Go figure, Lars von Trier is in the news again today for being controversial. But today's news is actually more in the vein of IFC Films being the controversial ones as they are now feeling the full wraith of the dreaded MPAA over last night's screenings of THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT.
Starring Matt Dillon, Uma Thurman, Bruno Ganz, Riley Keough, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, and Sofie Grabol, the film is set in the 1970s and told
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.
IFC Films acquired U.S. rights to the flick out of the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and released the unrated version of Von Trier's newest shock fest for one night only in select theaters in more than 100 cities across the country last night. And the distribution company is now facing sanctions by the ratings board for screening the director's cut without getting the appropriate waiver. Sanctions will be determined after a hearing and possible sanctions include revoking the film's official R rating, or (gasp!), suspending ratings for any other IFC Films.
Motion Picture Association of America said in a statement:
The MPAA has communicated to the distributor, IFC Films, that the screening of an unrated version of the film in such close proximity to the release of the rated version — without obtaining a waiver — is in violation of the rating system's rules. The effectiveness of the MPAA ratings depends on our ability to maintain the trust and confidence of American parents. That's why the rules clearly outline the proper use of the ratings. Failure to comply with the rules can create confusion among parents and undermine the rating system — and may result in the imposition of sanctions against the film's submitter.
IFC Films has not yet commented on this whole kerfuffle. We'll let you know if they do. Until then, remember to mark your calendars as an R-rated version of the movie – about a serial killer who mutilates his victims, including women and children – debuts in cinemas and on digital December 14th.