The House That Jack Built
IFC Films | Release Date: December 14, 2018
6.9
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 162 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
104
Mixed:
41
Negative:
17
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10
zNeverSleepingJul 1, 2020
Um filme peculiar, difícil e definitivamente um soco no estomago do publico.

Eu poderia facilmente dar uma nota negativa a esta obra, o problema é que eu estaria ignorando o real motivo pela qual ela existe. Claro, eu posso ter entendidoUm filme peculiar, difícil e definitivamente um soco no estomago do publico.

Eu poderia facilmente dar uma nota negativa a esta obra, o problema é que eu estaria ignorando o real motivo pela qual ela existe. Claro, eu posso ter entendido errado, mas ao meu ver, esse filme cumpre bem o proposito de mostrar o ponto de vista de um serial killer psicótico com diversos transtornos sem endeusar o mesmo. na verdade, esse personagem é repulsivo. Sua compreensão quanto a arte é completamente deturpada, e é muito interessante ver como uma interpretação pode ser subjetiva quando tiramos da jogada sentimentos humanos, como empatia. Partindo do pressuposto que arte é qualquer manifestação sobre algo, o protagonista não está errado na sua própria historia, o que por si só sustenta seu pensamento na baseline de foma completa.

As cenas dos assassinatos são muito bem escritas e dirigidas. O diretor tem uma direção autoral e sabe trabalhar muito com a face dos personagens envolvidos. Os momentos são agoniantes, principalmente quando o pior está para acontecer e sabemos disso. A fotografia também é criativa em alguns momentos, como na cena onde o jack está tentando convencer a mulher a deixá-lo entrar. O interessante é que o foco foi muito bem trabalhado, dai temos a sensação que ela abriu a porta por completo, quando na realidade ainda há uma cerca entre eles - outra porta, como é padrão nos Estados Unidos. O modus operandi retratado também é muito interessante. O protagonista não é um gênio, e muitas vezes se enrola nas próprias mentiras, porém por meio da observação e da seleção bem feita das suas vitimas, fica mais fácil obter a confiança. Por fim, não posso deixar de mencionar a atuação de Matt Dillon. Seu olhar, suas reações, seus momentos de raiva e sarcasmo sádico estão excelentes.

"The House That Jack Built" está longe de ser um entretenimento. Se está disposto a ver coisas que não quer, sem nenhum tipo de contentamento final, e analisar com uma via reflexiva e observativa - no sentido de entender como uma mente, por pior que seja, funciona; ou até mesmo um autorreflexão sobre si próprio. Bem, ai eu recomendo o filme, e nesse sentido é um masterpiece.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
jorjicostava123Sep 14, 2019
Brilliant film by Lars von Trier, Matt Dillon did a good job with his role, dark and cruel picture, but also brilliant . The picture lasts 2 hours and you will not be bored, I advise ! Page 10 OF 10
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
MrIslamicApr 14, 2021
A great movie. The story and meaning are way deeper than you might think. I was extremely surprised by how comedic, serious, and meaningful this movie was all at once.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
TuneisonJan 2, 2019
I am floored. This is probably the first time I've ever watched a film and had absolutely no clue how to feel about it. I honestly don't know if this is a 10/10 or a 1/10. I just have no **** clue. This could honestly go either way. II am floored. This is probably the first time I've ever watched a film and had absolutely no clue how to feel about it. I honestly don't know if this is a 10/10 or a 1/10. I just have no **** clue. This could honestly go either way. I seriously can't tell if this is my favorite movie of 2018 or not. What the ****… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
seantaraniFeb 21, 2019
Just a sophisticated masterpiece
And I wanna say the most people who dislike this masterpiece are just simple (Idiot)
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
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7
AndremaxFeb 5, 2019
The House That Jack Built ultimately is intriguing, artistic and charming although randomly arrogant and redundant.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
JLuis_001Dec 26, 2018
I love Lars Von Trier. He's one of my favorite filmmakers and he's actually the third one in my top ten. But unfortunately this film didn't left me really satisfied.
At first it promised to be great, but it never manages to be on par with itsI love Lars Von Trier. He's one of my favorite filmmakers and he's actually the third one in my top ten. But unfortunately this film didn't left me really satisfied.
At first it promised to be great, but it never manages to be on par with its ambition and strangely coming from Von Trier, it feels somewhat empty and disarticulated.

