The House That Jack Built - Review - Why I Love the Most Polarizing Movie of the Year

My review for Lars von Trier's 'The House That Jack Built'.
Follow Me on Twitter: / colebrax
Podcast on von Trier's entire career: wrongreel.com/...
#MattDillon #review #TheHouseThatJackBuilt

[@dreamway9]

I unapologetically love Lars von Trier. Even when I am flinching, disgusted or rolling my eyes, I have seldom encountered a film maker that pushes me (sometimes forcefully) through so many emotions. The results he gets from actors (no matter what their relationship status) is amazing- always moving, sometimes terrifying.

[@jevinday]

I agree, he's my favorite for precisely that reason.

[@leonardfeuerstein]

Nah this movie made me only feel one thing. Disgust. Thats not what a good movie should do, i could go on LiveLeak and experience the same . And since all the characters (who we learned nothing about except for Jack) were super two-dimentional i didn't have any emotions for them or while watching this movie in general.

[@FCSchaefer]

Matt Dillon has always been one of the most under appreciated actors. And modern movie posters suck.

[@Siggkins]

He's brilliant in my opinion.

[@amcaesar]

Well, you're right about Matt Dillon: I have to admit this is the role of a lifetime for a guy who's kinda proven to be a one-note player for most of his career.

[@janfranszuidema8512]

@Bill Scurry Rumble Fish (1983, Coppola) is the biggest Matt Dillon film ever. As soon as I got a hold on it, I showed it. It is the Citizen Kane (1941) to all my weed smoking and couch lounging friends. The most beautiful Mickey Rourke. It was like wallpaper at a certain time in my life.

[@janfranszuidema8512]

It's very cool...

[@MikelGCinema]

He has never acted. Hes always Dillon for all roles, its himself. In this one, he tried at least.

[@amcaesar]

@@MikelGCinema I like that, it's a nice distinction I can agree with.

[@janfranszuidema8512]

@Mikel G Haven't seen the film yet, but... He's always , , , , , , , , , & . These actors were sooooooo not themselves in those other films. I have never noticed them in anything else... P.S. I'm drunk right now and I'm enjoying Malcolm McDowell's Royal Flash (Oliver Reed is somewhere in there).

[@kylejoe8393]

Finally the first reviewer that actually points out the connection to The Divine Comedy

[@Matthew9818]

One of my favourite films ever . The black comedy in this film was fantastic . It was dark and had some very good horror and the lashings of black comedy really helped the movie be easier too stomach .

[@geekinwithJamesHancock]

Agreed. It is going to be tough for Von Trier to top this. Might be a good film to retire with.

[@jevinday]

Also one of my favorite films ever. I bought it in DVD/Blu Ray the day it went on sale in the US (Which took until 2020). I am hopelessly in love with von Trier. He is a genius imo. I know that not everyone likes him but that's okay.

[@johanneabelsen1644]

I was in my late HIGH SCHOOL YEAR, when Lars von Trier made his big debut in Danish (and later international cinema) with The Element of Crime, and then late more recognition with his movie Epidemic. Now, we KNOW his filming style (hand-held camera), but what really got ME interested was the TV series The Kingdom. Both because of his new, raw filming style, but ALSO, because there came so many LAYERS up; Horror, mystery, comedy, and just absurdity, a few times.

[@rexhargrove5172]

His films are consistently pushing the right boundaries, the right way. He’s required viewing for any real cinema/film fan. And Dillion is so underrated. He won me when he nailed, really nailed bukowski.

[@s7lresearchdr.311]

This is one of best reviews of the film that I’ve seen/heard... I’ve subbed!

[@jonahetheredge8977]

Was able to see the uncensored version as well. I personally thought it was incredible. Matt Dillon on top of his game. One of the best performances this year and I strongly believe it will be swept under the rug come award season.

