You know whenever a new Lars von Trier film is released, there’s going to be controversy. It just comes with the territory, especially when you have a filmmaker that not only doesn’t care about any negative publicity, but seems to encourage it. We’ve said it several times before, but von Trier is a bit of a troll. No, not in the typical uneducated gross way that seems to be prevalent on social media. Instead, we’re talking about a man that just loves poking people and encourages not only love from fans but hatred from critics. And with his latest stunt, it looks like he’s doing just that.
Earlier today, it was announced that von Trier’s latest film, “The House That Jack Built,” is getting a special release later this year. Two versions of the film will be screened — the “director’s cut” that was shown at Cannes and the “R-rated cut” that is somewhat tamer. Both will be available on VOD and in select theaters. Now, to drum up a bit of publicity surrounding this announcement, IFC Films (doing its best LVT impression) decided to do a robocall campaign, albeit decidedly creepier than those typical political calls people receive.
And guess who was targeted by these creepy robocalls? Journalists. Some of the same journalists that gave the film such polarizing reviews out of Cannes, securing the film’s current “rotten” status on Rotten Tomatoes. You see, von Trier just loves to poke the bear, so to speak.
READ MORE: Lars Von Trier’s ‘The House That Jack Built’ Is Repulsive, Toxic Trash [Cannes Review]
Like we said, this wasn’t your typical “Hey, make sure to go see ‘The House That Jack Built’ in theaters!” call. No, this was a prank call to film journalists in what has been described as “creepy,” “aggressive,” “terrible,” and “twisted.” As you might expect from anything that Lars von Trier is attached to, the reaction ranged from people praising the call to some calling the call disrespectful.
No matter what, it seems to have worked, as every stunt that LVT pulls seems to be covered by Film Twitter and the film news industry. So congrats, here’s your second plug of the day for the film, Mr. von Trier.
“The House That Jack Built” hits theaters in November and December. (Read about the specific dates here, if you’re so inclined.)
Here is the audio from the call along with some more reactions from journalists on Twitter who received the call…and one really bummed Playlist Editor-in-Chief that didn’t (sorry, Rodrigo!):
— Sam Adams (@SamuelAAdams) October 31, 2018
Lars didn't call me. I don't matter. 😢
— The Playlist (@ThePlaylistNews) October 31, 2018
I just received a creepy phone call of a guy reciting a twisted version of “The House That Jack Built?”
For the Von Trier film? If so, it’s in bad taste. Without that context, it’s scary. I write for IndieWire and know they are readying an announcement, but will others?
— Chris O'Falt (@cofalt) October 31, 2018
The reason I stopped watching Lars Von Trier movies is because he does not like, nor respect his audience. I was done being his chew toy.
Congrats to IFC on a guerilla marketing campaign that perfectly matches your director.
— Chris O'Falt (@cofalt) October 31, 2018
Did anyone else think they might get murdered last night thanks to a particularly creepy THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT promo voicemail? 'Tis the Halloween season, I guess!
— Dude Bro Party Mattsacre III (@DoNatoBomb) October 31, 2018
https://twitter.com/JamieRighetti/status/1057439163086184448
Somebody please tell me I'm not the only one who tried to have phone sex with the creepy, aggressive auto-call guerrilla marketing THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT
— Charles Bramesco (@intothecrevasse) October 31, 2018
Yep. Just got one. Terrible viral marketing.
— Brad Gullickson (@MouthDork) October 31, 2018
Got a phone call from an Oklahoma area code. When I answered I got a guy with a raspy voice who read 30 seconds worth of “the house that jack built” and then hung up. If that’s viral marketing it’s very Lars and I THINK I approve…
— Scout Tafoya (@Honors_Zombie) October 31, 2018
https://twitter.com/AWolfeful/status/1057437772200370176
yeah maybe don't advertise your serial killer movie by robocalling movie critics as a fake serial killer
— Sam Adams (@SamuelAAdams) October 31, 2018
