The Element of Crime

1984 · 1h44 · Film

Directed by Lars von Trier

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

Ideal when you feel… Happy Sad / low Calm

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.

Updated July 22, 2026

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