The House That Jack Built Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A neurotic architect really, *really* wants to build a house but keeps getting distracted by his overwhelming desire to redecorate with human bodies, all while having a chat with Virgil about art and morality.

🍿 The House That Jack Built: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: Jack and Verge

The film unfolds as a series of flashbacks narrated by Jack (Matt Dillon), a serial killer, to Verge (Bruno Ganz), a mysterious figure representing Virgil from Dante’s Inferno. These conversations frame Jack’s recollections, providing a philosophical and sometimes darkly humorous commentary on his actions and motivations. Jack views his murders as artistic creations, reflecting his failed aspirations as an architect.

Incident 1: The Impulsive Act

Jack recounts his first murder, a chance encounter with a stranded woman (Uma Thurman) whose car has broken down. Annoyed by her persistence and perceived mockery, he impulsively kills her with a car jack. This initial act reveals Jack’s underlying rage and the ease with which he rationalizes violence. The incident also sets a pattern for his future crimes: a blend of opportunity, frustration, and a warped sense of artistic control.

Incident 2: OCD and Near Capture

Jack targets a widow (Siobhan Fallon Hogan), posing as a police officer to gain entry to her home. His attempt to strangle her is initially unsuccessful, leading to a series of increasingly desperate and clumsy attempts to finish the job. This incident highlights Jack’s obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), as he meticulously cleans the crime scene, almost leading to his capture by a passing police officer.

Incident 3: Hunting Lesson

Jack takes his girlfriend (Sofie Gråbøl) and her two sons on a hunting trip. He uses this opportunity to coldly murder the children with a sniper rifle, forcing the mother to participate in a grotesque act involving feeding one of the corpses pie. This act is particularly disturbing, showcasing Jack’s escalating sadism and his desire to exert complete control over his victims.

Incident 4: The ‘Simple’ Victim

Jack meets Jacqueline (Riley Keough), whom he nicknames “Simple” due to his perception of her intelligence. He confesses to being a serial killer, but she dismisses it as a joke. Jack’s verbal and physical abuse escalates, culminating in a brutal murder where he mutilates her body. This incident explores themes of misogyny and Jack’s need to assert his intellectual superiority over his victims.

Incident 5: The Full Metal Jacket

Jack, attempting to execute multiple victims with a single bullet, encounters difficulties due to faulty ammunition. He is forced to seek out a new supplier, leading to a confrontation and another murder. Ultimately cornered by the police, Jack discovers a hidden passage in his freezer, leading him and Verge on a journey into the depths of Hell.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jack (Matt Dillon): A failed architect and meticulous serial killer who views his murders as artistic creations, seeking perfection and recognition.
• Verge (Bruno Ganz): An enigmatic figure who engages Jack in philosophical discussions about his actions, serving as a guide and confessor.
• Lady 1 (Uma Thurman): Jack’s first victim, whose initial encounter with him sets off his path as a serial killer.
• Lady 2 (Claire Miller) (Siobhan Fallon Hogan): A suspicious woman who becomes a victim, highlighting Jack’s struggle with meticulous planning and compulsive behavior.
• Simple (Riley Keough): A woman scorned and brutally murdered for her perceived lack of intelligence, revealing Jack’s misogynistic tendencies.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jack: “The old cathedrals often have sublime artworks hidden away in the darkest corners for only God to see. The same goes for murder.” – Jack explains his perspective on murder as an art form, justifying hiding the brutal reality within something beautiful.
• Jack: “Some say that the atrocities that man commits are God’s way of testing us.” – Jack ponders on the justification of heinous acts, questioning if they serve a divine purpose or test humanity’s resolve.
• Verge: “You can’t win every time, Jack.” – Verge provides commentary on Jack’s hubris and the inevitability of failure in his twisted pursuit of perfection.
• Jack: “I gave them what they wanted, and I took what I needed.” – Jack explains his reasoning for killing, emphasizing his perception of exchange where he provided entertainment and obtained artistic means.

