Man Bites Dog (1992)

Man Bites Dog (1992) / Directors: Rémy Belvaux, André Bonzel, Benoît Poelvoorde / Duration: 95 min. / Language: French / Subtitles: English / Entrance: FREE

Man Bites Dog is a 1992 Belgian black comedy crime mockumentary written, produced and directed by Rémy Belvaux, André Bonzel and Benoît Poelvoorde, who are also the film's co-editors, cinematographers and actors respectively. 

The film follows a crew of filmmakers following a serial killer, recording his horrific crimes for a documentary they are producing. Benoit talks about art, music, nature, society and life, while killing postmen, retirees and casual people. Slowly he starts involving the camera team in his activities and they start to wonder if what they are doing is such a good idea, especially when the killer kills a rival and the rival’s brother sends a threatening letter.

Man Bites Dog is a complex and challenging reflection on violence and media. Often luring the viewer into a false sense of safety through the natural humour and relatability of the lead character. Frequently, the film abruptly kills the laughter of the audience with shocking sequences of horrific violence and depravity. Handheld cinematography adds to the frantic tone of the piece while the black and white film is a bold underscoring of the moral repugnance we are witnessing.

Controversial winner of the International Critics’ Prize at the 1992 Cannes Film Festival, Man Bites Dog stunned audiences worldwide with its unflinching imagery and biting satire of media violence.

This film is screened in partnership with the Belgium Diplomatic Office in Prishtina.