[@DesignzRUs1]

@Jonah Etheredge Fuck the academy. They mean nothing LMAO

[@DaniGerman1499]

Probably because his imagery of Hitler. Those idiots think showing him on screen will magically create nazis again

[@geriburrito]

lol people who despise Lars von Trier for being too shocking are the same puritan close-minded type of people who despised Oscar Wilde for writing Dorian Gray.

[@Luke_Radiosmash]

No they're not. They're liberals who view everything through a politically-correct lens. I'm a conservative Christian and Lars von Trier is my favorite director.

[@denzelromero4796]

Luke Funny considering Lars is apparently making fun of the “alt right” in the movie

[@hoshanm]

Finally! Rational and detailed review about the house that jack built.. Thanks for your review. But please could you slow down a little bit for your non English speakers :) Thanks

[@chriswilson9898]

It was about 20 minutes too long, but overall I enjoyed it. Great performance by Dillon. One or two scenes were a little too far over the the top. I give it a 7/10, I give Matt's performance a 9/10

[@tidepride86]

Nice review bud, but damn, maybe try decaf?

[@akumasnowofficial]

Im just now discovering this director fascinated to see this film, stoked about the podcast blew my mind when you said its about his whole filmography!!!

[@DungeonStudio]

Intriguing review! I'm always amazed how people abhor A Clockwork Orange, Natural Born Killers, American Psycho, etc. as nothing more than gore fests. Yet when something happens like Mandalay Bay, or Charlottesville, they'll be the first to say 'what happened? Why did anyone stop this?' And what really gets me when they cite these movies for the motivation. Not that these movies have the answer, and not that they don't trigger the truly psychotic. But when the likes of Von Trier, Stone, Kubrick tackle the subject, I think there's concern and challenge they want to convey. Whereas some of these Sex & Slash flicks, or Special Agent Killem All are touted as cheap B movies not to be taken seriously. Who's the pot and who is the kettle, and how black does it have to get? Definitely looking forward to seeing this soon too!

[@DaniGerman1499]

Charlottesville? He was attacked and didn’t hit those people intentionally. I wish he did though.

[@dertodesking.]

I was already very excited about this movie. Didn't know about the Dante connection, which makes me even more excited! Should be grand. Can't wait!

[@nevermindshort3]

Subscribed. In my opinion LvT is the greatest moviemaker of all time. Nobody makes me feel the way he did. There is a psychological deepness that nobody else dares to go into and least of all share with others in a graphical medium, and that makes him great.

[@daber2000]

Good stuff. There is an element that I want to bring up: Free will. I wonder how von Trier sees this topic. Jack is shown to be ruthless since his infancy, as many killers are. He was never really free to be someone else other than what his brain shaped him to be. If we go with this deterministic view, we see that punishment at the end of his earthly existence is unfair, so we are ruled by unfair judges.

[@electricfishfan]

There was definitely a clockwork orange dilemma with his mental illness, and I interpreted that as being why Virgil (who can also be a certain perspective of Jack’s) said it was “hard to believe,” he’d be delivered to a higher ring of hell, and why he kept dwelling on his lack of love and understanding as it relates to art (life & judgement).

[@savagesinema]

Film is definitely not dead. Great review of LVT's extremely audacious, boundary-pushing work. The world of sinema would be significantly less without Lars.

[@catherinejeannette7351]

I loved the review! I wish you would slow down when you’re speaking though!

[@andrewharris1391]

Another great review my man. Thanks James, I can't wait to see this

[@KnivesMonroe]

best House that Jack Built review on youtube.

[@ronniejaye1]

Dillon was brilliant at expressing the longing to be in the Elysian Fields and hearing the" breath of the meadow" once again. It's literally palpable on his face. I've watched this movie a minimum of 15 times . The first 2 to enjoy it as a whole and the rest to understand the subtleties of this work. BTW , I have to skip past the duck scene every time. There's no becoming numb to that seemingly unimportant yet disturbing scene which grows inside you with horror and dread just by knowing it's coming.

