ritz Lang, born Friedrich Christian Anton Lang on December 5, 1890, in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, was a film director and screenwriter who left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. He passed away on August 2, 1976, but his influence is still felt today, particularly through his groundbreaking works like "Metropolis" and "M."

Lang's early life was marked by a strict Catholic upbringing and a rebellious streak. He studied architecture and painting before serving in World War I, experiences that would later inform his cinematic style. His film career began in the Weimar Republic, where his work in German Expressionism set new standards for visual storytelling.

"Metropolis," released in 1927, was a technical marvel for its time, introducing special effects that were revolutionary. Its dystopian themes and artistic vision have made it a classic. Similarly, "M," a film about a child murderer, broke new ground in sound design and narrative structure, influencing the thriller genre for years to come.

Lang fled Nazi Germany in 1933, eventually settling in the United States. His Hollywood career was marked by a series of successful films, including "Fury" and "The Big Heat," but his relationship with the American film industry was often fraught. Despite this, his influence on filmmakers like Alfred Hitchcock and Stanley Kubrick is undeniable.

Outside of filmmaking, Lang had a keen interest in music, particularly opera. He also had a fascination with psychology, often exploring complex human behaviors in his films. Lang was a meticulous planner, storyboarding each scene in great detail, a practice not common at the time.

An interesting fact about Fritz Lang is that he lost an eye during World War I, an experience that profoundly influenced his perspective on human suffering and conflict. He was also an avid chess player, often engaging in matches to unwind. Another lesser-known detail is that he once met Adolf Hitler and Joseph Goebbels, an encounter that accelerated his decision to leave Germany.