Review of The Five Obstructions (2003) by Mary B — 09 Feb 2008

There's something compelling about this film in that it documents a particular creative process and gives exposition to those Dane filmmakers who create under the Dogme 95 manifesto. Furthermore, deconstructionists (cinematic, academic, poetic) will find this a valuable watch in that it confronts philosophical concerns about the artist himself (Leth) and the ways in which artists solve problems in and through their work.

I can't put my finger on what didn't sit well with me in this documentary. Perhaps it's the overly pretentious nature of von Trier (whom I've always found neurotically adorable) who really gets under my skin and not the film itself.

This really isn't a film to sit back and enjoy, it's one where you might find yourself taking notes.