for now.
Scores change. Arguments endure.
TMDB
6.5 / 10
Community rating
In the city, someone is murdering children. The police search is so intense, it is disturbing the 'normal' criminals, and the local hoods decide to help find the murderer as quickly as possible.
CriticWise case file
What this film says about your taste.
Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.
The archetype split
Who fights over M?
For the defence
The Big-Idea Head
“You watch with your brain, not your gut.”
Read their case For the prosecution
The Popcorn Loyalist
“Big screen, big feelings, no apologies.”
Read their objectionThe split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.
Taste neighbourhood
Nearby on the taste map.
TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.
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Stranger on the Third Floor
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The Naked City
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After a former model is drowned in her bathtub, Detective James Halloran and Lieutenant Dan Muldoon attempt to piece together her murder.
Underworld U.S.A.
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Where it lives
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Names above the title
The people responsible.
Cast & crew
Directed by
Joseph Losey
Written by
Leo Katcher · Norman Reilly Raine
David Wayne
Martin W. Harrow
Howard Da Silva
Inspector Carney
Martin Gabel
Charlie Marshall
Luther Adler
Dan Langley
Steve Brodie
Police Lt. Becker
Raymond Burr
Pottsy
Glenn Anders
Riggert
Court is in session
Put M on trial.
Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.
The prosecution The Popcorn Loyalist
“Technique in search of a pulse.”
Immaculate construction is still construction. The film may be too busy proving its craft to feel alive.