The Element of Crime
Kærne Film | Release Date: May 14, 1984 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
66
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 6 Critic Reviews
Positive:
4
Mixed:
2
Negative:
0

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
83
The A.V. ClubKeith Phipps
Crime's dreamlike tone and fantastic visuals make it impossible to forget, like an absurd nightmare that overshadows the following day. Even if Von Trier never made another movie, viewers would still watch and admire this debut. Read full review
83
Portland OregonianMarc Mohan
Most memorable for its startling color scheme, all sepia-toned monochrome with occasional stabs of icy blue. [23 Mar 2001]
80
Time OutStaff (Not Credited)
A cinephile's film, stuffed with influences and allusions which, together with the precocious brilliance of every single image, can become numbing at times rather than stunning; but the absolute assurance and ingenuity make this a debut as startling as Eraserhead and every bit as spectacular. Read full review
67
Austin ChronicleMarc Savlov
Unsettling and odd, it's the perfect film for a dreary, rainy day. Read full review
60
The New York TimesVincent Canby
A film noir that's murky without being terribly mysterious. Read full review
40
TV Guide MagazineStaff (Not Credited)
Filmed with great visual style, the film looks terrific but makes almost no sense save for its "insider" references to such films noir as Jean Luc Godard's Alphaville and Fritz Lang's M. Read full review
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