[@faq4490]

The duck scene was about as disturbing as watching someone cut a toenail. I can't believe people can make a fuss over that.

[@jevinday]

You know that the duck scene isn't real, right? It was a rubber leg. I've seen this movie 4 times, I have it on Blu Ray. They have it for sale here in the US now as of a year or so ago

[@DonEnzone]

Guy sounds like PC Principal.

[@sandracmyers]

A sickening masterpiece

[@directed_by_ai]

Alls i could think of last night was how confident of a filmmaker he is. Fucking confidence.

[@keithmounts1305]

Thanks for this. It's increased my desire to see this!!! I love all your descriptions on all of this ( Lars, Dillon, art, etc...) I've subscribed.

[@ShortyTwine]

I hadn't really heard much about this film, then it popped up on a streaming service today and I decided to watch it. It was brilliant. I rarely watch movies more than once, but this is one I *know* I'll watch again.

[@benten2462]

Have you watched Idioterne/the idiots? I’d just love to see you review it. Fantastic video!

[@genebcolon]

Mother!, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, the house that jack built!...

[@s0urp0wer5]

Mother was stupid as hell but the other two are incredible you ever seen Dogtooth by the same director?!

[@auriculus3058]

@@s0urp0wer5 I love Mother, especially the second half where it goes batshit crazy. Sure the movie has flaws, the first half is a little too long and the CGI looks not that good, but it's such a nightmarish, overwhelming, captivating, disturbing and surreal trip. I was on the edge of my seat in the theater and couldn't believe what I was witnessing. I left the theater shaking and completely worn-out. When a film achieves that, it did something right

[@Siggkins]

I slowed this vid down to 0.75. That way it doesn't feel like I'm being hammered into a corner by someone who sniffed a bowl of speed beforehand.

[@DeepFrigidWinter]

Good idea, now it sounds like I'm having beers with someone

[@Jellycakelap]

Aranofsky tried horror in 'Mother!' -- And succeeded in making a weird ass movie that was a little blood curdling. This is my second Trier attempt -- 'Antichrist' was a hole of nihilism -- but this -- WAS ART. Artist AS film. The only scene was the duckling one -- that made me go -- HE WOULD do this shit, but found that PETA already found out that it wasn't genuine. This flick is DAMNED GOOD -- and The Divine Comedy and the kalabasis of Vergil and Dante as a discussion of LARS VAN TRIER?! Damn, dude. This guy -- he knocked this one out of the park. (Each kill reflects circles of hell -- as descending...from the book).

[@rebeccahopkins9522]

Is that a copy of Clive Barker’s THE DAMNATION GAME I see behind you??? VERY COOL. I’m a huge Clive Barker fan and have been reading him since I was 13; he’s one of the greatest authors of the 20th century IMO. He weaves such fantastic tales of limitless imagination and endlessly original prose (his mastery of the English language is truly special, and his intricate world building and descriptive word use are just magic), while doing nearly all his own illustrations; he’s also a fantastic playwright. These words get tossed around way too much, but Barker truly is an artistic genius. He was also my foray into reading horror fantasy- Here I was this kid in a cheerleading uniform, long natural blonde, perfectly done hair, and perfect makeup, looking like Seventeen magazine threw up on me 😂 strolling into the the public library and checking out THE BOOKS OF BLOOD…and others such as THE LESSER KEY OF SOLOMON- ARS GOETIA and JUSTINE by the Marques de Sade. Needless to say, my selections used to warrant me some sternly disapproving, slightly disgusted looks from the librarians. 😂 Favorite Barker book? IMAJICA

[@Waaazuuuubp]

great, troubling, biblical, brave piece of art. Made such an impact on me, and i 100% agree with you on the predisposed "critics", who automatically disregard this movie because of whatever tf..

