The five obstructions

Iconoclastic Danish director Von Trier (Dancer in the Dark, Dogville) issues a good-natured challenge to his fellow director, friend, and mentor Leth to remake Leth's 1967 short film The Perfect Human five times. However, Von Trier stipulates that each time Leth must overcome one or more "obstructions." For example, in the first version, Von Trier orders that no shot be held longer than 12 frames (a second or two), a decree that Leth tartly notes will result in a "spastic film." Other obstructions follow, and Leth's efforts range from Cuba to Bombay, even producing a cartoon version, while in between Von Trier and Leth critique the results. This cinematic exercise has amused and divided both critics and chat room film buffs. Indeed, Von Trier seems to delight in confounding expectations and irritating the viewer (particularly those long sessions with the two directors, and an endless, aimless sequence of Leth wandering around hotel corridors). Von Trier earns points for originality, and Leth's amiable efforts (particularly the animated version) should delight die-hard cinephiles. However, the average viewer may be left wondering why Von Trier didn't tackle a project of more consequence. In Danish, French, and Spanish with English subtitles, containing brief nudity and some harsh language, this video is appropriate for academic libraries serving serious film students.--Stephen Rees, Levittown Regional Lib., PA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.