The Five Obstructions

Danish filmmaker Lars von Trier (”Dogville”) provokes his longtime mentor Jorgen Leth through a series of spontaneously created rules for Leth to impose on the remaking his classic 1967 short film “The Perfect Human.” As von Trier pushes the depressed Leth seemingly further outside of his comfort zone, the elder director’s mood changes markedly and he discovers ingenious ways to solve or avoid von Trier’s “obstructions.” “The Five Obstructions” is an ingenious look at two daringly original filmmakers playing with filmmaking as a tool for communicating with each other and for making personal discoveries. Indeed, life, art and rehabilitation blend seamlessly together in this remarkable movie.

Not Rated. 90 mins. (B+) (Four Stars)