The Element of Crime

The Element of Crime

Crime • NR • 1984 • 1 hr 44 min

6.2

6.7

Fisher, an ex-detective, decides to take one final case when a mysterious serial killer claims the lives of several young girls. Fisher, unable to find the culprit, turns to Osbourne, a writer who was once respected for his contributions to the field of criminology. Fisher begins to use Osbourne's technique, which involves empathizing with serial killers; however, as the detective becomes increasingly engrossed in this method, things take a disturbing turn.

Starring

Michael Elphick, Esmond Knight, Me Me Lai, Jerold Wells, Ahmed El Shenawi

Directed By

Written By

Lars von Trier, Niels Vørsel

Attributes

Complex Slow Dark Watch By Myself

Genre

Crime Drama Science Fiction Foreign

Release Date

May 1, 1987

User Reviews

Nicholas Kuster-Tabares

Very tame for von trier IMO. Still enjoyable and a good exploration of the themes that are present throughout the europa trilogy.

Inherently disorienting, as is the protagonist’s experience. A dreamlike, contradictory noir set in a shredded, anarchist, alternate Europe.

Von Trier is always hard to fully understand, but often enjoyable even when you don't; this film (and the whole trilogy) is the exception

This film looks disgusting and sticky (this is a positive review)

The cinematography is good for an ‘80s film, but the plot is too slow and unhinged. The imagery of dead animals was also unappealing.

I emphasize the photography, highly achieved. It transmits an unique sensation.

Samuel helligso

Don’t understand why they made a movie of this.

Beautiful sepia.

Great debut!!!

So this is the stone age of Von Trier

Stats

Ratings

6.2 – Based on 150 ratings

Attributes

Watch With

Trailer

The Element of Crime (Forbrydelsens Element) - Trailer 1984