Also I have to mention that is quite evident that Von Trier is beginning to show certain shortcomings in his narrative discourse. I say this because he's starting to repeat himself and that's not a good thing. It's still a minor issue but it's certainly notorious.

I canot say anything negative about Matt Dillon's wonderful work as Jack. Undoubtedly one of the best roles of his career, if not the best. He leads the films entirely and holds it together at all times.

I give this film an extra half a star because of its wonderful epilogue that undoubtedly changes the whole focus of the film and gives it a somewhat unsatisfactory but pretty good ending and that undoubtedly revitalizes the film in general.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
MattBrady99Dec 25, 2018
“You want me to show you to the next whisky bar?”

After giving it some thought, I’m still lost and filled with thoughts. How do I talk about the most polarizing movie of 2018. The movie that caused such a uproar at Cannes with 100 people“You want me to show you to the next whisky bar?”

After giving it some thought, I’m still lost and filled with thoughts.

How do I talk about the most polarizing movie of 2018. The movie that caused such a uproar at Cannes with 100 people walking out, which I bet made Lars sip on his warm tea with delight. This kind of noise only boosted my excitement even more. Actually, I was anticipating it, but also feared it, because here’s the question: Will it live up to the hype?

Well...

‘The House That Jack Built’ is a horrible and cruel movie that examines the worst in humanity….but I kinda liked it. Ugly, yet strangely beautiful. The cinematography, editing, and the handheld camera work is all fantastic. Very hard to digest, yet very hard to forget.

Matt Dillon is absolutely terrific as the devilish artist with an eye for perfection. It’s a real shame he won’t be getting any award recognition, because it’s one of the best performance of his career. His black eyes and dead booming voice only names a few traits. An architect who destroys what he creates. Concrete, bricks and wood simply won’t do, but flesh and bone is considered. Still, a serial killer with OCD? Hit the road Jack!

Even the supporting cast, despite they minuscule screen time, still gave stellar performances. The screens between Bruno Ganz and Matt Dillon are the most fascinating aspects of the film. Ganz being the audience member, listening and debating with Jack.

Now Lars Von Trier isn’t a stranger when it comes to controversy. Right from the beginning, I could tell he made this movie for himself. A narcissistic and prejudice statement on art and icons. Basically the main character is a metaphor of him, hence why I would consider this his most personal work and perhaps his last. A genius director with a bad sense of humor.

The portrayal of violence is absolutely brutal and definitely not for the faint of heart. What’s even worse is you feel every kill - it’s that’s effective. I actually gasp at one scene. None of it came off as edgy or anything like that. Although grizzly and bitter, yet strangely comedic - something you wouldn’t expect coming from a movie that caused many walkouts.

There’s plenty of symbolism and discussion on different topics that defines Jack; especially Nazi’s. Probably the most talked about scene involves a mother and her two children, if you know what I mean. The scene itself reflects the crazy Nazi army who threw baby’s in the air, and shoot them like target practice. Another scene where Jack kidnaps and ties up a group of men ready to execute them with one full metal jacket bullet - similar to a experimental technique used by Nazi's. I find it suspicious Von Trier has such knowledge on the Nazi army after the infamous ban at Cannes.

For issues: The movie can get a bit arty-farty and halfway through shifts focus on two characters narrating about anything. While those conversations serve as interesting little trivia, but felt like filler.

Putting aside my critiques, I would like to address my deepest concern for Von Trier's mental state. He looks incredibly unwell and without a glimpse of happiness. He’s always been very open about his health and expressed it through his art. I can imagine him sitting alone with flakes of grey in his beard, contemplating the reality of the situation - nobody wants to help.

