Watch The Element of Crime

The Element of Crime is a science fiction thriller from the year 1984 directed by Lars von Trier. The movie is set in a dystopian future where the cities of Europe are flooded with water, and a mysterious psychopath is on the loose committing brutal murders. The plot of the movie revolves around a detective named Fisher, played by Michael Elphick. Fisher is a European detective who returns to Egypt where he was once trained by a legendary detective named Osborne (played by Esmond Knight). The reason for his return is to solve a series of disturbing murders that have been taking place in the city.

The movie is notable for its distinctive visual style, which is heavily influenced by classic film noir. The scenes are often shot in a blue-green monochrome, giving the film a moody and atmospheric feel. Elements of Expressionism are also present in the movie, particularly in the way that the camera tilts and the use of sharp angles to create a sense of unease.

The Element of Crime's futuristic setting is also a key aspect of the movie. The cities are portrayed as being run-down and dirty, with flooded streets and crumbling architecture. The people who live in these cities are portrayed as being downtrodden and desperate, and this sense of hopelessness is palpable throughout the movie.

As Fisher begins to investigate the murders, he becomes increasingly obsessed with the killer's identity. He starts to use a controversial new technique called 'the element of crime' to enter into the mind of the killer, hoping to understand his motivations and predict his next move.

As the movie progresses, Fisher's obsession with the killer becomes more dangerous. He starts to lose touch with reality and becomes increasingly embroiled in the killer's world. This culminates in a dramatic and violent climax, which I won't spoil here.

Overall, The Element of Crime is a challenging and thought-provoking movie, which rewards viewers with an intriguing and unusual blend of science fiction, film noir, and Expressionism. The movie's themes of obsession, isolation, and the fragility of the human mind are explored with intelligence and nuance, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the genre.

The Element of Crime is a 1984 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 66.