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.
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.
Filmed over a period of two-and-a-half years in Namur, Belgium. The filmmakers operated on a shoestring budget and would film scenes whenever film stock or funds became available.
Won the International Critics' Prize at the 1992 Cannes Film Festival. Screened at the 1992 New York Film Festival.
Alain Oppezzi was a sound recordist on the film along with filmmaker Vincent Tavier. Bénèdicte Lescalier did the makeup. Olivier de Lavelaye did the special effects.
Rated BBFC 18 by the British Board of Film Classification for graphic violence, including the smothering of a young boy and the rape and murder of a young woman.
Copyright 1992 Roxie Releasing.
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.66
Single Side - Dual Layer
Audio:
Mono - English
Additional Release Material:
Interviews
Bonus Short - 1. NO C4 FOR DANIEL-DANIEL
Trailers - 1. Original Theatrical Trailer
Director of Photography
Andre Bonzel:
Review 1:
"...Inconceivably authentic....MAN BITES DOG is a wonderfully ramshackle portrait..."
Source: Sight and Sound
p.42 01/01/1993
Review 2:
"...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..."
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
p.38 05/14/1993
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