M

Each month, Melanie Friesen invites a distinguished guest to Vancity Theatre’s Cinema Salon, in order to present his/her favourite film. After the screening, both audience and speaker have the opportunity to engage over drinks and snacks in the Vancity lounge. This month’s film is M, considered one of the most important German films of all time.

Set in 1931 Berlin, M is a rat’s-eye view of a city gripped by oppression and fear. The police are anxious to arrest a child murderer (Peter Lorre) and round up every criminal in town. The underworld leaders don’t want the heat and decide to find the killer themselves, with the help of the beggars’ union. Director Fritz Lang has been recognized with forming two cinematic genres here: the serial killer film and the police procedural.

M was the film that launched Peter Lorre’s career and features the most powerful “courtroom” scene on celluloid. As one of the earliest sound films, Lang’s understated use of this new technology is exceptionally innovative.

This month’s Cinema Salon is hosted by Andrew Petter Q.C., President and Vice Chancellor of Simon Fraser University and Professor in the School of Public Policy. Prior to joining SFU in 2010, he was Professor in the Faculty of Law of the University of Victoria where he served as Dean from 2001 to 2008.

From 1991 to 2001, Professor Petter served as a BC MLA and held numerous cabinet portfolios, including Advanced Education and Attorney General. Professor Petter holds an LL.B. from University of Victoria, where he was gold medallist, and an LL.M. with first class honours from Cambridge University.

Andrew Petter
[Andrew Petter Q.C.]

Vancity Cinema Salon with Andrew Petter Presents M
Date: Tuesday, September 4, 7:30 pm
Venue: Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $13.00; may be purchased online

Note: VIFF is currently in the process of upgrading its web site and ticketing systems. Please be advised that there may be a brief interruption to online services in August. Tickets for M will be available for purchase at the box office on the evening of the screening.

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