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'''''Bullhead''''' ({{lang-nl|'''Rundskop'''}}) is a 2011 Belgian crime film written and directed by [[Michaël R. Roskam]] and starring [[Matthias Schoenaerts]]. The film is about the prohibited use of [[Cattle feeding#Use of growth stimulants|growth hormones]] on cattle by farmers with ties to organised crime "hormone mafia", and tells the story of Jacky Vanmarsenille, a young [[Limburg (Belgium)|Limburgish]] farmer, who is approached by his veterinarian to make a deal with a [[West Flanders|West-Flemish]] beef trader. But the murder of a federal policeman, and an unexpected confrontation with a mysterious secret from Jacky's past, set in motion a chain of events with far-reaching consequences.<ref name="Rundskop">{{cite web |author1=Savage Film|title=Synopsis |url=http://rundskop.be/#/0/1 |website=Rundskop |accessdate=4 October 2018}}</ref>
'''''Bullhead''''' ({{langx|nl|'''Rundskop'''}}) is a 2011 Belgian [[crime film]] written and directed by [[Michaël R. Roskam]] and starring [[Matthias Schoenaerts]]. The film is about the prohibited use of [[Cattle feeding#Growth stimulants|growth hormones]] on cattle by farmers with ties to organised crime "hormone mafia", and tells the story of Jacky Vanmarsenille, a young [[Limburg (Belgium)|Limburgish]] farmer, who is approached by his veterinarian to make a deal with a [[West Flanders|West-Flemish]] beef trader. But the murder of a federal policeman, and an unexpected confrontation with a mysterious secret from Jacky's past, set in motion a chain of events with far-reaching consequences.<ref name="Rundskop">{{cite web |author1=Savage Film|title=Synopsis |url=http://rundskop.be/#/0/1 |website=Rundskop |access-date=4 October 2018}}</ref>


The film was nominated for an [[Academy Award]] in the category of [[Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film|Best Foreign Language Film]] in 2012, but lost to ''[[A Separation]]''. The film was shot mainly in ''Truierlands'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://books.google.com.br/books?id=66YQDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA332&lpg=PA332&dq=Truierlands+bullhead&source=bl&ots=oTxcYWuwCG&sig=GCj4AawgFyRu7dmBMYd6mXT8Nrg&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj-uPbi49PTAhXGkZAKHb8ECv0Q6AEIMDAB#v=onepage&q=Truierlands%20bullhead&f=false |title=The Multilingual Screen: New Reflections on Cinema and Linguistic Difference|work=Google Books|accessdate=3 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.academia.edu/26339334/_Out_of_Many_One_The_Dual_Monolingualism_of_Contemporary_Flemish_Cinema_|title="Out of Many, One: The Dual Monolingualism of Contemporary Flemish Cinema" - page 332|work=Academia.edu|accessdate=3 May 2017}}</ref> a [[Limburgish language|Limburgish]] dialect.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.primo.eu/television/rundskop |title=Rundskop|language=Dutch|work=Primo.eu|accessdate=3 May 2017}}</ref>
The film was nominated for an [[Academy Award]] in the category of [[Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film|Best Foreign Language Film]] in 2012, but lost to ''[[A Separation]]''. The film was shot mainly in ''Truiens'',<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=66YQDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA332 |title=The Multilingual Screen: New Reflections on Cinema and Linguistic Difference|isbn=9781501302862|access-date=3 May 2017|last1=Mamula|first1=Tijana|last2=Patti|first2=Lisa|date=30 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.academia.edu/26339334|title="Out of Many, One: The Dual Monolingualism of Contemporary Flemish Cinema" - page 332|journal=Academia.edu|date=January 2016|access-date=3 May 2017|last1=Verheul|first1=Jaap}}</ref> a [[Limburgish language|Limburgish]] dialect.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.primo.eu/television/rundskop|title=Rundskop|language=nl|work=Primo.eu|access-date=3 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231143725/https://www.primo.eu/television/rundskop|archive-date=31 December 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Plot==
==Plot==
In [[Sint-Truiden]], cattle farmer Jacky ([[Matthias Schoenaerts]]) who runs the family business, visits a distant relative and intimidates him into selling cows. In the Limburg province, a mafia deals in illegal hormones and controls the cattle and meat trade. The farmers sell cows to the mafia, who inject the cows with hormones and the cows are made into food. Jacky is a thirty-something angry, brooding man with a hulking, muscular physique and has an addiction to testosterone and anabolic ateroids, which is implied to be due to a traumatic event in his past.
In [[Sint-Truiden]], cattle farmer Jacky (Matthias Schoenaerts), who runs the family business, visits a distant relative and intimidates him into selling cows. In the Limburg province, a mafia deals in illegal hormones and controls the cattle and meat trade. The farmers sell cows to the mafia, who inject the cows with hormones, and the cows are made into food. Jacky is a thirty-something angry lonely man with a muscular physique who is addicted to steroids.