Oh Lars.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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7
PanchogulNov 29, 2019
La primera vez que la vi no me gustó mucho y no la terminé de ver, creo que es un poco muy larga y que la historia se pone a divagar mucho algunas veces saliendose de contexto y las metáforas pareciera que no llevan a ningún lado, sinLa primera vez que la vi no me gustó mucho y no la terminé de ver, creo que es un poco muy larga y que la historia se pone a divagar mucho algunas veces saliendose de contexto y las metáforas pareciera que no llevan a ningún lado, sin embargo, la actuación de Matt Dillon es una maravilla, de verdad pareciera que fuera un auténtico asesino serial y en lo personal, llegué a sentir empatia y comprensión para con él. Llámenme un enfermo, pero con un sujeto así, le aplaudo y sería mi héroe.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
frederik1478Oct 23, 2020
It's been 2 days since I watcht the movie and I still remember it clean my mind.
I can best say that the movie is psychological endurance test dat press all your button to see what happens. I would wholeheartedly recommend the movie andIt's been 2 days since I watcht the movie and I still remember it clean my mind.
I can best say that the movie is psychological endurance test dat press all your button to see what happens. I would wholeheartedly recommend the movie and specially if you like to test yourself on dark stuff… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
CosiMOLOGOFeb 13, 2019
Si hay un director que ha dejado una huella por su peculiar estilo es Lars Von Trier, ahora, luego de llevarse el titulo de "persona no grata" el 2011 en Cannes, regresó al festival con esta obra que como se esperaba causo revuelo y dividió aSi hay un director que ha dejado una huella por su peculiar estilo es Lars Von Trier, ahora, luego de llevarse el titulo de "persona no grata" el 2011 en Cannes, regresó al festival con esta obra que como se esperaba causo revuelo y dividió a la crítica. Antes de todo debo recordar que estamos hablando de una película de Lars Von Trier, así que esperar encontrarse con escenas de violencia o sexualidad explicitas no debería ser una sorpresa, así que creo que toda la polémica es completamente injustificada. Narra la historia de Jack un asesino que cuenta sus crímenes, a los que llama incidentes. a un hombre al que llama Verge. Lo mejor de la película es Matt Dilon quien lleva su interpretación a niveles magistrales, recogiendo la esencia que le dio Hopkins a su papel de Hannibal Lecter en El Silencio de los Corderos. Como en la mayor parte del cine de este director la metáfora es usada en varias escenas y junto con esta la referencia al arte clásico, como a la obra de Alighieri, con viñetas que vamos viendo entre cada incidente. Pero aparte de eso La casa que Jack construyó es una obra crítica, satírica y divertida de uno de los directores mas atrevidos, convirtiéndola en una broma de mal gusto muy bien planeada. Con esta película Von trier parodia y hace una crítica al arte y al cine, mostrando el papel estúpido y estereotipado de las mujer en este, con buena música, y su peculiar y magnífico estilo.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
imthenoobDec 16, 2018
The House That Jack Built is a masterpiece IMO. It's the kind of film that just stuck with me and really made me dive deep into the meaning behind it. I will say that it certainly is not for everyone and some people may be unsettled with whatThe House That Jack Built is a masterpiece IMO. It's the kind of film that just stuck with me and really made me dive deep into the meaning behind it. I will say that it certainly is not for everyone and some people may be unsettled with what this movie is about and that's fine. To me, It's one of the best movies I've seen in years.

