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The Element of Crime

Play trailer Poster for The Element of Crime Released May 1, 1987 1h 40m Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
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83% Tomatometer 18 Reviews 72% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Fisher (Michael Elphick), 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 (Esmond Knight), 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.

Critics Reviews

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Alexander Walker London Evening Standard The Element of Crime isn't a wholly successful first feature: but it's an odd one. Sometimes, that's as good. Feb 14, 2025 Full Review Derek Malcolm Guardian Von Trier clearly has talent, imagination, originality and a capacity to surprise. I just wish he would learn not to force it down one's throat. Feb 14, 2025 Full Review Marc Savlov Austin Chronicle Rated: 3/5 Jan 1, 2000 Full Review Philip French Observer (UK) Well before the end I ceased to be interested in the characters' fates or the solution to the mystery, but I never detected a moment when the directors' self-confidence flagged. Feb 14, 2025 Full Review David Harris Spectrum Culture This is the movie that established and enabled this enfant most terrible. It’s a difficult ride but for cineastes it is one worth taking. Aug 22, 2023 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Slow-moving yet sturdy. Rated: 3/4 Jan 21, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Mason M One of the absolute most visually stunning and impressive films ever made. It's unbelievable that Von Trier made this as his first real feature film. Maybe one of the times I've been most disturbed by a film due to it's shocking and horrifying ending. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/03/25 Full Review Dave S Always a polarizing force with audiences and critics alike, director Lars von Trier certainly got off on the right foot with his debut film, The Element of Crime. When a former police detective is put under hypnosis, he recalls his final case as an investigator, a grisly murder case involving the killing and mutilation of young girls who sell lottery tickets. Set in a sepia-tinged, nightmarish world of mist, rain, and darkness, The Elements of Crime is a visual wonder throughout, filled with creative camera angles, interesting lighting, and fantastic sets. Strangely, it is so visually arresting that the viewer may be distracted from the characters and the storyline, wondering to themselves as the credits roll ‘what the hell was that all about?' This is a classic case of style over substance. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Audience Member 20 minutes and I've had enough. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 05/11/19 Full Review vilém n It's kinda briliant but I still fuckin hate it Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member I can't say I'm very fond of Lars von Trier's debut feature. It's certainly an atmospheric and visually stunning film, but the extremely sluggish pace isn't really rewarded with much of a plot. It's fine, but I enjoy his later work to a much larger degree. It is pretty wonderful that Me Me Lai has both "Eaten Alive!" and this flick on her resume. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Audience Member It looks beautiful (albeit in a maximally oppressive way) but almost wilfully refuses to make a lick of sense... welcome to the wonderful world of Lars von Trier. Obliqueness wouldn't normally be a problem, but I had a big suspicion that this story of those who have to get into the mindset of serial killers to hunt serial killers risking becoming monsters themselves was both a bit hackneyed and more than a bit plain nasty. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/18/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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The Element of Crime

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Movie Info

Synopsis Fisher (Michael Elphick), 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 (Esmond Knight), 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.
Director
Lars von Trier
Distributor
Criterion Collection
Production Co
Per Holst Filmproduktion
Genre
Sci-Fi
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 1, 1987, Limited
Release Date (DVD)
Sep 19, 2000
Runtime
1h 40m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
35mm, Flat (1.85:1)