The House That Jack Built was directed by Danish director and screenwriter Lars von Trier. Lars von Trier is well-known for his vast cinematography across the last few decades, and his films have provoked some controversy.
The House that Jack Built particularly caused a stir, due to its representation of murder from the killer's point of view. Jack, the protagonist of this film, chooses to see his crimes as artistic expression, creating a disturbing discussion within the film about the nature of art. Some of the things Jack says in the film can be considered offensive and delusional, but the director ensures the audience knows these views originate from the mind of a very disturbed person.
One of the director's most interesting choices was to frame Jack's story within a frame narrative inspired by Dante's Inferno. This makes the film unlike any other and intriguing for audiences. In order to make his film realistic and compelling, Trier himself researched serial killers, which inspired the creation of Jack.