This is one of those movies that you either love or hate. On the pretext of investigating murders perpetrated by a serial killer von Trier leads us down to the subconscious mind of inspector Fisher in atmosphere of black surrealism. The scenery is one of water (as a symbol of oblivion?), darkness and filth everywhere. There is not a single plan taken in broad daylight. Outside it rains continuously and the characters move themselves among heaps of litter, mud and wreck. Interiors are gloomy either of a hotel room or a police bureau. Even people's clothes are shabby and stained either of police inspectors or hotel managers. Of course this must have some symbolism incomprehensible to the common viewer. The story is told by inspector Fisher while he is being analysed by a therapist in Cairo of all places. Later on this style has been more successful developed with such directors as Wim Wenders or David Lynch. However this movie was presented in the Cannes Festival in 1985 and had a great success there.
Review of The Element of Crime
