The Element of Crime

The Element of Crime

104 mins | Drama, Crime, Science Fiction | May 18, 1984

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

104 mins | Drama, Crime, Science Fiction | May 18, 1984

The Element of Crime
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.
IMDb rating 6.7
Producers Det Danske Filminstitut, Per Holst Filmproduktion
Original title Forbrydelsens element
Directors Stine Monty, Åke Sandgren, Lars von Trier
Writers Niels Vørsel, Lars von Trier

Cast

Michael Elphick

as Fisher

Esmond Knight

as Osborne

Me Me Lai

as Kim

Jerold Wells

as Kramer

Ahmed El Shenawi

as Therapist

Janos Hersko

as Coroner

Stig Larsson

as Coroner's Assistant

Harry Harper

as Portier 1

Roman Moszkowicz

as Portier 2

Lars von Trier

as Schmuck of Ages

Frederik Casby

as White Policeman

Duke Addabayo

as Black Policeman

Jon Bang Carlsen

as Angry Policeman

Leif Magnusson

as Hotel Guest

Preben Lerdorff Rye

as Grandfather

Camilla Overbye

as Lotto Girl 1

Maria Behrendt

as Lotto Girl 2

Mogens Rukov

as Librarian

Gotha Andersen

as Judge