The read
Scores higher than 76% of the 446 1980s crime movies in this catalog.
Synopsis
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.
Ratings
IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes83%
Metacritic66/100
236 audience votes
Key crew
- Lars von TrierDirector
- Lars von TrierScreenplay
- Niels VørselScreenplay
Cast
- 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
- Lars von TrierSchmuck of Ages
- Frederik CasbyWhite Policeman
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Themes
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The Best Movies of 1984
The Element of Crime is #50 of 60