A [[West Flanders]] mafia heavy returns a car to two bumbling [[Walloons|Walloon]] mechanics, who had earlier stolen it for him, and tells them to make it disappear. They find a bullet hole and see a news report about a murdered police detective and realize the car was involved.
A [[West Flanders]] mafia heavy returns a car to two bumbling [[Walloons|Walloon]] mechanics, who had earlier stolen it for him, and tells them to make it disappear. They find a bullet hole and see a news report about a murdered police detective and realize the car was involved.


Jacky's veterinarian sets up a deal for him with the West Flanders province mafia boss Marc, at the meeting he is introduced to Marc's associate Diederik, who has something to do with Jacky's mysterious past. Diederik is actually a police informant employed by police detective Eva who is investigating the hormone mafia.
Jacky's veterinarian sets up a deal for him with the West Flanders province mafia boss, Marc. At the meeting, he is introduced to Marc's associate Diederik, who has something to do with Jacky's mysterious past. Diederik is actually a police informant employed by police detective Eva, who is investigating the hormone mafia.


20 years ago, Jacky and Diederik were childhood best friends. Jacky's dad, also a cattle farmer, dealt with the mafia and brought the boys along to a deal. Jacky fell in love with Lucia, the daughter of one of the mobsters, whose intellectually disabled brother Bruno jokingly but maliciously tried to prostitute her to Diedrik and Jacky. Jacky's dad takes the boys home, but they ride their bikes back to see Lucia, only to be caught by Bruno. Bruno forces Jacky onto the ground and his friends gather around and taunt Jacky as Bruno smashes Jacky's testicles with two rocks, castrating him. Disgusted, Bruno's friends abandon him and Diederik leaves as well. When Diederik's father, another cattle farmer, finds out, he forbids Diederik from talking to the police, as it could ruin their connections with the mafia. Jacky is forced to begin injecting testosterone, or he will never go through puberty.
Twenty years ago, Jacky and Diederik were childhood best friends. Jacky's dad, also a cattle farmer, dealt with the mafia and brought the boys along to a deal. Jacky fell in love with Lucia, the daughter of one of the mobsters, whose intellectually disabled brother Bruno tried to prostitute her. Jacky's dad takes the boys home, but they ride their bikes back to see Lucia, only to be caught by Bruno. Bruno forces Jacky onto the ground and his friends gather around as Bruno smashes Jacky's testicles with two rocks, castrating him. Disgusted, Bruno's friends abandon him, and Diederik leaves as well. When Diederik's father, another cattle farmer, finds out, he forbids Diederik from talking to the police, as it could ruin their connections with the mafia. Jacky is forced to begin injecting testosterone, or he will never go through puberty.


In the present, Jacky goes to a store and meets a salesgirl, who turns out to be Lucia. He begins following her and one night, he goes into a nightclub after her. She approaches him remembering he was a customer, when she tries to speak with him, she is interrupted by her male acquaintance who flirts with her and asks her to dance. The man leaves the nightclub with Lucia, enraging Jacky. Jacky follows him and savagely attacks him, beating him to within an inch of his life. Jacky next follows Lucia to see Bruno, who is now physically disabled, lonely and mute and living in care accommodation, after she leaves, he confronts and physically abuses Bruno, but, realising he is already “[[brain-death|dead]]”, spares him his wrath in disappointment. Lucia begins to suspect that Jacky is the boy that Bruno attacked when they were children. Lucia visits Jacky at his farm and, during their meeting, she receives a call from a friend informing her of the attack after her night out and that the victim is in a coma. Lucia notices bruises on Jacky's knuckles and immediately understands he is responsible.
In the present, Jacky goes to a store and meets a salesgirl, who is actually Lucia. He begins following her, and one night, he goes into a nightclub after her. She approaches him, remembering he was a customer. When she tries to speak with him, she is interrupted by her male acquaintance who flirts with her and asks her to dance. The man leaves the nightclub, and Jacky follows him and savagely attacks him. Jacky next follows Lucia to see Bruno, who is now physically disabled and mute, and living in care accommodation. After she leaves, he confronts Bruno. Lucia begins to suspect that Jacky is the boy that Bruno attacked when they were children. Lucia visits Jacky at his farm, and during their meeting, she receives a call from a friend informing her of the attack after her night out and that the victim is in a coma. Lucia notices bruises on Jacky's knuckles and suspects he is responsible.


