The Element of Crime (1984)

In the bleak backdrop of a dystopian Europe, Fisher, a seasoned police detective, finds himself drawn back to his roots after a thirteen-year sabbatical in Cairo. Plagued by crippling headaches, remnants of his last haunting case, he turns to hypnosis therapy as a solace. As the veil of his subconscious lifts, Fisher recounts a harrowing tale of his relentless pursuit of a serial killer preying on young lottery ticket sellers. Guided by the controversial theories from "The Element of Crime," a treatise penned by his disgraced former mentor, Fisher navigates through the labyrinth of a decaying law enforcement system. He becomes engrossed in an old surveillance report that holds the trails of a suspect, Harry Grey, from a similar string of murders from the past. With each step retraced, Fisher finds himself spiraling into an obsession that blurs the line between hunter and prey. He delves into an eerie dance with the phantom of Harry Grey, traversing the murky waters of his psyche. As he ventures deeper into the abyss, the distinction between the seasoned detective and the elusive serial killer becomes increasingly murky. "The Element of Crime" is a chilling journey into the human psyche, where the pursuit of justice and the descent into madness become indistinguishable. This atmospheric tale of obsession and identity will keep viewers on the edge of their seat, questioning the nature of morality and the haunting echo of past sins.

The Element of Crime is a crime movie featuring Michael Elphick.

The Element of Crime is currently streaming on MUBI and MUBI Amazon Channel.