[@531katie]

Enjoy the way you ‘see’ a film. I think you’re one of the few who grasps true objectivity in rating a piece of artistic work ... and always with humility that leaves out the certainty that usually doesn’t exist nor must. Me too - that same scene was extremely hard to take and what I agree as the only truly vile violence probably because it was too real and came at us without warning. The frail boy who I almost began feeling sadness for .. then boom! Just as immediate was the suffering we were forced to witness as a result. I would have liked to miss that. Was it gratuitous cruelty that cheapened the film ? I didn’t think it was necessary but I’d like to hear your opinion. Thanks for great insight on everything I’ve seen you review. Particularly when I’m left shell-shocked by the ending of either a movie or a series episode, I search first for your take. Then later, redit conversations fill in what’s left.

[@aussiedonaldtrump]

I can’t believe I missed this review! This review is amazing! I loved this film. Half my theatre left (during the kids scene), but the ones that stayed loved it. In my opinion this is his best movie! It’s a brilliant movie,but you may hate it. Great review mate!

[@ivanchavez6226]

Where can i watch the uncensored version!!?? They dont play these moviee where i live i see a lot of bad hype about the movie i wanna see what its all about

[@ghostxflowers]

I agree with you about lars. He's one of my favorite directors in film. hoping to see the movie soon.

[@115shortfilms4]

I would love to see a commentary for the film done by you (and maybe some friends)!

[@LarryMullins]

Hey man!! Love your reviews! Just discovered you recently. I just watched this film on Showtime and LOVED IT!! Love your review and your style!! You’ve gained a subscriber. Yes, I unfortunately saw the R-rated version. And I’m on your side about Lars Von Trier!

[@sebastianmelmoth685]

I think you miss the point - Jack does not have an artistic soul at all. He is an engineer who wishes to be an artist. His "creation" however, is destructive - and he mistakes complete annihilation for the cycle of birth and destruction that is the hallmark of creativity. That is why he falls into un-being at the end of the film.

[@3mpt1n3ss]

Yes, absolutely!!

[@aftertheshowmoviepodcast]

I think Gasper Noe is my favorite controversial director.

[@janfranszuidema8512]

+ascullydotcom I've seen those Gasper Noe films, and Lars von Trier is the better director... ;)

[@MrCholoPants3415]

Nah, Gaspar Noe is actually intelligent. Lars is a hack. Antichrist and Nymphomaniac are pieces of trash tbh. I'm still excited for this film because although it still seems to have his laughably unsubtle "themes" that are overly explained, and it seems to have his shitty voyeurism style of filming/framing, I'm stoked to watch it tomorrow. This looks very different than his other stuff that I'm not a fan of at all, and I'm counting down the hours until my showtime tomorrow. It looks like he's finally said "fuck it" and is actually making a filthy, disturbing, but most importantly ENTERTAINING film. Watching his films (aside from Melancholia) is like having a nightmare where you're trying to run away and your body is stuck in slow motion. I have much higher expectations for this, and I have a feeling it'll live up to them after this review.

[@mbmpablo3631]

Love both, Gaspar Noe is a genius love, Irreversible, Enter The Void, Seul contre Tous, Carne, he is the king of the plan séquence. Love Lars to Antichrist is beautiful. Try, Notre jours Viendra, by Romain Gavras with Cassel. Its a master peace for me to.

[@franklippert4278]

@@MrCholoPants3415 I thought 'Antichrist' was actually brilliant. If we can accept that LvT is actually mentally ill (depression IS a mental illness after all) and not just posing as ill then 'Antichrist' is actually a serious exploration of said malady. And this is a difficult topic from an artistic point of view, because depression is just black and gray and not dramatic in its own right, normally. LvT splits himself up into 'man' and 'woman' (not physically but in the abstract Jungian sense as a collection of qualities) and lets the 'rational' man battle it out against the 'irrational' woman.

[@francoarocha7287]

what is a good site to read critic's reviews of films like this one?

[@PenskyMaterial]

They all hated it. Go watch the movie and make your own opinion inatead. Its def not for everybody! Either you will hate it or love it!

