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![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/sfg5KUOdR4bfoPiDf63LVG7mlfw.jpg)
The Element of Crime (1984)
- NR
- 10/01/1984 (US)
- Crime, Drama, Science Fiction
- 1h 44m
Overview
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.
Lars von Trier
Director, ScreenplayNiels Vørsel
ScreenplayCast
![Michael Elphick's headshot](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/xVmedV04Myv3doYwlL3Tf2YWOjw.jpg)
Michael Elphick
Fisher![Esmond Knight's headshot](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/czwSqQgBDb8WpCpppeFrOn0JD8r.jpg)
Esmond Knight
Osborne![Me Me Lai's headshot](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/iHqEcia3V3xTDhxa3nrLzEgEoQC.jpg)
Me Me Lai
Kim![Jerold Wells's headshot](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/1HL6FlXxVL4J9ZsV6DWd88IleeP.jpg)
Jerold Wells
Kramer![Ahmed El Shenawi's headshot](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/9KSrNjOkfxl6qnxQNZzBIcJPFXA.jpg)
Ahmed El Shenawi
Therapist![Astrid Henning-Jensen's headshot](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/wSbf3ChBjl8CRGY67h2m2aOsv2y.jpg)
Astrid Henning-Jensen
House KeeperJanos Hersko
Coroner![Stig Larsson's headshot](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/wTVG2E2RlFSEeNYVustrs46Plmv.jpg)