The House That Jack Built

The House That Jack Built

Year: 2018

Runtime: 152 min

Language: English

Director: Lars von Trier

DramaThrillerHorrorComedyCrime

A darkly comedic and surreal film, it follows Jack, portrayed by Matt Dillon, as he recounts five intricately planned murders. Each crime is presented as a carefully constructed work of art, blurring the lines between creation and destruction. The film delves into themes of violence, the artistic process, and the complexities of the human condition through a provocative and unconventional narrative.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The House That Jack Built (2018)

Trace every key event in The House That Jack Built (2018) 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

First Encounter with Lady 1

Jack meets a stranded woman, known as Lady 1, while driving. They share light-hearted conversation, but Jack's sinister intentions come to light when he helps her under the pretense of a mechanic, ultimately leading to her brutal murder.

Secluded roadside
2

Murder of Lady 1

Using a tire jack, Jack kills Lady 1 and stores her body in an industrial freezer. The secluded nature of the location keeps her disappearance under wraps, as law enforcement remains oblivious to his crime.

Industrial freezer
3

Deception of Lady 3

Adopting a new disguise, Jack approaches another woman, Lady 3, claiming to be a police officer. As the situation escalates, he cunningly lures her into a trap, revealing his true nature through deception and violence.

Lady 3's home
4

Strangulation of Lady 3

After an initial struggle, Jack resorts to choking Lady 3 before fatally stabbing her. As police grow suspicious, he hastily disposes of her body while the rain unwittingly cleans up his bloody tracks.

Lady 3's home
5

Murder of Jacqueline and Her Sons

Jack invites his girlfriend Jacqueline and her two sons under the guise of teaching them to hunt. Instead, he savagely murders the boys from a distance and ultimately drives a dagger into Jacqueline, highlighting his ruthless nature.

Wooded area
6

Jack's Confession to Jacqueline

After meeting Jacqueline, Jack boasts about his supposed murderous exploits, claiming to be the infamous 'Mr. Sophistication.' His obsession with depicting violence, marked by red circles around her, foreshadows her tragic fate.

Jack's residence
7

Brutal Display of Jacqueline's Body

Jack's depravity reaches new heights when he severly mutilates Jacqueline's body post-murder. In a grotesque display, he attaches her breast to a police car, showcasing the unfathomable depths of his madness.

Police car
8

The Intended Massacre

In a brooding moment, Jack manages to capture six victims, planning to execute them with a single bullet. As he attempts to secure ammunition, he realizes that his preparation is insufficient, setting the stage for chaos.

Abandoned warehouse
9

Acquisition of Bullets

Desperately seeking bullets, Jack meets with S.P. and engages in a deadly conflict. Although he acquires the necessary ammunition, his violent tendencies attract unwanted police attention.

S.P.'s location
10

Final Capture and Body House

As law enforcement closes in, Jack dons S.P.'s red bathrobe in a futile attempt to escape. Ultimately captured, he spirals into further madness while constructing a grotesque house out of his victims’ bodies.

Makeshift hideout
11

Journey Through Hell

In the epilogue, Verge, representing Virgil, guides Jack through a hellish landscape. The allegorical journey showcases Jack's reflective descent as he confronts the consequences of his heinous actions.

Infernal landscape
12

The Broken Bridge

During their trek, Jack discovers a precarious broken bridge that leads away from his despair. Despite Verge's warnings, he recklessly ventures forth, symbolizing his reckless disregard for life and consequence.

Cliffs of Hell
13

Plunge into Hell

Defying warnings, Jack attempts to climb the treacherous cliffs but ultimately slips, descending into the fiery depths. This act seals his faith in the hell he has created through his monstrous decisions.

Fiery abyss

Last Updated: November 07, 2024 at 22:58

Unlock the Full Story of The House That Jack Built

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The House That Jack Built Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The House That Jack Built, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The House That Jack Built Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The House That Jack Built

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The House That Jack Built. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The House That Jack Built

The House That Jack Built Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of The House That Jack Built? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

The House That Jack Built Ending Explained

More About The House That Jack Built

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More About The House That Jack Built

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