“Bullhead 2011” is a gritty crime drama set in the world of Belgian cattle farming. The main character, Jacky, is a beefy man with a troubled past who is sucked back into the world of organized crime. Jacky is like a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any moment. As he navigates the dangerous underworld of the meat industry, secrets are revealed and old wounds are reopened. The cinematography is dark and moody, matching the film’s bleak tone. In the end, “Bullhead 2011” is a powerful exploration of masculinity, violence, and redemption.
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Review
Bullhead: A Powerful Film that Will Leave You Breathless
Sometimes a film comes along that is so powerful, so intense, and so well-crafted that it leaves you breathless. Bullhead, a 2011 Belgian film written and directed by Michael R. Roskam, is one such film.
Set in the underworld of the Flemish bovine hormone mafia, Bullhead tells the story of Jacky Vanmarsenille (played by Matthias Schoenaerts), a cattle farmer who has become involved in illegal activities in order to increase his profits. Jacky’s journey takes him on a violent and bloody path, as he grapples with his own demons and tries to navigate the dangerous waters of the criminal underworld.
The storyline of Bullhead is gripping and intense from start to finish. The audience is drawn into Jacky’s world of illegal hormone injections and animal cruelty, as well as his personal struggles with his disfigured body and traumatic past. The film expertly weaves together themes of masculinity, violence, power dynamics, and family loyalty into a complex and layered narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
One of the standout aspects of Bullhead is its flawless acting. Matthias Schoenaerts delivers a powerhouse performance as Jacky, bringing depth and nuance to a character who could easily have been one-dimensional. His physical transformation for the role – including bulking up with muscle and shaving his head – only adds to the intensity of his portrayal.
The supporting cast also shines in their roles, particularly Jeroen Perceval as Diederik Maes and Jeanne Dandoy as Lucia Schepers. Each actor brings their own unique energy to their performances, creating an ensemble that feels both cohesive and dynamic.
In addition to its strong acting, Bullhead boasts impressive cinematography that captures both the beauty and grittiness of its subject matter. The use of dark lighting, hand-held camera work, and close-up shots creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy that draws you into the world of the film.
The score of Bullhead also deserves special mention. Composed by Raf Keunen, the music perfectly complements the visuals and enhances the emotional impact of each scene. From haunting strings to driving percussion, the score is an integral part of what makes Bullhead such a powerful film.
Despite its critical acclaim and numerous awards – including a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 84th Academy Awards – Bullhead is not without its controversies. The film’s depiction of animal cruelty has sparked debate among audiences and critics alike, with some arguing that it is gratuitous and unnecessary while others argue that it is essential to the story being told.
Regardless of your stance on this issue, there is no denying that Bullhead is a remarkable achievement in filmmaking. Its bold storytelling, nuanced acting, and masterful direction all contribute to making it one of the most unforgettable films in recent memory.
In conclusion, if you haven’t already seen Bullhead, do yourself a favor and add it to your must-watch list. You won’t be disappointed – but be warned: it’s not for the faint of heart. As Maya Angelou once said, “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage need not be lived again.” Bullhead is a film that provokes us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and our society – but ultimately leaves us feeling inspired to face these challenges with courage and resilience.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 129
- Release : 2011-02-02
- Genre : Crime, Drama
- Cast : Matthias Schoenaerts as Jacky Vanmarsenille, Jeroen Perceval as Diederik Maes, Jeanne Dandoy as Lucia Schepers, Barbara Sarafian as Eva Forrestier, Tibo Vandenborre as Antony De Greef
- Crew : Peter Bouckaert as Co-Producer, Michaël R. Roskam as Director, Michaël R. Roskam as Writer, Nicolas Karakatsanis as Director of Photography, Raf Keunen as Original Music Composer
- Popularity 8.223
- Budget : $2,000,000
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Waterland Film, Artémis Productions, Savage Film
- Summary : A young cattle farmer is approached by an unscrupulous veterinarian to make a shady deal with a notorious beef trader.
- Tagline : My whole life I’ve known nothing but animals.
