Dr. Mabuse, the Gambler (1922)

In this captivating silent film that begins the Dr. Mabuse series by the extraordinary Fritz Lang, we delve into the cunning machinations of a criminal mastermind. Dr. Mabuse, an expert in disguise and manipulation, embodies villainy in every sense using hypnotism and a network of henchmen as he orchestrates a series of schemes involving gambling and murder, to gain riches and the cynical pleasure of playing with the lives of others.