Dillon gives a brilliant, Oscar-worthy performance as Jack. Ganz plays a great supporting role and von Trier provides his brilliant mind to tie it all in together.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
antonzhalobMar 12, 2021
Шикарный фильм! Ожидал конечно ужасов и жестокости, но тут все сглаженно как никогда! Хотя может так показалось из-за того что я смотрел его на x2 скоростиШикарный фильм! Ожидал конечно ужасов и жестокости, но тут все сглаженно как никогда! Хотя может так показалось из-за того что я смотрел его на x2 скорости
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8
LegitSaltFeb 25, 2020
While the film had been billed, and presented, partially, as a horror film, watching it as an extremely dark comedy makes many of the decisions, and the end-product, seem higher quality and more cohesive. Additionally, the film serves as aWhile the film had been billed, and presented, partially, as a horror film, watching it as an extremely dark comedy makes many of the decisions, and the end-product, seem higher quality and more cohesive. Additionally, the film serves as a self-dissection of von Trier’s oeuvre, one that is notably indie, depressing, and sometimes gruesome, e.g. Nymphomaniac Vol. 1 + 2, Antichrist, and Dogville. The House That Jack Built is almost an anthology film, only that it has enduring themes, content, and an overarching pseudo-narrative. The eponymous character, Jack, is a serial killer, who enters the field out of his misogyny, killing women and their acquaintances for his pleasure or peace. Conceptually, this film is a gut-wrenching piece of fiction, that follows up on this promise with several cringingly violent scenes, most notable are the butchering of a woman’s breasts, and the sport hunting of a woman’s prepubescent children. The film also serves as a character study of Jack, a tortured soul, who suffers from extreme OCD. Where the film regains its credibility is from its unintended humour, the absurdity of Jack’s actions and the townspeople’s consistently dimwitted natures seem to lend to the film being interpreted as a dark comedy. This aside, the film does succeed by its implementation of many subtleties, from the names and scenes chosen for characters, to the clips chosen to be shown. This is one of the least accessible films on the list, but if you are intrigued by morbidity or by the darkest of humour, then maybe give this a shot.… Expand
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7
Bertaut1Apr 24, 2019
Self-indulgent, disturbing, and hilarious

Ostensibly a serial killer film, in reality, the latest from provocateur Lars von Trier is more an interrogation of his own psychology and an "up yours" to his detractors, daring you to be offendedSelf-indulgent, disturbing, and hilarious

Ostensibly a serial killer film, in reality, the latest from provocateur Lars von Trier is more an interrogation of his own psychology and an "up yours" to his detractors, daring you to be offended by the violence done to a duckling, the cold-blooded murder of children, the verbal degradation of a woman, the celebration of Albert Speer, or the mockery of American gun culture. Although far too long and tending towards self-indulgence, House is nowhere near von Trier's best - films like Breaking the Waves (1996), Dancer in the Dark (2000), Dogville (2003), and Melancholia (2011). However, love it or hate it, you will react to it.

The plot follows a serial-killer named Jack (an emotionless Matt Dillon) as he relates five of his most meaningful murders to the mysterious "Verge" (Bruno Ganz). A wannabe architect whose mother forced him to be an engineer, Jack, who suffers from OCD, contends that his murders are literal works of art, and has thus given himself the moniker "Mr Sophistication".

Originally developed as a TV miniseries by von Trier and Jenle Hallund, who has a "Story By" credit, the film premièred out of competition at Cannes 2018, where it was the first film in Cannes history to feature a warning on the tickets (for "scènes violentes"), and at the much-publicised première, over one-hundred people walked out, although those that stayed gave it a ten-minute standing ovation.

Although Jack is not a 1:1 surrogate for von Trier, it's hard to deny the analogy of how Jack feels the need to one-up himself with each murder, becoming more and more sadistic as he goes. This, of course, has become a common criticism of von Trier's recent filmography. He has also been accused of misogyny and of exploiting the psychological (and often physical) suffering of his actors, just as Jack is a misogynist who exploits the suffering of his victims. And this isn't subtext; von Trier himself makes the connection explicit when a discussion of genocide and tyranny features a montage of scenes from his own filmography.

As with Nymph()maniac, the film is structured around a conversation with frequent digressions. But instead of fly-fishing, parallel parking, and the Fibonacci sequence, we here see topics such as viticulture, the oak tree in Buchenwald, cathedral architecture, and the poetry of William Blake. One especially interesting digression is a monologue where Jack laments the fact that men are the defacto villains of every situation. Coming across like a slightly more unhinged Jordan Peterson, Jack has no time for debates concerning gender fluidity or sexual misconduct, even going so far as to suggest that women are more cooperative murder victims because they're "easier to work with."

