The Five Obstructions
De fem benspænd
Synopsis
In 1967, experimental filmmaker Jorgen Leth created a striking short film, The Perfect Human, starring a man and women sitting in a box while a narrator poses questions about their relationship and humanity. Years later, Danish director Lars von Trier made a deal with Leth to remake his film five times, each under a different set of circumstances and with von Trier's strictly prescribed rules. As Leth completes each challenge, von Trier creates increasingly further elaborate stipulations.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Five Obstructions | Trailer | BELDOCS 2022
Type: Trailer • Published 2022-04-21
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Jørgen Leth
Voice-over (from Det perfekte menneske) / Self - Director / +
Lars von Trier
Self / Obstructor (segment "The Conversations")
Claus Nissen
The Perfect Man (from Det perfekte menneske) (archive footage)
Majken Algren Nielsen
The Perfect Woman (from Det perfekte menneske) (archive footage)
Daniel Hernandez Rodriguez
The Perfect Man (segment "Cuba")
Jacqueline Arenal
The Perfect Woman (segment "Cuba")
Vivian Rosa
(segment "Cuba")
Patrick Bauchau
The Perfect Man / Voice-over (Brussels) / Speaker (Cartoon)
Alexandra Vandernoot
The Perfect Woman (segment "Brussels")
Marie Dejaer
Maid (segment "Brussels")
Pascal Perez
Couple (Man) (segment "Brussels")
Meschell Perez
Couple (Woman) (segment "Brussels")
Bent Christensen
Gangster (from Det gode og det onde) (segment "Cartoon")
Anders Hove
Naked Man (from Notater om kærligheden) ( segment "Cartoon")
Charlotte Sieling
Naked Woman (from Notater om kærligheden) ( segment "Cartoon")
Jan Nowicki
Man with Jacket (from Notater om kærligheden) ( segment Cartoon)
Stina Ekblad
Woman with Money (from Notater om kærligheden) (segment Cartoon)
Bob Sabiston
Self (segment "The Perfect Human: Cartoon") (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
Toronto International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
May 26, 2004
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
Undisclosed
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$279K
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Jørgen Leth, Lars von Trier
- Screenplay & Story
- Lars von Trier, Asger Leth, Jørgen Leth
- Original Title
- De fem benspænd
- Country of Origin
- Belgium, Denmark, France, Switzerland
- Spoken Languages
- English, Danish, French, Spanish
- Runtime
- 1h 28m
- Worldwide Gross
- $279K
- Production Studios
- Panic Productions, Wajnbrosse Productions, Almaz Film Productions, Zentropa Entertainments
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Jørgen Leth, Lars von Trier
Lars von Trier, Asger Leth, Jørgen Leth
Dan Holmberg, Asger Leth, Manuel Dacosse, Adam Morris Philp
Morten Højbjerg, Camilla Skousen
Carsten Holst, Peter Aalbæk Jensen, Vibeke Windeløv, Anders Jacobsen
Department Leadership Roster
Jørgen Leth
Director
Carsten Holst
Producer
Morten Højbjerg
Editor
Lars von Trier
Director
Anders Jacobsen
Producer
Camilla Skousen
Editor
Dan Holmberg
Director of Photography
Elisabeth Houtart
Costume Design
Lars von Trier
Writer
Asger Leth
Writer
Jørgen Leth
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Five Obstructions.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Five Obstructions
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Five Obstructions about?
In 1967, experimental filmmaker Jorgen Leth created a striking short film, The Perfect Human, starring a man and women sitting in a box while a narrator poses questions about their relationship and humanity. Years later, Danish director Lars von Trier made a deal with Leth to remake his film five times, each under a different set of circumstances and with von Trier's strictly prescribed rules. As Leth completes each challenge, von Trier creates increasingly further elaborate stipulations.
Who directed The Five Obstructions?
The Five Obstructions was directed by Jørgen Leth, Lars von Trier.
Who stars in The Five Obstructions?
The principal cast of The Five Obstructions includes Jørgen Leth, Lars von Trier, Claus Nissen, Majken Algren Nielsen, Daniel Hernandez Rodriguez.
When was The Five Obstructions released and how long is it?
The Five Obstructions was released in 2003 with a total runtime of 1h 28m.
How much did The Five Obstructions make at the box office?
The Five Obstructions grossed $279K in worldwide ticket sales.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Five Obstructions?
The Five Obstructions holds official age classifications: GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.).