Ranking Every Lars Von Trier Film Worst To Best
8. The Five Obstructions (2003)
The Five Obstructions signalled von Trier's first foray into the realm of documentary filmmaking, and showcases not just the director's love for film, but also his own immeasurable talent and passion for his craft. In it, von Trier challenges his idol, the experimental filmmaker Jorgen Leth, to recreate his 1967 film The Perfect Human five times.
Each time Leth remakes his film, von Trier puts an obstruction in the way, challenging his cinematic hero to really show what he's made of. In one instant, von Trier has Leth make it as a cartoon, and in another he must film the whole thing in Cuba with no set and strict time constraints.
The Five Obstructions is a joyous, funny look at the filmmaking process, and is stretched to greatness by the clear glee von Trier feels tormenting his inventive and tough-to-beat role model. It's also a rewarding experience, ending on an undeniable high and cementing von Trier as a genius when at his best.