The Element of Crime (1987)

Forbrydelsens element 1984 the Element of Crime Von trier give us another like this one. Excellent 1984 Film noir I love this film and have seen it several times because it is so intrinsically different from any movie I had ever seen. I wish I had seen it on the big screen. It did show at the Inwood Theater in Dallas 1984 while I was living there,. I agree with some reviewers that the film does have some problems and faults but they do not bother me (the film is all style and tone but the plot is almost incomprehensible. the film is stylistically dazzling and mind boggling). I watched the film the 1st time and immediately watched it again because I could not believe what I saw the first screening. I don't recall every seeing such a dreamy dreamy dark surreal setting for a movie. really its just a hard boiled detective film in an extremely different package. Also called Forbrydelsens element 1984 it won a the Technical Grand Prize at the 1984 Cannes Film Festival. be sure and read the film walrus review of this film " film walrus---let me mention the most frequently cited complaints about The Element of Crime: its cold, emotionless surface, devoid of humanity and wickedly inaccessible.: I love this film it is one of my favorites. Anybody who has watched it with me has been speechless. I am surprised that is has not been on a film revival and reprinted new 35 mm print (or digital) and shown at festivals or mid night movies. for a debut film this film is astonishing.

This film starts in a most unrealistic situation.Presence of hypnotist is quite comical. This could be otherwise plotted.Presence of a hypnotist dilutes the serious mood of the film. But as the film progresses,it generates interest in it.I thought ,this film would be based on some real field reports. But , as the film progresses, it becomes clear that contention of th film is not an academic study, but a total fiction. Making of the film & back ground music are quite imaginative. After all the film never distracts attention of viewers.However, not a bad movie to watch.

Lars Von Trier's feature début is a stylish, extremely bizarre and intriguing tapestry about an ex-cop (Michael Elphick) who obsessively pursues a serial killer. Playing with different film genres and supported by a fantastic production design, "The Element of Crime" was very different from what I expected, but not in a bad way. This is the first film in Lars' 'Europe trilogy', followed by "Epidemic" (1987) and "Zentropa" (1991). Influenced by Fritz Lang, Terry Gilliam and many others, the film also has a voice of its own (Von Trier's raging verve); I'd call it "The Silence of the Lambs" meets "Delicatessen", so you can have an idea of how bizarre it is. If that sounds interesting to you, you should check it; even if you're not into the likes of "Dogville" or "Breaking the Waves", you may still appreciate it. Interesting for Von Trier fans and admirers of puzzles alike. 8/10.

I have to say that when we consider the setting, it is one of the best films I've ever seen. The black side of the Europe with all those shades of red and orange is very impressive. On the other hand, thanks to the classic Von Trier understanding, it is longer than it could be and it is boring than normal films. He would do the same thing while filming the "Dogville", which contains a great idea and innovative scenes but still being a long and boring movie.Also, I must recommend you to see other two movies of the trilogy. They are all successful in filming. Of course, if you have enough patience to handle the boring minutes in them. I can say that Von Trier was "this" close to create a masterpiece in his early period but in a sense wasted it in order to create a personal cinematic style.