The police find the stolen car and arrest the mechanics. They suspect that Jacky is involved in the murder of the detective. Diederik drives to Jacky's farm to warn him that the police are coming to arrest him, revealing he is a police informer, and the two go on the run. Jacky attempts to see Lucia, but she refuses to let him into her apartment. He becomes increasingly agitated and she invites him in. She admits that she has called the police and knows he is responsible for attacking her friend. In Lucia's bathroom Jacky administers a dangerous dose of testosterone. The police arrive and arrest him and feeling cornered, he enters a testosterone induced rage and attacks the officers in an elevator, severely injuring several while handcuffed. The remaining officer shoots him in the stomach and Jacky crumples in pain, briefly remembering himself as a child before dying of his wounds.
The police find the stolen car and arrest the mechanics. They suspect that Jacky is involved in the murder of the detective. Diederik drives to Jacky's farm to warn him that the police are coming to arrest him, revealing he is a police informer, and the two go on the run. Jacky attempts to see Lucia, but she refuses to let him into her apartment. He becomes increasingly agitated, and she invites him in. She admits that she has called the police and knows he is responsible for attacking her friend. In Lucia's bathroom, Jacky administers a dangerous dose of testosterone. The police arrive and arrest him, and in a testosterone-induced rage, he attacks the officers. He is shot in the stomach and dies from his wounds.


==Cast==
==Cast==
Line 49: Line 49:
* [[Frank Lammers]] as Sam Raymond
* [[Frank Lammers]] as Sam Raymond
* [[Sam Louwyck]] as Marc de Kuyper
* [[Sam Louwyck]] as Marc de Kuyper
* [[David Murgia]] as Bruno Schepers


==Production==
==Production==
Roskam worked on the script for over five years which was in part based on the 1995 murder of government livestock inspector [[Murder of Karel Van Noppen|Karel van Noppen]] who was investigating the use of [[Growth hormone|growth hormones]] and the rest was fictitious.<ref name="BBC">{{cite news |last1=Summers |first1=Chris |title=Bullhead: Oscar contender rooted in real Belgian murder |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-17041056 |accessdate=3 October 2018 |work=BBC News |date=21 February 2012}}</ref><ref name="Rundskop" /> Schoenaerts trained up to twice daily, six times a week bodybuilding over a three year period to put on {{convert|27|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of muscle to play the testosterone injecting Jacky.<ref name="BBC" /><ref name="Rundskop" />
Roskam worked over five years on the script, which was in part based on the 1995 murder of government livestock inspector [[Murder of Karel Van Noppen|Karel van Noppen]] who was investigating the use of [[growth hormone]]s; the rest is fictitious.<ref name="BBC">{{cite news |last1=Summers |first1=Chris |title=Bullhead: Oscar contender rooted in real Belgian murder |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-17041056 |access-date=3 October 2018 |work=BBC News |date=21 February 2012}}</ref><ref name="Rundskop" /> Schoenaerts trained up to twice daily, six times a week bodybuilding over a three-year period to put on {{convert|27|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of muscle to play the testosterone injecting Jacky.<ref name="BBC" /><ref name="Rundskop" />


==Release==
==Release==
The film was selected for the panorama section of the [[61st Berlin International Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Senjanovic|first=Natasha|title=Bullhead: Berlin Review|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/bullhead-berlin-review-99496|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|accessdate=29 January 2012|date=14 February 2011}}</ref> It premiered in the United States at [[Fantastic Fest]] in Austin. [[Drafthouse Films]] acquired the rights to distribute the film in the United States where it opened on 17 February 2012 in a limited release.<ref name="bullhead fantastic">{{cite web|last=Borders|first=Meredith|title=Oscar Nominated BULLHEAD Opening In Limited Release On February 17!|url=http://fantasticfest.com/blog/entry/oscar_nominated_bullhead_opening_in_limited_release_on_february_17|work=[[Fantastic Fest]]|accessdate=30 January 2012|date=27 January 2012}}</ref>
The film was selected for the panorama section of the [[61st Berlin International Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Senjanovic|first=Natasha|title=Bullhead: Berlin Review|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/bullhead-berlin-review-99496|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=29 January 2012|date=14 February 2011}}</ref> It premiered in the United States at [[Fantastic Fest]] in Austin. [[Drafthouse Films]] acquired the rights to distribute the film in the United States where it opened on 17 February 2012 in a limited release.<ref name="bullhead fantastic">{{cite web|last=Borders|first=Meredith|title=Oscar Nominated BULLHEAD Opening In Limited Release On February 17!|url=http://fantasticfest.com/blog/entry/oscar_nominated_bullhead_opening_in_limited_release_on_february_17|work=[[Fantastic Fest]]|access-date=30 January 2012|date=27 January 2012}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


