Bullhead

From where do writers dream up their characters?  That was the question that flashed through my mind, when I first watched this 2011 Belgian movie.  The reason: it features one of the most haunting lead characters that I have ever seen in a movie. 

He is a 30 year old cattle farmer. Within the first 5 minutes, the movie establishes him as a hulking brute, pumped up on steroids.  Then around the 40 minute mark, by which time we may think that we have the measure of him, the movie pulls the rug from under our feet.  It presents us with a slice of his past- an event that is tragic, horrific, and disturbing.  It causes us to re-assess what we think about this man.  And from that point onwards, we are never sure what to make of him.

Matthias Schoenaerts’ devastating portrayal of this character is the reason to see this movie.  Sure, there are other things to like about the movie, but they pale in comparison.  The narrative is convoluted with no real payoff so don’t worry if you are unable to follow the multiple plot threads.  Just bear in mind that this is not a movie for someone who is squeamish.

Here is a link to the trailer.