Watch The House That Jack Built

The House That Jack Built is a psychological horror film from 2018 that explores the mind of a serial killer named Jack (Matt Dillon) over the course of twelve years. The film, directed by Lars von Trier, takes the viewer on a terrifying journey through Jack's murders, thoughts, and fantasies, as he sees himself as an artist rather than a killer.

The film is set in the 1970s and follows Jack's life as he takes on the personas of various professionals, from a simple engineer to a prominent architect, while he carries out his gruesome crimes. His killings are methodical, and in some cases, he even films them as part of his art project.

As Jack descends further into his madness, he is haunted by his inner demons in the form of Verge (Bruno Ganz), a mysterious figure who acts as Jack's confidant and guide throughout the film. Verge engages Jack in deep philosophical discussions about the meaning of life, death, and the purpose of art. This contrast between Jack's gruesome acts and his intellectual musings makes the film both disturbing and thought-provoking.

Along Jack's path, he crosses paths with several women, including Uma Thurman's character, who become his victims in various ways. While these scenes are undoubtedly graphic and gruesome, the film does not glorify the violence or sexual abuse present, showing instead how Jack dehumanizes his victims to create his artworks.

As Jack's crimes become more frequent and his desire to create increasingly brutal pieces of "art" intensifies, the tension in the film continues to mount. The audience is put into Jack's twisted mind, experiencing his delusions and fantasies alongside him, which makes for a disturbing and uncomfortable watch. Despite this, the film has a certain artistic flair, with von Trier's artistic style accentuating the film's macabre and distressing content.

The House That Jack Built is a highly philosophical film that tends to create mixed reactions among viewers. While some may find it distasteful and sensationalistic, others appreciate its exploration of the human psyche and the many layers that make up a serial killer's mind. The film delves into themes such as morality, guilt, and the human condition.

Overall, The House That Jack Built is not a film for the faint-hearted or easily offended. It is an intense and unsettling portrayal of a mind unhinged by its own darkness, showcasing Matt Dillon's impressive performance in the lead role, as well as the supporting performances of Bruno Ganz, Uma Thurman, and others. The House That Jack Built is an intricate and disturbing piece of cinema that explores the depths of human nature in a way that is both challenging and thought-provoking.

The House That Jack Built is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 35 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 42.