autisticreviewers

Without knowing what to expect and what it would be about, Lords of Chaos is not only a solid piece of film but an engaging, darkly comical but at times a tense drama film based on actual true events that took place within the uprising of Norwegian metal music in the late 80's and early 90's, revolving around bands Mayhem and Burzem.

With having said that, the rest is really best to be seen unfolded in front of your eyes to leave an amazing impression as it had on us. The script and pace work is great, there's never a dull moment despite a few sequences that can be confronting for its subject matter (including suicide, murder and religious retaliations. The acting range is great with no signs showing of mis-casting, the performance of Rory Culkin and Emory Cohen together is great but really tense in it's third act, whilst it's director Jonas Åkerlund helms with his past experiences in being in a metal music group. Surprisingly, the film carriers a lot of darkly toned humour and brutal moments of violent crimes for a drama film, being based on the biographical book of the same name.

Lords of Chaos is really an unexpected surprise of a film, only not long ago we saw the impressive Bohemian Rhapsody but this film (which is most likely to get a bigger release next year) takes it higher with its true story behind it, the age of metal music and the brutal events that took place.

4.5/5 Written by Nick.

"In five episodes, failed architect and vicious sociopath Jack recounts his elaborately orchestrated murders -- each, as he views them, a towering work of art that defines his life's work as a serial killer in the Pacific Northwest."

Lars Von Trier has a whole history of making bizarre, shocking, disturbing and disgusting films, and in The House That Jack Built definitely does not hold back on any of the above. This film is designed to make you uncomfortable. Trier's objective is to get under your skin, and he succeeds perfectly. Unfortunately this film will be either a love/hate kind of movie. And for those who aren't aware, over a hundred people walked out at the Cannes Film Festival. Loads of people were disgusted by this film, but the film still received a standing ovation.

Matt Dillon is brilliant here. This movie is definitely the best and bravest film he's ever done in his entire career. Walt Disney Pictures will never be hiring him from now on, that's for certain! What's surprising is that there is a lot of comedy through out the film. One example bring Jack pretending to be a Police Officer, telling the lady he forgot his badge and that it's getting polished at a car wash, then telling her he's a salesman ready to give her free money for her pension! The supporting cast are good, Uma Thurman is a stand out as always, Bruno Ganz (who plays Verge, the person he talks to about the murders he commits). The movie moves along at a good pace, sometimes even showing us real footage of animals or World War 2 with Jack explaining how we have animal instincts and how men are the lions and females are the innocent lambs.

Lars Von Trier creates another cinematic masterpiece, but once again is not for everyone. This is a movie you will love or hate. To give you a few examples: there is animal cruelty, little kids dying on screen, over the top deaths in female victims, and even scenes of men getting slaughtered! This is not a movie for the faint of heart and you have been warned.

5/5 stars Jay

While I will admit that I'm not a huge devotee of Lairs Von Tier, his latest cinematic offering 'The House That Jack Built' is compelling, well written, visually confronting and has effective performances.

The story and themes contained in the film will either shock you or have you interested; it involves around how one single person can become a solid killer based on his knowledge of how people interpret themselves and the urges to do something.

But behind the camera there is a solid director, an interesting actor in the leading role and a worthy script. It's important to say that the casting of Matt Dillon is a huge step for him, whilst he may not be on our screens as much his return as a darkly sinister killer is something that the Oscars will definitely not consider for an nomination but I feel that this role in the film was indeed worth seeing.

Regardless of what your tastes of film are like and if you know of Von Teir, THTJB is not a boring film as its brutal, well acted and visually shot but it's subject matter can either be depressing, too brutal or very interesting and sadly there will be those who will either love it or hate it.

4/5

Nick