The Element of Crime
Seen it?1984 | 104 min | Crime, Drama, Science Fiction
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (80% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 6.4 out of 10 from audiences and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans and sci-fi fans. If you loved Cop Land, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 44 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in Danish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
80% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
6.4 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
8 wins and 0 nominations from smaller awards and festivals
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 31K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Cop Land
Saturday SpecialAnother crime drama, and a Saturday Special.
My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done
Weeknight WatchAnother crime drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Bone Collector Weeknight WatchAnother crime drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Little Things Weeknight WatchAnother crime drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Nile Hilton Incident Sunday Safe BetAnother crime drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Lars von Trier
- Michael ElphickFisher
- Esmond KnightOsborne
- Me Me LaiKim
- Jerold WellsKramer
- Ahmed El ShenawiTherapist
- Astrid Henning-JensenHouse Keeper
- Janos HerskoCoroner
- Stig LarssonCoroner's Assistant
- Harry HarperPortier 1
- Roman MoszkowiczPortier 2