The Five Obstructions 2003
In *The Five Objections* (2003), Danish filmmaker Jørgen Leth faces a creative gauntlet unlike any other.
Director: Jørgen Leth
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Five Obstructions (2003) about?
*The Five Obstructions* follows Jørgen Leth as he's tasked by Lars von Trier to remake his cult classic short film under five increasingly difficult challenges. Each version must adhere to strict rules, pushing Leth's creativity to its limits while exploring themes of control, reinvention, and artistic integrity.
Who directed The Five Obstructions?
The film was co-directed by Jørgen Leth and Lars von Trier, with von Trier designing the obstacles as part of their creative duel.
Who stars in The Five Obstructions?
The documentary features Jørgen Leth, Lars von Trier, Claus Nissen, Majken Algren Nielsen, and Daniel Hernandez Rodriguez.
Is The Five Obstructions (2003) worth watching?
*The Five Obstructions* is a fascinating watch for film lovers and critics alike. Its blend of humor, intellect, and meta-narrative makes it rewarding, though its experimental nature may not suit casual viewers. A must-see for fans of von Trier and avant-garde cinema.
How long is The Five Obstructions?
The film runs for 90 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
The Five Obstructions (2003): A Filmmaker's Battle Against His Own Genius
In *The Five Objections* (2003), Danish filmmaker Jørgen Leth faces a creative gauntlet unlike any other. Danish provocateur Lars von Trier challenges him to remake his iconic 1967 short, *The Perfect Human*, not once but five times—each iteration under increasingly bizarre and restrictive rules. From stripping the film to pure dialogue to imposing absurd constraints on location and lighting, von Trier pushes Leth to confront the limits of his own craft. What emerges is a playful yet profound meditation on artistry, obedience, and the fragile balance between control and chaos.
The collaboration unfolds like a high-stakes cinematic duel, blending humor with existential inquiry. As Leth grapples with each obstruction, the film morphs from sleek minimalism to raw, stripped-down experimentation. The result? A documentary that's as much about the creative process as it is about the final product. With its dry wit and intellectual depth, *The Five Obstructions* invites viewers to ponder: how far would you go to reinvent yourself—and your art?