Jack is a serial killer and architect. He presents five scenarios, i.e., five separate incidents in which he killed. He likens his crimes to making art. He’s also building a house.

Lars von Trier returned to directing after a five-year hiatus to make this film.

There’s so much going for this- a great performance by Matt Dillon, excellent direction and photography and an artistic vision that is varied and eclectic.

Then why was it dull as dishwater and pretentious to boot? Too much pop-psychology navel-gazing regarding psychopathy and not enough of Jack actually being a serial killer.

There also comes a point where the vision presented becomes irritating and showy. When Jack starts throwing away caption cards à la Bob Dylan, I knew the film was over for me. I wasn’t wrong.

Another reminder of why Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is so good and why The Boston Strangler goes downhill fast after De Salvo is captured and we get to hear what psychologists have to say.

1.5 out of 5 stars