IFC Films has grabbed U.S. distribution rights to The House That Jack Built, the latest provocation from auteur Lars von Trier. The film, written and directed by the Danish filmmaker, is about a serial killer and centers on his perspective through the course of five murders. A subject perhaps apropos coming from a director who willingly courts controversy at nearly every turn.
Set in America in the 1970s, Jack (Matt Dillon) views his murders as a form of art, something of which fuels his desire to take on further risks and grandiosity, even as pressure from the authorities begin. The film features an impressive ensemble cast – a staple for von Trier – that includes Uma Thurman (who appeared in Nymphomaniac: Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 for the director), Riley Keough (American Honey), Siobhan Fallon Hogan (We Need to Talk About Kevin) and Bruno Ganaz (The Counsellor). The will mark the second collaboration between von Trier and IFC Films, who previously teamed for his controversial 2009 film Anti-Christ.
The House That Jack Built is currently in production. A release sometime next year is expected.
IFC Films/Sundance Selects co-presidents Jonathan Sehring and Lisa Schwartz commented, “Lars von Trier is an unparalleled cinematic provocateur and one of the world’s great auteurs. It’s great to be working with old friends and colleagues such as Lars, Peter Aalbaek Jensen and the entire Trust team. We are anticipating audiences will see a Matt Dillon they have never dreamed of before.”
von Trier’s recent films include Nymphomaniac Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, Melancholia and Anti-Christ.