The Element of Crime is currently streaming on Mubi

The Element of Crime (1984)99 minCrime, Drama, ThrillerRating 65/100

A fascination with the extreme is written across all of Lars von Trier’s works, beginning with this mesmeric investigation of criminal minds. Captured in burnt sepia tones expressive of photographic fragments or uncertain memories, the ashen film is also evocative of a changing—crumbling?—Europe.

Cast: Michael Elphick, Esmond Knight, Me Me Lai, Jerold Wells, Ahmed El Shenawi, Astrid Henning-Jensen, Janos Hersko

Director: Lars von Trier