Review of The Five Obstructions (2003) by Mariz M — 22 Jul 2008
The good: Everyone needs a friend like Lars Von Trier--one that challenges you in as many ways possible in order to force your creativity in really limiting situations. The bad: He comes across as a bit of a prick, beating up on the old dude Jorgen Leth, dismissing Leth's attempt at the fourth obstruction by calling it 'MTV-like' (ok, I laughed).
I think it all comes together in the end when the proverbial mirror is reflected on themselves. I guess you can say Von Trier is the ultimate fanboy--trying to mine for faults in someone he's worshipped/analyzed/obsessed over for years (he says he's seen 'The Perfect Human' 20 times).
That leads me to believe that the guerilla style/feel of this film comes across as feigned and gimmicky, as if the only way to reflect upon Leth's work was to prove his talent to someone presently more topical in Danish cinema.
Oh well, he got 4 really cool remakes of 'The Perfect Human' out of it so I guess it can't be all bad. PS I hate the look of digital.
This review of The Five Obstructions (2003) was written by Mariz M on 22 Jul 2008.
The Five Obstructions has generally received very positive reviews.
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