[@Jackson-kc8wz]

love the video... but why don’t you have all the books in the Wheel of Time series? You’ve gotta finish it !

[@irrefutablematt]

i feel like to many ppl dont understand horror is a dissection of fear, violence and the human condition... they just see the violence and the fear and proclaim "this is sick, youre sick"

[@andresesqueda1424]

exactly dude. I love horror films that make me feel uncomfortable because that means it's doing it's job.

[@kittykuchi7896]

On the flip side there are many ppl who don't understand that there are many ppl who don't believe there needs to be a "dissection of fear, violence and the human condition", especially if it is to be depicted on the cinema screen for profit! They would probably prefer to see depictions of love, compassion and overcoming the human condition. But to understand the human condition is also to understand how human beings are incapable of understanding other human beings and to see the absurdity of that play out in all kinds of ways.

[@irrefutablematt]

@@kittykuchi7896 while def true to some degree i dont think its the case that a lot of them would rather see depictions of love etc.. as a lot of these very same ppl who criticize horror for reasons mentioned often have no problem with watching an action hero shooting 50 ppl because the violence is sterilized and no dissection and binary nature(good guy/bad guy) of such movies allows them to not think about the violence they are ingesting... they often just like a more "entertaining" sort of violence while at the same time decrying horror for its violence.. which imo is a bit more twisted than violence that makes you uncomfortable, i mean someone died you should feel uncomfortable to some degree... not sanitize it to the point that you dont recognize violence as being violence anymore it also neglects that connections such as love, compassion, etc can be formed around horrific tragedy, i.e the lovely bones... obviously this is not everyone though im sure there is a number of people who only like to watch more positive heart warming stuff... but a fair amount of the ppl i know who think "horror is sick" actually really enjoy action movies... but dont seem to register a shitload of ppl getting shot to death = just as bad as a handful of teens getting stabbed to death etc.. but i totally agree with you on the "not understanding each other being part of the human condition" and ppl criticize what they dont understand... anyway though this was a nice little chat but i really dont want to lose my sunday to a long philosophical debate over a 2 month old comment... so peace and have a nice sat/sun depending on where you are in the world

[@kittykuchi7896]

@@irrefutablematt No need to expend your weekend over a trivial point such as this one. I'll just reiterate in a more simplified manner and you can decide if you wish to respond or not. People are simple minded! And that also includes people who make observations of other people being simple minded (a la yours truly). If they think a movie sends the wrong message or is simply gratuitous then they will object to the movie. And yes people can debate the rest of their weekends on what really genuine objectively counts as gratuitous. I think films are gratuitious to at least some degree by nature. It's a business and they market their product to those whom they expect will be willing to buy. It's the same with roller coasters, ultra spicy food, heavy metal music, rap, hip hop, porn, reality TV, the current POTUS, etc. What one person finds gratuitious or meaningless, the other sees virtue and meaning in it. Most human beings are not intellectualy equipped to investigate the facts of the matter.

[@moshimanju7576]

how will you know if you watched the censored version?

[@ahmadababaei3254]

Where can I find your top 10?

[@AdamBDesign]

This is a great video. Saw the R rated version last night and I am still unpacking. This commentary helped a lot with some of the imagery that was portrayed during the film. This is my second Von Trier movie. I have only seen Antichrist, which ones should I see next? Again, great commentary

[@stonaraptor8196]

just saw the R rated version. Whats different to the directors cut?

[@stonaraptor8196]

@Obed Blas More of the killing or the taxidermy?

