Man Bites Dog (1992), Remy Belvaux & Andre Bonzel

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Genre: Comedy, Drama
Overall Rating:

(out of 5)

This is NOT a movie for just anyone. It has racism, murder, rape, all to the worst degree. But its all humorous (well, most of it). It is one of the most shocking films I have ever seen, but I found myself laughing through a lot of it. I recommend seeing it for its unique style and its place among cult classics (again, if you can handle it). One thing to keep in mind that it is in French, and you'll have to watch it with subtitles.

The Story:

(out of 5)

1 Point: Interesting

2 Points: Original

1 Point: Unpredictable

1 Point: OMGZ

A camera crew decides to film the life and "occupation" of a serial killer. The man is overly excited to film, and takes them with him through a series of murders of the elderly, young married couples, and children; he even gives them tips on how to properly ballast different ages and sizes of people in order to get them to sink to the bottom of a water bed.

Characters:

(out of 5)

1 Point: Well-Played

1 Point: Original

1 Point: Relatable

1 Point: Emotional Attachment

1 Point: OMGZ

Ben (Benoit Poelvoorde): The serial killer, with a raunchy sense of humor and a family and friends that love him to pieces.

Remy (Remy Belvaux): The reporter who follows Ben around despite all of the danger and things he has to do for Ben.

Believability:

(out of 5)

1 Point: No Disbelief

1 Point: Well-Explained

1 Point: Characters Fit Conceivably

1 Point: Not Foolishly Omniscient

1 Point: OMGZ

In this day, it doesn't seem too hard to believe in the existence of serial killers going around killing people at random. What IS hard to believe is that a camera crew would follow him around and watch, sometimes even help, this guy out.

Weight:

(out of 5)
1 Point: Relatable Lives
1 Point: Relatable Choices
1 Point: "Wow" Moments
1 Point: Lasting
1 Point: OMGZ

I have a little bit of a hard time with this one. Its definitely memorable, but there are no real messages to be kept in mind forever. A few people have likened it to "A Clockwork Orange," in that its a view of violence in today's world. I suppose that can be true. It really leaves a lasting impression as you're watching this movie, kind of a sick feeling in your gut because you can't believe what you're seeing.

Visual:

(out of 5)
2 Points: Visual Quality
1 Point: Unique Visual Perspective
1 Point: Special Effects
1 Point: OMGZ

It didn't look cheap. At all. It looked real, could be real, and thats what adds the "wow" factor.