7.5/10
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232 user 101 critic

Man Bites Dog (1992)

C'est arrivé près de chez vous (original title)
NC-17 | | Comedy, Crime, Drama | 15 January 1993 (USA)
Man Bites Dog Poster
A film crew follows a ruthless thief and heartless killer as he goes about his daily routine. But complications set in when the film crew lose their objectivity and begin lending a hand.

Directors:

Rémy Belvaux, André Bonzel | 1 more credit »

Writers:

Rémy Belvaux (story), Rémy Belvaux (screenplay) | 3 more credits »

Stars:

Benoît Poelvoorde, Jacqueline Poelvoorde-Pappaert, Nelly Pappaert | See full cast & crew »
67
Reviews
6 wins & 5 nominations. See more awards »

Photos

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Benoît Poelvoorde ... Ben
Jacqueline Poelvoorde-Pappaert Jacqueline Poelvoorde-Pappaert ... Ben's Mother (as Jacqueline Poelvoorde Pappaert)
Nelly Pappaert Nelly Pappaert ... Ben's Grandmother
Hector Pappaert Hector Pappaert ... Ben's Grandfather
Jenny Drye Jenny Drye ... Jenny
Malou Madou Malou Madou ... Malou
Willy Vandenbroeck Willy Vandenbroeck ... Boby
Rachel Deman Rachel Deman ... Mamie Tromblon
André Laime André Laime ... Bed-ridden Old Man
Édith Le Merdy ... Nurse (as Edith Lemerdy)
Sylviane Godé Sylviane Godé ... Rape Victim (Martine)
Zoltan Tobolik Zoltan Tobolik ... Rape Victim's Husband
Valérie Parent Valérie Parent ... Valerie
Alexandra Fandango Alexandra Fandango ... Kalifa
Olivier Cotica Olivier Cotica ... Benichou
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Storyline

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>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

dark comedy | mockumentary | black comedy | satire | nudity | See All (305) »

Taglines:

A Killer Comedy

Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated NC-17 for strong graphic violence | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

According to an essay André wrote, Ben's family didn't know anything about the plot of the film. Ben's mother and grandparents thought they were filming raw footage of Ben, and had no idea that the footage was going to be used in a film in which Ben is a serial killer. Ben's mother was shocked to see her son behind bars, when she comes to visit him in prison. See more »

Goofs

When Ben gets a holster for his birthday, he asks them to bring his revolver so he can try it out. But they don't bring a revolver, they bring him a semi-automatic pistol. See more »

Quotes

Remy (Reporter): In a kingdom by the sea..along clear gulfs..and plump waves, to stop the waves, and flying fish, gliding like gulls, and plankton to your heart's content, And red salmon leaping from the heavens, the sourjellyfiish and purple seaweed, and the winter's kelp... Nothing shall stop me from calling your name... Sea, Sea, Sea, O cruel mother, Oh, say, can you see... What are you waiting for, douche bag, high tide?
See more »

Alternate Versions

The current US region 1 DVD (released by Criterion) is completely uncut with the exception of the dissolve to the white screen at the very end. See more »

Connections

References Port of Shadows (1938) See more »

User Reviews

 
Pure genius
16 March 2004 | by ChoiceCuts – See all my reviews

One of the nastiest and most notoriously evil dark comedies ever is actually filmed in Belgium. Belgium that is, not France like some people seem to think. It's (at least what I know of) the only Belgian film I've ever seen, but it's also just happens to be one of the best films I've seen from any country.

Benoît Poelvoorde is fantastic as the totally mad and nihilistic serial killer Ben, his mere presence makes this movie stand out. The shootings in black and white makes this movie feel like a real documentary. And the humor is darker than a black steer's tookus on a moonless prairie night. It's fantastically funny, if you can stomach it, that is.

Many scenes of grisly violence against kids, bystanders, elders and various others will probably disgust a whole lot of people, but if you can handle it then you've got yourself a film you'll remember for a long time.

I really wonder what happened to those who made this. They should have been stars by now. This probably just proves that life simply isn't fair.

Genius doesn't come along often. Do yourself a favour and watch this.

10/10
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Details

Country:

Belgium

Language:

French

Release Date:

15 January 1993 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Man Bites Dog See more »

Filming Locations:

Mouscron, Belgium See more »
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Box Office

Budget:

BEF1,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$15,176, 18 January 1993

Gross USA:

$205,569

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$205,569
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Les Artistes Anonymes See more »
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Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (edited)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1
See full technical specs »
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