Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Lars Von Trier's new serial-killer thriller inspired by Donald Trump because 'life is evil and soulless'

The House That Jack Built stars Matt Dillon as the titular character

Jack Shepherd
Tuesday 14 February 2017 06:21 EST
Comments
(Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Last week, Lars von Trier released the first haunting promotional image for upcoming serial-killer thriller The House That Jack Built, featuring himself holding a giant scythe.

According to recently revealed details, the film follows a highly intelligent serial killer named Jack - played by Matt Dillon - over the course of 12 years, starting in the 70s.

Speaking about the upcoming project - which will shoot in Trollhättan, Sweden, and Copenhagen this March - the Melancholia director revealed how Donald Trump has partially inspired him.

The House That Jack Built celebrates the idea that life is evil and soulless,” he told The Guardian. “Which is sadly proven by the recent rise of the Homo trumpus – the rat king.”

The film - which was originally planned as a TV series - stars Oscar-nominee Bruno Ganz as the character Verge, who The Hollywood Reporter describe as ‘a mysterious man who engages Jack in a recurring conversation about his actions and thoughts’.

American Honey’s Riley Keough and The Killing’s Sofie Gråbøl will star alongside Dillon, both playing women who come into contact with the titular character as he ‘attempts to create the ultimate artwork’.

Von Trier’s last film, Nymphomaniac, was a controversial two-part pornographic drama that starred the likes of Shia LaBoef, Uma Thurman and Willem Dafoe.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in