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Features: DVD, English, Subtitled, Black & White
Documentary filmmakers Andre and Remy have found an ideal subject in Ben. He is witty, sophisticated, intelligent, well-liked--and a serial killer. As Andre and Remy record Ben's routines, they become increasingly entwined in his vicious program, sacrificing both their objectivity and their morality. 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.
"...always-irreverent, often darkly funny look at killers and victims." James Berardinelli's ReelViews
"The filmmakers want to skewer the world's couch-potato lambs for turning in to the slaughter." Desson Howe, Washington Post
"...one of the more interesting foreign movies of the last decade." Mike Bracken, Epinions.com
Editor's Note
A documentary crew is fascinated by the charismatic, unrepentant serial killer whose crimes they set out to objectively chronicle. But as the violence escalates, they become more and more complicit in his shocking actions. A disturbingly low-key satire of the connection between violence and the media.
Plot Summary
A mock black comic documentary that spoofs reality TV, and questions the media's role in perpetuating and abetting violence. A homicidal maniac, serial-killer, Ben Patard, is accompanied on his killing sprees by a film crew who document, then later participate in, even as they question, his activities.
| Features | English Subtitles | | New Essay By Andre Bonzel About The Making-Of The Film | | Original Theatrical Trailer | | French Dolby Surround | | Video Interview With The Filmmakers | | No C4 For Daniel-Daniel, A 1989 Short By The Filmmakers | | Stills Gallery |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Home Vision/Public Media |
| Release Date: 9/24/2002 |
| Running Time: 92 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1993 | | Catalog ID: 250 | | UPC: 00037429172223 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: French | | Available Audio Tracks: French | | Available Subtitles: English | | Video: B&W |
| Cast & Crew
| Awards |
Cannes Film Festival (1992) |  | Remy Belvaux, Andre Bonzel, Benoit Polevoorde, Winner, SACD Award, Best Picture | | Remy Belvaux, Andre Bonzel, Benoit Polevoorde, Winner, Special Award Of The Youth |
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| | Professional Reviews | Sight and Sound
"...Inconceivably authentic....MAN BITES DOG is a wonderfully ramshackle portrait..." 01/01/1993 p.42Chicago Sun-Times
"...A viciously funny mock documentary....MAN BITES DOG is a giddy send-up of documentaries that has spoofing fun with its tremulous hand-held cameras and wandering mike..." 05/14/1993 p.38 EUFS: The Film Society 6 of 10
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. - Mark Radice
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| Customer Reviews | ![]() | | Cinematography |  5 | | Plot | 5 | | Acting | 5 | | Overall Satisfaction | 5 |
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5 of 5 Subtle brilliance if you have an open mind Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Rob from Irvine, CA
When I initially watched this film with a friend, I was horrified, embarrased, and ashamed. But I watched it. And I thought about it a lot. It's a shocking, ironic tale of human emotion gone awry. While the rating says R, the film goes way beyond anything I would want a child or teenager to watch. It takes an open mind and strong maturity to appreciate what this film accomplishes. Was this review helpful?  
5 of 5 Briliant and excruciating Friday, September 27, 2002
inkstainedwretch2000 from Denver, CO
A false documentary which was awash in rumors of legitimacy, it is about a film crew who follow around an amiable, charming, funny serial killer. The gloss and sheen which accompanies the romance of killers is plainly shown and brutally slain by the harrowing contents of this essential film. Note: The R-Rated version is pretty rough going. The Unrated is excruciating to watch. I recommend it but do not do so for everyone. For serious, thoughtful film watchers interested in the portrayal of our love affair with a notion of violence which is untrue. Brilliant brilliant brilliant. An important film which will be regarded as such more seriously in time. Was this review helpful?
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