[@janfranszuidema8512]

The best Matt Dillon film is obviously Rumble Fish (1983)... ;) Looking forward to this film. I'm a big LvT fan. I once chose a one time showing of the second Kingdom series in the cinema over a WC (football) match of my dear Oranje in 1998. I made the right choice. Oranje lost to Croatia (and it was a 3rd place anyway). I'm expecting to see the directors cut (the version you saw) in the Netherlands. I understand that there is some controversy in the USA about that one. P.S. loved your wrongreel episode of Haneke. I'm a sociologist, so he was always an interesting filmmaker to me. I'm going to rewatch some latter Haneke. Btw, there has been this British journalist who impersonated Haneke on Twitter. You (and definitely Marcus) should read some of his tweets (he is very competitive towards Terrence Malick). It's very funny and he has actually met Michael later on.

[@ethanethan9575]

maybe mention (spoiler review) somewhere in the title if you plan on spoiling the movie?

[@gongashbk619]

glad i saw this comment before watching this, thanks

[@scipioafricanus5871]

@@gongashbk619 Ironically I usually read comments where they complain about commenters spoiling in the comments.

[@lifeandThings]

LVT's slow-motion is called LongMotion. 📷

[@jacquiedls]

Great review

[@jackfahy2283]

Going to see it this evening, there's limited showings of it all over Ireland because of how violent it is so I'm happy to love close to a cinema that's playing it 🙌

[@subversivelysurreal3645]

I can’t wait to see this movie! Thank you for telling us that Matt Dillon did well in this role! I don’t understand what’s so misogynistic and/or ‘wrong’ about his films, they definitely get into my head, and I love the (agony) of the last film of his films that I saw...’ Antichrist ‘. Plus, after all, Ed Gein was an actual person!

[@videopunk10]

Except this movie ain't about Ed Gein, but an over simplification of serial killers, wrapped with pretentiousness used by Lars as a way to speak his (while desperately trying not to put himself in the film in order not to run into the trap of being a "auteur", even though he unintentionally did), and made for people who's hobby is labeling other horror movies with the puke inducing slur known as "torture porn". This movie is what happens when Lars Von Trier tries to make an intellectual version of a Eli Roth film. You want a better movie? Watch Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer.

[@kathymassonne2614]

People think I'm a movie snob because I want to learn something palpable when watching a movie. I will recommend this to no one because it forces you confront truths and ultimately make decisions. This movie is entertaining to me, only in the way that "1984" by Orwell is. And like "1984", I consider this a masterpiece for the ages. I see at as semi-autobiographical: completely exposing the director's definition of art and forcing his audience to agree with him or not based on the thesis laid before us. I find it fascinating that people squirm most at a duckling having parts amputated, when no one mentions a mother forced to feed her murdered child a bite of pie (apple no less.) We have devalued human bonds so much that an animal we regularly kill and eat, holds more regard than a mother's abject horror and pain. This is one of many juxtapositions in this film, that Lars von Trier uses to show us what he sees in us. And the point of the movie I fear, what you see in me is genuinely human. Pompous, enlightened, humorous cruel, studied, manic...complicated. You may judge him for this film, but in doing so you have defined yourself.

[@andrewharris1391]

Alot of people hate Antichrist, but I've always loved it. And Meloncholia as well. But I have yet to see Nymphomaniac

[@martinnielsen5805]

Watch his TV series "Riget" (the Kingdom) Absolute world class.

[@crjaded]

See nymphomaniac.

[@violenciariba666]

Vol 1 was really good but Vol 2 i liked until the end that was just a big Fuck you to everyone.

[@edgaradams4624]

Thank you, Mr. Hancock. I attended the 11/28/18 viewing in New Orleans. Afterwards, KZbin was flooded with reviewers who claimed to like the film while decrying the political incorrectness of the film. Those were funny to a point, but I dislike the whining of weaklings and it quickly became painfully stupid. Thanks, again.

[@geekinwithJamesHancock]

Hopefully this craze where film commentators constantly try and underline how sensitive they are will soon come to an end.

[@SebDaviesMedia]

Thank you for this. I cannot wait to watch it.

[@shalor8948]

Wow....lots of great info and insight! Can't wait to see it! (Side note: It's distracting that your face isn't in focus.)