Aside from the scene in which a duckling is tortured, by far the most disturbing scene involves Jacqueline (Riley Keough), whom Jack has been dating for a while. What's most distressing is not how Jack kills her, but what precedes her murder, as Jack mercilessly verbally belittles her, calling her "Simple", because he believes she is so unintelligent. He then takes great delight in revealing to her that he is Mr Sophistication, suggesting that she scream; the futility of which he demonstrates by shouting out an open window, "no one will help you." It's a devastating scene, far more emotionally upsetting than it is physically violent, and because of that, it's one of the best scenes in the film, provoking a genuine emotional response.

As unsettling as this scene is, the film can also be extremely funny, with the entire second murder playing out like an extended Key and Peele sketch featuring calamity on top of mishap, Jack's OCD firmly getting the best of him, and finally a fortuitous act of God!

However, things are far from perfect. For starters, it can be incredibly self-indulgent and is unnecessarily long. I'm also not sure a clip reel of von Trier's own films was the wisest choice. Additionally, the female characters, by the very nature of the narrative, are empty shells who exist only to be murdered. Some of the digressions concerning art and its relationship to love and hate are also (perhaps intentionally) intellectually vapid.

Whilst it could be argued that House is about a desensitised world indifferent to suffering, it seems to be more about Lars von Trier and the criticisms that have been levelled against him over the years. More an apologia than an apology, von Trier is attempting to use the depiction of violence so as to facilitate introspection, reflecting on the importance (or lack thereof) of morality and culpability in artistic creation. House is an especially self-reflexive and somewhat self-disdainful film, which Von Trier has intimated may be his last, and if that is so, it certainly makes for a fittingly provocative and confrontational final word.… Expand
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10
WolframmJun 19, 2020
Insanely terrifying!!!!! And deep!!! It is quintessential of Lars creativity!!!!
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7
AlexeyAleshinDec 20, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. У меня нет высшего филологического образования чтобы написать стоящее и развёрнутое эссе . Мне кажется что я понял этот длинный фильм но выразить всё это в тексте сложно. Но я попытаюсь. Вообщем кажется что это не кино про маньяка вовсе , эта линия взята для эпатажа и привлечения внимания зрителя , так как опасность всегда приковывает к себе . Всё происходящее имеет метафорический смысл . Нам показывается что некий молодой человек с творческими способностями не может реализоваться. Он хочет построить дом , является инженером . Но комплексует и мучается от того что не может стать криэйтором , в его терминах архитектором . Другими словами богом ! У него есть психические отклонения в виде импульсивно компульсивного расстройства психики и перфекционизма. Джек пытается преодолеть себя ,подстегнуть творческое начало и приблизится к должности БОГ . Он экспериментирует весь фильм и в конце строит этот дом из человеческих тел . Это тоже метафорично , намекает на то что государство стоит на живых людях и все достижения возможны только с помощью жертв . После этого мне приятней думать что открывается дыра в другое измерение(АД) и Вергилий провожает его к месту его назначения . Там есть момент где показывают работу косарей в поле эта отсылка на то что Джек мог посветить всю свою жизнь работе инженера и возможно стать этим самым архитектором(БОГОМ!) , ну хотя бы в малой мере . Но он пошёл не тем путём , хоть у него всё получалось до определённого момента . В этом месте можно провести аналогию с Гитлером . Кстати артист изображающий Вергилия играл Гитлера в 2004 году . Когда они достигают дна Ада Джек хочет сыграть в супер игру (он же перфекцианист) но проигрывает в ней и фильм заканчивается . Таким образом смысл этого фильма в крушении надежд и осознания своей никчемности прожившего жизнь человека, возможно перед самоубийством . Вот что я понял .… Expand
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10
xbornxtoxkillxAug 16, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The movie house that Jack made is more than a masterpiece. It is a film about the beauty of violence and proves the beauty of violence and murder as love with logical reasons.… Expand
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8
GreyhoundesSep 6, 2020
not grossed out, disappointed. but all in all a pretty dope movie and gets too much hate
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8
OliviergeurdenSep 21, 2020
Different ! Glorious humor....
..........as if killing/murder is “ funny “.Yes? No?
Matt at his all time best. A must see for those “serious “ movie lovers.
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7
Smudge99Jan 10, 2023
Great acting and cinematography. I became very invested in the plot and it kept me on the edge of my seat.
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