==Reception ==
==Reception ==
=== Critical response ===
=== Critical response ===
The film has received generally favourable reviews from critics, and [[Matthias Schoenaerts]] earned significant praise for his performance. [[Rotten Tomatoes]] gives the film a score of 87% based on 59 reviews.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bullhead/|title=Bullhead | work= Rotten Tomatoes|accessdate=12 March 2012}}</ref>
The film has received generally favourable reviews from critics. [[Rotten Tomatoes]] gives the film a score of 87%, based on 75 reviews, and an average rating of 7.08/10. The website's critical consensus states, "Anchored by Matthias Schoenaerts' searing performance, ''Bullhead'' is a grim and gripping thriller with the cinematic sinew to match its domineering star's physicality".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bullhead/|title=Bullhead | work= [[Rotten Tomatoes]]|access-date=12 March 2012}}</ref>
[[Metacritic]] gives the film a weighted average rating of 69/100 based on 23 reviews.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/bullhead|title=Bullhead | work=Metacritic|accessdate=12 March 2012}}</ref>
[[Metacritic]] gives the film a weighted average rating of 68/100, based on 24 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/bullhead|title=Bullhead | work=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=12 March 2012}}</ref>


While criticizing the film's awkward flow due to its use of flashbacks, Roger Ebert praised the performance from lead actor Matthias Schoenaerts, noting that <blockquote>"The one excellent aspect of the film is Matthias Schoenaerts' performance. We often follow him walking in a controlled lurch from side to side, as if merely walking is not enough of a challenge for him. We see his eyes, burning with pain. [...] [The film] impresses because of the pain, sadness and rage contained in the title performance by Flemish actor Matthias Schoenaerts, who bulked up for the role (without steroids), and seems ready to burst from his clothes and even his skin."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120229/REVIEWS/120229972/1001|title=Bullhead – Roger Ebert review|accessdate=12 March 2012 | work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref></blockquote>
While criticizing the film's awkward flow due to its use of flashbacks, Roger Ebert praised the performance from lead actor Matthias Schoenaerts, noting that <blockquote>"The one excellent aspect of the film is Matthias Schoenaerts' performance. We often follow him walking in a controlled lurch from side to side, as if merely walking is not enough of a challenge for him. We see his eyes, burning with pain. [...] [The film] impresses because of the pain, sadness and rage contained in the title performance by Flemish actor Matthias Schoenaerts, who bulked up for the role (without steroids), and seems ready to burst from his clothes and even his skin."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120229/REVIEWS/120229972/1001|title=Bullhead – Roger Ebert review|access-date=12 March 2012 | work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref></blockquote>


