Man Bites Dog

An original idea or variation on a theme. A film crew, led by director Remy Belvaux, are following Ben around, going back to his roots, his family, listening to his views on life, meeting his friends and acquaintances, socialising with him, and documenting what he does in life. What does Ben do? He's an expert on nature, an art critic and a poet, he plays chamber music with his girfriend, he likes visiting his family, going out for a good meal, and drinking with his friends. He's also a serial killer, and that's why the documentary team of three are interested in him. The film follows the lines of a typical documentary: hand-held following Ben around on his 'tour of duty' interspersed with interviews with the various people who know Ben, interviews, or chats, really, with Ben himself; and of course the various murders Ben commits on camera (of which there are many...) and how he disposes of the bodies. The relationship between the film crew following him around becomes more and more amicable, as they go from just filming to actually helping Ben out in his crimes (e.g. Remy holds the legs of a child down while Ben strangles it). And this involvement goes just a bit too far...

The line many critics took on this was that Man Bites Dog was very black humour not to everyone's taste, but still very funny. This is putting it mildly. The humour is incredibly black and the film is at times very sick and gross or in bad taste (or both!) However there are some very funny moments, if you can stomach some of the situations and the occasionally graphic gore (although it's all in grainy black and white). The film is very well put together and has a clever improvised feel to it. It is both a satire on documentaries (and showing the common desire to see 'real life' death), as well as on serial killer movies like Silence of the Lambs. Documentaries record everyday people and Ben is an everyday person, not some stylised inflated persona like Hannibal Lector who strings skinned policemen up on cages surrounded by dry ice. And just in case anyone things the filin is too rough and ready and home-movie-like, the final shot is beautifully framed. Also, if your French is up to it, look for a list of the different kinds of murders in the credits. Prepare to be shocked, prepare to be outraged, maybe even laugh - those who are easily offended should not attend this film - Man Bites Dog really is a film you're not going to forget in a hurry.

Review by Mark Radice
Taken from EUFS Programme 1993-94