M: point of view and identification

Lang characteristically shoots people from a distance and frequently above. He uses relatively few point of view shots where the camera sees through the eyes of a character. These shots seek an objective and dispassionate view of emotional events and circumstances.
Below: The set for M was designed to allow for high overhead shooting.
When Lang uses point of view shots in M, or shots where characters look directly into the camera lens, they most frequently are associated with Beckert.
M ends with a direct address to the audience.

the opening sequence
experimentation with film sound
mirrors and shadows
the official world and the underworld
the surveillance society
street scenes
social issues