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The Perfect Human

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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 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]

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

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References

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  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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