The Five Obstructions
In 1967, experimental filmmaker Jorgen Leth created a striking short film, The Perfect Human, starring a man and women sitting in a box while a narrator poses questions about their relationship and humanity. Years later, Danish director Lars von Trier made a deal with Leth to remake his film five times, each under a different set of circumstances and with von Trier's strictly prescribed rules. As Leth completes each challenge, von Trier creates increasingly further elaborate stipulations.
Insights
Plot Summary
Filmmaker Lars von Trier challenges his elder mentor Jørgen Leth to remake the same short film five times, with each remake being progressively more difficult due to a new set of self-imposed rules. Leth must overcome these creative 'obstructions' while von Trier observes and manipulates the process.
Critical Reception
The Five Obstructions was met with critical acclaim, praised for its innovative and meta-cinematic approach. Critics lauded the intellectual sparring between the two directors and the exploration of the filmmaking process itself, though some found its experimental nature challenging.
What Reviewers Say
- A fascinating and often exhilarating meta-documentary exploring the creative process.
- The film is a brilliant exercise in cinematic deconstruction and intellectual provocation.
- The dynamic between von Trier and Leth is compelling, offering unique insights into filmmaking.
Google audience: Google users generally loved the film, appreciating its unique concept and the intellectual engagement it offered. Many found it thought-provoking and a highly original take on documentary filmmaking.
Awards & Accolades
Screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. Won the FIPRESCI Prize at the 2004 Toronto International Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The 'obstructions' were designed by Lars von Trier to push Jørgen Leth beyond his comfort zone, including requirements to film in a slum in Mumbai and to only use animated sequences.
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