5 Obstructions

“Something happened today. I am hoping to understand it in a day or two”

It is a seemingly anthropological movie where a human being (a man, switching occasionally to a woman) does various basic actions, walking, dressing, eating, undressing, jumps, dances, and a voice over says how we are going to "see the perfect human being in action". There is the occasional introspective line where the character ponders, "Today, too, I had an experience that I hope I shall understand in a few days' time."

This is a film which has much to say about filmmaking and creativity. It makes a powerful demonstration of the fact that the film made with the fewest restrictions is the worst. The result is a movie that is intelligent, incisive, artistic, and inspiring.

The ending is unexpectedly moving.

"Tortoise on His Back"

Trier is actually doing a documentary about Leth and his creative process. Each obstruction is designed to show off Leth’s presumed genius at getting around the obstruction and produce a ever better movie. It is about Leth overcoming his own shortcomings and dislikes.

The forth film reminded me of Scanner Darkly. Trier chooses as the fourth obstruction, that Leth has to film the next version as a cartoon. Both men claim to despite cartoons. Leth hires an Austin, Texas cartoonist, Bob Sabiston, and the result, is visually interesting and amazing. I specifically loved the scene with perfect human falling down on a red background with different angels.

The ending justifies the rather long and mentally intriguing preface. No artifice. I watched it three times.

It was a documentary testament to Trier's own particular genius.