The Idiots

The Idiots

Year: 2000

Runtime: 117 min

Language: Danish

Director: Lars von Trier

DramaComedy

In this provocative drama, Karen's quiet dinner turns chaotic when a motley crew of "mentally challenged" individuals burst into the restaurant, shattering complacency. As she delves deeper into their unconventional lives at their communal home, Karen discovers a group of intellectuals embracing absurdity to subvert societal norms. But as she becomes increasingly embroiled in their antics, the lines between reality and role-playing begin to blur.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Idiots (2000)
Trace every key event in The Idiots (2000) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

The Group's Formation

A disparate group of adults, feeling stifled by societal norms, comes together in a quest to find their 'inner idiot.' They aim to disrupt societal expectations by embracing absurdity and shedding their inhibitions through outrageous public acts.

2

Spassing at the Restaurant

The group decides to enact their concept of 'spassing' at a local restaurant, where they disrupt the peace and provoke reactions from unsuspecting diners. Their behavior is barely controlled by their handler, Susanne, as they pretend to be mentally impaired, which elicits a range of responses from patrons.

Local Restaurant
3

Meeting Karen

Among the diners, Karen, a single woman, misinterprets the group's antics as a genuine condition, feeling sympathy for them. One member of the group goes so far as to take her hand, leading her into what she believes is a sincere connection.

Local Restaurant
4

The Taxi Ride

As the group ushers Karen into a taxi, the atmosphere is riddled with confusion. It isn't long into the ride that Karen starts to piece together the reality of the situation, transitioning from sympathy to discomfort as she realizes the absurdity of their ruse.

Taxi
5

Arrival at the House

The taxi ride culminates at a sprawling house that belongs to Stoffer's uncle, where the group's absurd activities continue. Karen finds herself in an environment filled with chaos and unconventional antics, drastically shifting her initial perception of the group.

Stoffer's Uncle's House
6

Challenge to Social Norms

The group's continued antics, defined by their concept of 'spassing,' reflect a deeper dissatisfaction with how society perceives individuals with disabilities. They seek to provoke societal outcry and challenge established norms, creating an atmosphere of bizarre rebellion.

7

Stoffer's Birthday Celebration

At Stoffer's birthday party, the absurdity reaches new heights when he whimsically expresses a desire for a 'gangbang.' This unexpected proclamation leads to a chaotic group dynamic, where some members partake while others, including Karen, choose to withdraw.

Stoffer's House
8

The Disbandment of the Group

Confronted with the challenge of living out their idiocy in daily life, most group members opt to leave, resulting in a disbandment of sorts. This turning point highlights the contrast between Stoffer's ideals and the group's willingness to embrace or reject them.

9

Karen's New Resolve

Unlike her companions, Karen embraces the challenge of self-expression and absurdity. She invites Susanne to her home, aiming to explore their newfound understanding of living freely, even if it means confronting the potential consequences.

Karen's Home
10

Shock from Family

Upon arriving at Karen's home, Susanne and Karen are greeted by the shock of her mother. The tension is palpable as Karen has been missing for two weeks following a significant personal loss, and her return with no explanation raises countless questions.

Karen's Home
11

Attempt to Act Foolishly

In a bid to fully embody the 'spassing' mentality, Karen makes a clumsy attempt to behave foolishly at the dinner table. However, her effort explodes into chaos, as she is met with unexpected violence from her husband, Anders, plunging her deeper into conflict.

Karen's Home
12

Leaving Home

After the volatile encounter with her husband, Karen and Susanne make the decision to leave the family home. They step into the unknown, driven by a desire to explore their identities and the meaning of freedom away from societal pressures.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 18:40

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