The Element of Crime

1984 · directed by Lars von Trier

Rating
69/100
Hit
no

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.

The Element of Crime (1984), directed by Lars von Trier, rates 69/100. See how its director, cast and crew rate across their careers.

Cast

  • Michael Elphick
  • Esmond Knight
  • Me Me Lai
  • Jerold Wells
  • Ahmed El Shenawi
  • Astrid Henning-Jensen
  • Janos Hersko
  • Stig Larsson
  • Harry Harper
  • Roman Moszkowicz

Crew

  • Tom Elling — Director of Photography
  • Tómas Gislason — Editor
  • Lars von Trier — Screenplay
  • Niels Vørsel — Screenplay

More from Lars von Trier

  1. Breaking the Waves (1996) — 79/100
  2. The Kingdom II (1998) — 79/100
  3. To Each His Own Cinema (2007) — 79/100
  4. Dancer in the Dark (2000) — 78/100
  5. The Kingdom (1994) — 78/100
  6. The Five Obstructions (2003) — 76/100

How these numbers work: Methodology