💰Box Office

• Budget: €8,700,000
• Domestic Gross: $258,106
• Worldwide Gross: $3,081,913

💥 The House That Jack Built Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, this movie messed with my head! I went in expecting a simple serial killer flick, but it turned out to be a twisted philosophical debate wrapped in shocking violence. Dillon’s performance gave me chills; he really nailed the psychopathic mindset. The ending was…well, I’m still trying to figure it out, but it definitely left a mark. It’s not for everyone, but if you like your movies dark and thought-provoking, this one’s a trip.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological horror films”
  • “Viewers interested in dark and philosophical themes”
  • “Those familiar with Lars von Trier’s filmography”
  • “People who appreciate challenging and unconventional cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Disturbing content”
  • “Mutilation”
  • “Violence against women and children”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Themes of misogyny”

Professional Reviews

• High on Films: “Von Trier’s self-indulgent but ultimately fascinating film is a descent into madness, exploring the blurred lines between art and violence. Dillon’s performance is chilling, and the film’s philosophical dialogues are thought-provoking despite the extreme violence. The combination of gruesome visuals and intellectual discourse creates a disturbing yet captivating cinematic experience.
• JoBlo.com: “This movie divides viewers sharply, lauded by some as a daring masterpiece and dismissed by others as pretentious shock value. Its graphic content and philosophical pondering may alienate many but it creates a dark journey. The ending is extremely divisive.
• IMDB Critic: “‘The House That Jack Built’ is fairly brutal, yet oddly comical (if you can look past the disturbing material) and widely entertaining. There are some extremely gruesome and disturbing scenes which are effective in what they set out to do. Matt Dillon was excellent as the truly psychopathic serial killer Jack. It was honestly probably the best role I’ve seen him in (seriously, he should be in more movies).

Audience Reactions

Matt Dillon’s performance as Jack is terrifyingly brilliant and makes the movie worth watching.: Viewers were captivated by Matt Dillon’s portrayal of a charismatic yet deeply disturbed serial killer.

The film’s dark humor, though disturbing, provides a unique and unsettling viewing experience.: The dark comedy interspersed throughout the film provided some relief amidst the intense violence.

Overall Consensus: The House That Jack Built is a highly divisive film, praised for its bold artistic vision and Dillon’s performance, but criticized for its graphic violence and pretentious themes. Viewer discretion is advised.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s premiere at the Cannes Film Festival was met with walkouts due to its graphic violence and disturbing content.”
• “Lars von Trier has stated that the film reflects his own struggles as an artist and the criticisms he has faced.”
• “Matt Dillon’s performance as Jack is considered one of the most challenging and transformative roles of his career.”
• “The film is divided into five ‘incidents,’ each representing a different stage in Jack’s development as a serial killer and his twisted view of art.”

🖥️ How to Watch The House That Jack Built?

Currently, ‘The House That Jack Built’ is available for digital rental or purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential streaming availability through subscription services. Physical copies (Blu-ray/DVD) can be purchased from major retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The House That Jack Built, you might like these similar films:

• American Psycho (2000): Both films explore the psychology of a wealthy, intelligent serial killer and blend horror with dark humor and social satire.
• Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986): Presents a disturbing and realistic portrayal of a serial killer’s life without glorifying the violence.
• Man Bites Dog (1992): A dark comedy mockumentary that follows a film crew documenting a serial killer, exploring the ethics of observing violence.
• Irreversible (2002): Known for its extreme violence and disturbing themes, pushing the boundaries of cinematic transgression and audience discomfort.

🛒 The House That Jack Built Related Products

• The House That Jack Built [Blu-ray]: Own this controversial film in high definition. A must-have for fans of Lars von Trier and Matt Dillon.
• Serial Killer Psychology Books: Delve into the psychology of serial killers with books exploring their motives, behaviors, and the impact on society.
• Dante’s Inferno (Illustrated): Explore the literary masterpiece that serves as a key influence to the movie’s visual and thematic structure.
• Architectural Sketchbook: A high-quality sketchbook for fans of the main character. Inspiring one’s passion for architecture.

🎧 Soundtrack

The House That Jack Built features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Partita No. 2 in C minor, BWV 826” – performed by Johann Sebastian Bach (Performed by Glenn Gould)
• “Hit the Road Jack” – performed by Percy Mayfield

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Most Unsettling Movie Scenes..

Ever wondered what the most unsettling movie scenes are? This video has some of the most disturbing and unforgettable moments from films, including ‘The House That Jack Built’. Prepare yourself for a chilling experience!

Quickie: The Favourite, The House That Jack Built #VIFF18

Looking for a quick and entertaining review of ‘The House That Jack Built’? Check out this video by YMS, who gives his honest opinion on the film and its themes.

The House That Jack Built – The Barque Of Dante

Did you know that a scene in ‘The House That Jack Built’ references a famous painting? This video breaks down the symbolism behind the shot and explores its connection to the film’s themes.

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