[@MrSnuffian]

Please please please slow down

[@jonathanbaumler798]

Lars is a great filmmaker. He pushes the envelope and doesn’t give a single fuck about filmmaking rules, and I love it!!!

[@josephfatur1747]

See also "The Kingdom Hospital", tv series, Eng. subtitles. And the very unusual Dogville.

[@FoivosLoxias]

Amazing film! Thank you Lars!

[@SaltGrinder]

I just finished watching it... Alot of information for my mind to process but I thought it was fucking amazing... I'm just not sure I want to recommend it to anyone I know (because I don't think the average viewer can handle the subject matter, or rather see past it to actually take in the subtext)

[@andreadoniz70]

You’re right, many film critics hate this film just because they dislike him personally

[@martinnielsen5805]

Geeking with Kames Hancock- in which language did you see "the Kingdom" - I am Danish and can tell you there is a world of difference from the original to the US version.

[@fiffihoneyblossom5891]

I love this film. All of the reasons people criticized it is why I loved it, the pretentiousness, the dark humour that is coupled with extreme gore, plenty of Easter eggs to look for....it's great

[@IsisMusic]

Spot on. Great analyze

[@dondraper3898]

Let's not go overboard. Everyone knows Matt Dillion's best role will always be Bob Hughes. I never wanted to try anything as much as that movie made me want to try dilaudid. When I finally got the chance years after I became an opiate addict, I remembered the line "Listen to me, you little punk- I'm goin' straight man! You oughta try it some time! It's good for the soul." I didn't touch the dilaudid and went for Suboxone treatment the next day. Maybe it's my personal experience that is influencing my opinion.

[@hadiali484]

I think the house that Jack built is the best movie I watched in 2018 and once again Lars von Trier proved himself as one of the Masters of the craft

[@gremsa]

the dialogues in this film were astonishing

[@AdrianMendoza23]

I was going to go. I bought a ticket. I love Lars Von Trier. But I did'nt go. I just didn't want to watch a serial killer movie. You have to be in a certain mood to watch his films.

[@janfranszuidema8512]

@Adrian Mendoza You didn't want to watch the first showing of a Lars von Trier film. A Lars von Trier film doesn't have a genre. You can see it latter in the cinema.

[@AdrianMendoza23]

@@janfranszuidema8512 I know LVT films have no genre. But all of his films are dark and can be intense. And also I was not in the mood. I was being a pussy. Did you go see it? Did you like it?

[@janfranszuidema8512]

+Adrian Mendoza I haven't seen it yet. It hasn't opened in Europe. "And also I was not in the mood." I understand, but I didn't understand: "I just didn't want to watch a serial killer movie."

[@AdrianMendoza23]

@@janfranszuidema8512 Where are you in Europe?

[@janfranszuidema8512]

@Adrian Mendoza Groningen, The Netherlands.

[@BradHominem]

Can't wait for this. Nice review. Unfortunately, YourMovieSucks had a pretty bad reaction to the movie (and he's a Von Trier fan).

[@poontang3zizo]

Actually Adum isn't a fan per say of Von Trier. It's more of a love hate relationship

[@candydormizzi2500]

Hell yes nice review !

[@ahmadababaei3254]

I'm also fascinated

[@ColinBloodworth]

Really nice explanation, man.

[@bradrohach7924]

It's not for everyone but I thought it was genius. Its been a while since I watched a movie and I thought about all the symbolism and meaning for days after watching. I agree the debates are fascinating and what makes me want to watch it again. Dillon's acting was amazing. I loved the scene where he sheds only one tear when he sees the only place that made him happy right before he goes to hell.

[@EmilFoghVids]

Great review!

[@bluestate69]

This film will have a very long "shelf life"?? That has added meaning when speaking of this film! Seeing as what he had in his freezer!

[@17samalex]

i saw the directors cut as well loved it In theaters Dec 14th and VOD Not directors cut One can hope for a blue ray directors cut

[@florafloraflora5567]

agree with everything you said. how dare people claim that film is dead when overlooking lars von trier.

