The Element of Crime isn't a wholly successful first feature: but it's an odd one. Sometimes, that's as good.

Von Trier clearly has talent, imagination, originality and a capacity to surprise. I just wish he would learn not to force it down one's throat.

Well before the end I ceased to be interested in the characters' fates or the solution to the mystery, but I never detected a moment when the directors' self-confidence flagged.

This is the movie that established and enabled this enfant most terrible. It’s a difficult ride but for cineastes it is one worth taking.