Man Bites Dog
(1992)
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Man Bites Dog
(1992)
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Watch Trailer 0Share... |
Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Benoît Poelvoorde | ... | ||
Jacqueline Poelvoorde-Pappaert | ... |
Ben's Mother
(as Jacqueline Poelvoorde Pappaert)
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Nelly Pappaert | ... |
Ben's Grandmother
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Hector Pappaert | ... |
Ben's Grandfather
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Jenny Drye | ... |
Jenny
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Malou Madou | ... |
Malou
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Willy Vandenbroeck | ... |
Boby
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Rachel Deman | ... |
Mamie Tromblon
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André Laime | ... |
Bed-ridden Old Man
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Édith Le Merdy | ... |
Nurse
(as Edith Lemerdy)
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Sylviane Godé | ... |
Rape Victim (Martine)
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Zoltan Tobolik | ... |
Rape Victim's Husband
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Valérie Parent | ... |
Valerie
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Alexandra Fandango | ... |
Kalifa
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Olivier Cotica | ... |
Benichou
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A camera crew follows a serial killer/thief around as he exercises his craft. He expounds on art, music, nature, society, and life as he offs mailmen, pensioners, and random people. Slowly he begins involving the camera crew in his activities, and they begin wondering if what they're doing is such a good idea, particularly when the killer kills a rival and the rival's brother sends a threatening letter. Written by Ed Sutton <esutton@mindspring.com>
"Man Bites Dog" is a dark comedy truly unlike anything else you've seen. Its also one of the most brilliant satirical commentaries on the celebrity the media makes of murder and the exploitation often involved. It manages to make these points with much more subtly than "Natural Born Killers". Also, it isn't overloaded with the flashy overindulgence of that film and has a fascinatingly stark and minimalist style. This is one of those films were the low-budget only enhances the proceedings, making it uncomfortably realistic. "Man Bites Dog" is sick and disturbing, but thats the intentions of the filmmakers. If you are unable to understand this, than just go back to your safe, watered down Hollywood serial killer films such as "The Silence of the Lambs" (which treat murder in the way "Man Bites Dog" attacks).
The film works so well because of its seamless blend of dark comedy and shocking violence. The main character, Ben, is quite charismatic if also egotistical and pretentious. Hes witty and its easy to see why the supporting characters are so taken with him. How hilarious his actions can be only make the acts of violence all the more shocking. Hes just an ordinary guy who kills people for no purpose other than to avoid boredom. The fact I've met quite a few people with his personality makes it all the more chilling. Also, the film is quite funny at times, albeit in a very morbid fashion.
The only flaw with the film is that towards the end it slightly runs out of steam (it could've been cut of about ten minutes without losing its impact). Still, its a classic whose originality and audacity require more than just one viewing. In my mind, it ranks with "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer" and the original "M" as the most fascinating exploration of a serial killer's mind. (9/10)