The Five Obstructions
In the film ‘The Five Obstructions’ Jorgen Leth is challenged to remake his original film ‘The Perfect Human’ five times each time with different obstructions. In the first remake Leth must remake the film in Cuba but with no set and with no shot longer than 12 frames. Leth manages to complete this task successfully. I liked the way in which the restrictions placed on Leth didn’t limit him but in fact did the opposite and gave him a chance to recreate a film that is both innovative and inspiring. I think that by placing restrictions on yourself you are forced to think outside the box and be more creative. The second film raises moral and ethical questions, the restrictions state that the film must be made in the worst place on earth, he must play the role of the man, the meal is to be included but the woman is to be left out. Leth chooses to make the film in red light district of Bombay. This made me think about how as filmmakers we must think carefully about our subject matter and who is being effected by what we create.
