I’ve come to the conclusion that Timothy J. Cox (Jack) is an incredibly unique actor. He’s subtle in his approach to each and every role, but he fills the space on the screen with great aplomb, and his presence always makes the films in which he’s present better. Furthermore, he clearly looks to play roles in films that contain an important message, and What Jack Built is no exception to that.
Jack is building something in his basement, but what is it? When that thing is revealed, the world is unsure as to why it’s been built. Will Jack’s latest creation solve his problems, or will he still be haunted by the unknown lurking in the woods. What Jack Built is a story of perseverance and tenacity, but even more so about the demons that live inside each of us.
There is mystery surrounding Matthew Mahler’s What Jack Built, and other than the stellar performance by Cox, this is what is used to appeal to viewers. It’s the unknown that drives the film forward and keeps viewers around, but honestly, I’m not sure that we ever truly ever get the revelation needed to make the mystery worth it. What Jack Built is engaging from the opening seconds as Cox takes the stage for the first time, and as I travelled through the oddities of Jack’s struggles I felt connected to the character and his plights. I found myself clinging to the idea that viewers don’t necessarily need some tangible explanation as to why Jack built what he did, and that the message behind the voyage (and the message is tremendous) is all we really need to feel a sense of accomplishment as the story comes to a close. However, I can’t help but want some clarification on the things that had just transpired, and I never got that.
As previously mentioned, Cox is immensely talented. What Jack Built is simple, and it’s possible that the message present throughout this project could carry it without a great acting performance. To that, however, Cox says “nay”--but Jack says nothing at all. As he works diligently in his basement to construct this unknown object viewers rely heavily on his facial expressions and body language to understand the tone of the film. In short: Cox is brilliant. He manages to marry together a juxtaposition of maniacal vigor and unique reservation to bring Jack to life. Jack is reminiscent of Colin Clive’s Henry Frankenstein with all of his passion, but also possesses qualities of the slightly more unhinged Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey). This is a testament both to Cox’s ability as an actor, but also of the wonderful job that Matthew and Ross Mahler do developing this character.
I’m impressed by the acting, the integral metaphor of the darkness that we create in our own lives, and the distinctive camera angles and closeup shots that bring the film to life. I enjoyed each of the aforementioned aspects, however, I wanted more from the ending. I appreciate the way in which the Mahler’s planned for What Jack Built to end, but that lack of tangibility is slightly off putting. All in all, What Jack Built is well done and causes its viewers to think. I’m impressed most of all by Cox’s performance, as he, once again, delivers beautifully.
Directed by Matthew Mahler.
Written by Matthew Mahler & Ross Mahler.
Starring Timothy J. Cox.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