[@eigen00]

I was haunted too with the duckling scene which I think didn't add anything to the story and was only for the shock value. Other than that I enjoyed the movie and Matt Dillon's performance.

[@krakenbowl7231]

Hey James. I, like you, would love to revisit the movie to analyze those philosophical chats between Virgil and Jack, it was almost overload for me and I wished I was watching it on DVD so I could pause and go back. I kind of disagree that Jack's journey is somehow symbolic or representative of Von Trier's journey as a director and I think Jack is more an indictment of people (i.e. critics) who are incapable of creating so they need to tear things down and their "artistry" is only through destruction (you actually touched on a lot of critics unsavory relationship with Von Trier early on in the review and Von Trier actually joked in an interview that he's never fantasized about killing anyone, only journalists). They are not architects and are only engineers (and I think it's Virgil's constant push back on Jack that blows a hole in the theory that he is representative of Von Trier's journey). It's only fitting that Jack finds the harmonious cutting of the grass beautiful, nature being cut apart. But overall, great review and I really need to see The Kingdom thanks for the recommendation.

[@neokt3701]

I loved it, even though watching all these absolutely horrific scenes, I could not stop grinning. I probs need to see a Doctor :0

[@ab4845]

0:28-0:40: I very proudly belong to neither at all.

[@kylejoe8393]

More than just a comedy it was a Divine Comedy ;)

[@jaybirdful]

Brilliant filmmaking

[@aftertheshowmoviepodcast]

Is this movie ondemand yet? Not a hope in hell of it coming out theatrically here in Missouri.

[@amcaesar]

The theatrical release is in about a month.

[@cinne2135]

R version in theatres December 28.

[@nejjk]

Fun fact: the word 'ondemand' means 'evil man' in Lars von Trier's native Danish, very apropos for this movie.

[@amcaesar]

@@nejjk Nicely done.

[@tomfahey3305]

One of the best films I’ve ever seen

[@jayn8392]

I'm very interested In this one. I like some of Von Trier's work but I'm not really a huge fan. I have no issue with grotesque graphic violence and sexuality, I just find some of his work somewhat self masturbatory/pretentious and some of it is downright boring to me. Not all of his work by any means, but maybe 50/50. I am quite fascinated by serial killers and how they think. I absolutely love serial killer movies and I think this kind of content is right up Von Trier's alley. Also, Matt Dillon look like he is absolutely killing (very punny) . I think I will leave my wife out the viewing though. She likes stuff like Seven, Silence of the Lambs and Mindhunter, but I don't know if she's ready for any of Von Trier's films lol.

[@eyecandyquartz8494]

Dropped 3tabs an hit play! Omg Lars von Trier is the shit! Wasss crazy

[@johnkrummel2956]

good review, I agree

[@MrCholoPants3415]

Watch the spoilers, mate. I think the only reason you have dislikes on this video is because there are spoilers. They are minor, but they are spoilers nonetheless, describing assumingly some of the most interesting scenes from the film which would be better off left to be watched on one's own without having any prior knowledge. Anyway, I didn't finish the review because I want to see this tomorrow knowing nothing other than whether or not it's worth the ticket price, and the first half of your review sold me, so I'm giving a thumbs up regardless of the spoilers. I'll also be back to edit this comment and dislike the video if I end up wasting $40 watching this and hating it... Just fucking with you mate, lol, nice review. Looking forward to finishing this video once I've seen the film for myself.

[@johanneabelsen1644]

3:05: NOT Dante allygerry. Ali-GeeEH-dee.

[@cartmann227]

Excellent!

[@Oceansideca1987]

Love this movie !!!!!!

[@ipsofacto1435]

This movie is great. I feel it's important. Philosophy is cool.

[@Schellnino1994]

Zack Synder does a similar Slow Motion style

[@IsisMusic]

Really good review. You understand the movie :)