Fritz Lang

The Profile

Fritz Lang (1890–1976) was an Austrian-born, later American film director and screenwriter. A central figure of German Expressionism and a key influence on film noir, he directed landmark works including Metropolis (1927), M (1931), and The Big Heat (1953), working from the silent era through Hollywood.

Born in Vienna in 1890 and died in Los Angeles in 1976; emigrated from Germany to the United States in the 1930s; major works include Metropolis (1927), M (1931), Die Nibelungen (1924), and The Big Heat (1953); pivotal influence on German Expressionism and American film noir.

Five DeBaser reviews celebrate Fritz Lang’s range: from the expressionist power of Metropolis and Die Nibelungen to the groundbreaking thriller M and the hard-edged noir The Big Heat. Reviewers highlight his visual rigor, sociopolitical depth, and modernity. Themes include class conflict, moral ambiguity, and innovative technique (sound, chiaroscuro, long takes). Overall verdict: foundational and still urgent.