The Element of Crime
Your Vote:
Be the first to rate.
6.7 IMDB Rating 1,334 Views

The Element of Crime

A cop in a dystopian Europe investigates a serial killings suspect using controversial methods written by his now disgraced former mentor.

Details

In the dystopian world of The Element of Crime (1984), a gritty crime thriller, a cop ventures into the dark corners of a ravaged Europe to track down a serial killer. Directed by Lars von Trier, this atmospheric film follows detective Fisher, who employs unconventional and controversial methods to solve his cases. As he delves deeper into the disturbed mind of the murderer, the lines between reality and fiction blur, raising questions about the nature of truth.

Fisher's investigation is heavily influenced by the teachings of his disgraced former mentor, which adds an intriguing layer to the story. The cop's journey becomes a psychological battle against his own demons as he attempts to understand the twisted logic behind the killer's actions. With striking visuals and a haunting ambiance, the film immerses viewers in a bleak, dystopian setting that perfectly complements the dark themes.

The Element of Crime presents a unique spin on the traditional crime genre, focusing more on atmosphere and psychological suspense than on the actual solving of the crimes. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the film is not aiming for a conventional resolution, but rather offers an exploration of the human psyche and the power of storytelling. Lars von Trier's masterful direction and the stellar performances from the cast make this a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking cinema.

Also Known As:

The Element of Crime

Release Date:

14 May 1984

Writers:

Niels Vørsel, William Quarshie, Stephen Wakelam

Awards:

12 wins & 3 nominations

People also search for

A Better Tomorrow 1986

A reforming ex-gangster tries to reconcile with his estranged policeman brother, but the ties to his former gang are difficult to break.

Category: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller

Stars: Lung Ti, Leslie Cheung, Chow Yun-Fat

7.4 IMDB Rating 90 Views
Cuck 2019

When a frustrated loner gains popularity as an Alt-Right vlogger, the online echo chamber turns his fears into a deadly rage.

Category: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Stars: Zachary Ray Sherman, Sally Kirkland, Timothy V. Murphy

4.4 IMDB Rating 4,507 Views
The Girl on the Train 2021

The story follows a recent divorcee who spends her daily commute fantasizing about a seemingly perfect couple who live in a house that her train passes daily, but something shocking happens there one day.

Category: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Stars: Parineeti Chopra, Aditi Rao Hydari, Kirti Kulhari

4.0 IMDB Rating 3,340 Views
Sovereign 2025

A father and son who identify as Sovereign Citizens, a group of anti-government extremists, find themselves in a standoff with a chief of police that sets off a manhunt.

Category: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Stars: Nick Offerman, Jacob Tremblay, Dennis Quaid

6.4 IMDB Rating 1,143 Views
The Wannabe 2015

Thomas is obsessed with mob culture and sets out to fix the 1992 trial of mob-boss John Gotti. He believes if the plan is executed, it will put him at the center of all that he idolizes. He wants to fit in and get attention.

Category: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Stars: Vincenzo Amato, Patricia Arquette, Nicholas Belleas

5.1 IMDB Rating 4,561 Views
Play Dirty 2025

A ruthless thief and his expert crew stumble onto the heist of a lifetime.

Category: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller

Stars: Mark Wahlberg, LaKeith Stanfield, Rosa Salazar

2,623 Views
Caught Stealing 2025

Burned-out ex-baseball player Hank Thompson unexpectedly finds himself embroiled in a dangerous struggle for survival amidst the criminal underbelly of 1990s New York City, forced to navigate a treacherous underworld he never imagined.

Category: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller

Stars: Austin Butler, Regina King, Zoë Kravitz

7.3 IMDB Rating 1,459 Views
The Merry Gentleman 2008

A woman leaves an abusive husband to start a new life in Chicago, where she befriends a man undergoing an emotional crisis, who she does not know is a professional killer, and a detective, who is investigating the hit man.

Category: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Stars: Michael Keaton, Kelly Macdonald, Bobby Cannavale

6.4 IMDB Rating 308 Views
Johnny Frank Garretts Last Word 2016

When a young man is executed for committing murder, he leaves behind a curse letter, promising vengeance for all those connected to his unfair trial.

Category: Crime, Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Stars: Sean Patrick Flanery, Mike Doyle, Erin Cummings

5.1 IMDB Rating 5,947 Views
Kansas City Confidential 1952

An ex-con trying to go straight is framed for a million dollar armored car robbery and must go to Mexico in order to unmask the real culprits.

Category: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Stars: John Payne, Coleen Gray, Preston Foster

7.3 IMDB Rating 190 Views