Review of The Element of Crime (1984) by David K — 20 Sep 2009

What can be said about Lars von Trier's "The Element of Crime?" The film oozes grime and is practically textural. When it ended, I felt like I needed a shower.

The film centers around a detective who, through hypnosis, recalls a murder case and his attempt to catch the perpetrator. What results is a dream-like journey through hell. Never, throughout the entire duration, did I feel safe. I felt lost, confused, and completely alone. Indeed, the film drives home the idea of isolation and the principle of self-alienation. It's definitely an emotion "The Element of Crime" is trying to tap into, and I must say it succeeds.

Shot in a very eerie tone of sepia, the film's monotonous color scheme is nothing short of brilliant. It's somewhat overbearing and takes on a trance-like quality. It's a really beautiful movie.

But I can't say I loved it. "The Element of Crime" refers to a book that argues that the best way to catch a criminal, is to try and become them. To me, that sounds like the fast track to an eternal nightmare of insanity. Darkness, slime, grime, and wetness is a lot to handle for an hour and forty minutes. When it was over, I must say I was glad my mind was free of this brilliantly made nightmare.