The Purified

Jesper Jargil's documentary portrait of a bizarre piece of Danish experimental theater directed by Lars von Trier.

A very intimate look on Lars von Trier and his cast and crew, during the production of "The Idiots".

A group of perfectly intelligent young people decide to react to society's cult of aimless, non-creative and non-responsible form intellect by living together in a community of 'idiots'. Their primary activity becomes going out into the world of 'normal' people and pretending to be mentally incompetent. They take advantage of this situation to create anarchy, and, by every possible means, to make those around them miserable.

Four people plan to rob a bank on new year's eve, when no one will notice because of the celebrations.

Stine tries to figure out her feelings for Jens, Michael, and Søren. She is most in love with Jens. However, Jens is always so serious and only thinks about school. Stine and Jens move in together, but this does not solve any of their problems. When Jens does not come home one evening without letting her know, Stine moves in with Anders. However, she misses Jens.

In just a few shots, the film portrays Per Kirkeby’s work on a large oil painting, from the first brushstroke to the last. It is a simple film that conveys an intense drama with a touch of humour. The director spent several years following the Danish painter at work in Denmark, Germany, and Italy, and the numerous interviews form the basis of the film’s soundtrack. In them, Per Kirkeby shares his thoughts and feelings throughout the creative process.