The Perfect Human (Danish: Det perfekte menneske) is a cult short film in black and white by Jørgen Leth[1] lasting 13 minutes about a middle class Danish couple performing everyday rituals.[2] The film examines human behavior in a suave, pseudo-scientific way.[3] It depicts well-dressed actors, a man and a woman, both labelled 'the perfect human' in a detached manner, 'functioning' in a blank boundless room, as though they were subjects in a zoo.[3][1] The tone of world-weary detachment is created through a voice-over providing comments on their mundane actions.[1]

Det perfekte menneske
Directed byJørgen Leth
Written byJørgen Leth
StarringClaus Nissen
Majken Algren Nielsen
Jørgen Leth (voice)
CinematographyHenning Camre
Release date
  • 14 June 1968 (1968-06-14)
Running time
13 minutes
CountryDenmark
LanguageDanish

The film was later seen in five different versions when Leth was challenged by filmmaker Lars von Trier, which were compiled in The Five Obstructions.[3][1]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d Gibbons, Fiachra (30 August 2003). "Five Obstructions humiliate Perfect Human". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  2. ^ Breukel, Claire. "ARTPULSE MAGAZINE » Reviews » The Perfect Human". Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  3. ^ a b c The Five Obstructions (2003) | FILM REVIEW; A Cinematic Duel of Wits For Two Danish Directors

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