Fritz Lang, born in Austria in 1890, distinguished himself as the most notable director of German Expressionism over a career spanning more than thirty years. From Germany to Hollywood, Lang made his debut in the film industry during the silent film era and never ceased to create films, exploring a wide range of genres, from thrillers to westerns. Lang is renowned for directing iconic works that continue to captivate audiences to this day, such as Metropolis (1927), considered the first science fiction film ever made, M (1931), the first German sound film, and The Testament of Dr. Mabuse (1933), which led him into exile in Paris during the Nazi dictatorship. A few years later, the filmmaker would relocate to Hollywood, where he continued to produce notable works, including Fury (1936), You Only Live Once (1937), and Hangmen Also Die! (1943), co-written in collaboration with Bertolt Brecht.
Throughout his life, Lang dedicated himself entirely to cinema and his creative pursuits. In the words of Bernard Eisenschitz, "Fritz Lang lived for and in his films. He defined himself with precision as a sleepwalker." His work delved into complex themes such as life, death, destiny, and fate, often offering a pessimistic view of human nature. His distinctive style, characterised by visually striking and meticulously composed shots, revealed a lucid perspective on society and left an enduring mark on the history of cinema.