Mis-en-scene
Lang paid special attention to the staging of every scene in this film. They are especially calculated to create a feeling and mood that represents the themes of the picture. It is Lang’s ultimate version of urban space, representing his views of urban Germany. In each shot it is possible to see the detail in the creation of this scene. As the film is a hybrid of noir and expressionism, the placement of lights and shadows is very important in the communication of themes and moods.The lighting is often done from the front in order to cast the appropriate shadows on the sets behind the actors. The lighting was also important in the distinction between the different shades of black, white, and grey that are used in the picture.
Lang also paid close attention to the extras used to fill onscreen space. The director admits that he used actual criminals as extras and actors for the scenes involving the underworld. His idea was to create an authentic feeling, and the only way to do so was to use real criminals. Lang claims that 24 men were arrested during the filming of M.