=== Awards ===
=== Awards ===
{{Anchor|Awards|Accolades}}
{{Anchor|Awards|Accolades}}
''Bullhead'' was awarded both the New Authors Audience Award and the New Authors Critic’s Prize for Best Actor (Matthias Schoenaerts) [[American Film Institute#AFI Fest|AFI Fest]].<ref>{{cite web|title=AFI Fest 2011 Awards – Winners|url=http://www.afi.com/afifest/pdf/AFI_Fest_2011_AWARD_WINNERS_v2.pdf|accessdate=29 January 2012|date=10 November 2011}}</ref> The film won the [[AMD]]-sponsored Next Wave Award at [[Fantastic Fest]].<ref name="bullhead fantastic" /> [[Matthias Schoenaerts]] won the FIPRESCI Award for best actor at [[Palm Springs International Film Festival]]. The jury praised the actor’s "superb portrayal of an innocent and sensitive man trapped in a truculent body."<ref>{{cite news|last=Pond|first=Steve|title='Starbuck' Wins Top Palm Springs Fest Award|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/15/idUS369990830220120115|publisher=Reuters|accessdate=27 January 2012|date=15 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Matthias Schoenaerts Wins Best Actor Palm Springs International Film Festival |url=http://www.positiveimpactmagazine.com/2012/01/19/matthias-schoenaerts-wins-best-actor-palm-springs-international-film-festival/ |work=Positive Impact Magazine |accessdate=27 January 2012 |date=19 January 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204233554/http://www.positiveimpactmagazine.com/2012/01/19/matthias-schoenaerts-wins-best-actor-palm-springs-international-film-festival/ |archivedate=4 February 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref> It won the Best Film Award at the [[Ostend Film Festival]], received nine [[Magritte Award]] nominations and went on to win the awards for [[Magritte Award for Best Flemish Film in Coproduction|Best Flemish Film in Coproduction]], [[Magritte Award for Best Screenplay|Best Screenplay]], [[Magritte Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] (for Schoernaerts) and [[Magritte Award for Best Editing|Best Editing]].<ref>{{cite news|first=James|last=Marsh|title=Bullhead bags 9 Nominations at Belgian Film Awards|url=http://twitchfilm.com/news/2012/01/bullhead-bags-9-nominations-in-belgian-film-awards.php|publisher=[[Twitch Film]]|accessdate=12 February 2012|date=10 January 2012}}</ref> The film also received the [[André Cavens Award]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Michael R. Roskam - Tête de bœuf|url=http://www.flagey.be/fr/programme/12144/tete-de-b-uf/michael-r-roskam|work=Flagey|publisher=Cinematek|accessdate=20 March 2012|language=French}}</ref>
''Bullhead'' was awarded both the New Authors Audience Award and the New Authors Critic’s Prize for Best Actor (Matthias Schoenaerts) [[American Film Institute#AFI Fest|AFI Fest]].<ref>{{cite web|title=AFI Fest 2011 Awards – Winners|url=http://www.afi.com/afifest/pdf/AFI_Fest_2011_AWARD_WINNERS_v2.pdf|access-date=29 January 2012|date=10 November 2011}}</ref> The film won the [[AMD]]-sponsored Next Wave Award at [[Fantastic Fest]].<ref name="bullhead fantastic" /> [[Matthias Schoenaerts]] won the FIPRESCI Award for best actor at [[Palm Springs International Film Festival]]. The jury praised the actor’s "superb portrayal of an innocent and sensitive man trapped in a truculent body."<ref>{{cite news|last=Pond|first=Steve|title='Starbuck' Wins Top Palm Springs Fest Award|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUS369990830220120115|publisher=Reuters|access-date=27 January 2012|date=15 January 2012|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924161624/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/15/idUS369990830220120115|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Matthias Schoenaerts Wins Best Actor Palm Springs International Film Festival |url=http://www.positiveimpactmagazine.com/2012/01/19/matthias-schoenaerts-wins-best-actor-palm-springs-international-film-festival/ |work=Positive Impact Magazine |access-date=27 January 2012 |date=19 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204233554/http://www.positiveimpactmagazine.com/2012/01/19/matthias-schoenaerts-wins-best-actor-palm-springs-international-film-festival/ |archive-date=4 February 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref> It won the Best Film Award at the [[Ostend Film Festival]], received nine [[Magritte Award]] nominations and went on to win the awards for [[Magritte Award for Best Flemish Film in Coproduction|Best Flemish Film in Coproduction]], [[Magritte Award for Best Screenplay|Best Screenplay]], [[Magritte Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] (for Schoernaerts) and [[Magritte Award for Best Editing|Best Editing]].<ref>{{cite news|first=James|last=Marsh|title=Bullhead bags 9 Nominations at Belgian Film Awards|url=http://twitchfilm.com/news/2012/01/bullhead-bags-9-nominations-in-belgian-film-awards.php|publisher=[[Twitch Film]]|access-date=12 February 2012|date=10 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113043343/http://twitchfilm.com/news/2012/01/bullhead-bags-9-nominations-in-belgian-film-awards.php|archive-date=13 January 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The film also received the [[André Cavens Award]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Michael R. Roskam - Tête de bœuf|url=http://www.flagey.be/fr/programme/12144/tete-de-b-uf/michael-r-roskam|work=Flagey|publisher=Cinematek|access-date=20 March 2012|language=fr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222060017/http://www.flagey.be/fr/programme/12144/tete-de-b-uf/michael-r-roskam|archive-date=22 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>


''Bullhead'' was selected as the Belgian entry for the [[Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film|Best Foreign Language Film]] at the [[84th Academy Awards]].<ref name="84th">{{cite web |url=http://www.standaard.be/artikel/detail.aspx?artikelid=DMF20110916_083 |title=Rundskop wordt Belgische inzending voor Oscars|language=Dutch|work=De Standaard|accessdate=29 January 2012|date=16 September 2011}}</ref><ref name="AMPAS">{{cite web|url=http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2011/20111013.html |title=63 Countries Vie for 2011 Foreign Language Film Oscar |accessdate=14 October 2011|work=oscars.org}}</ref> It was officially nominated in this category on 24 January 2012,<ref name="Nominees">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16700124|title=Oscars 2012: Nominees in full|accessdate=24 January 2012 | work=BBC News}}</ref> but ultimately lost to the Iranian submission ''[[A Separation]]''.
''Bullhead'' was selected as the Belgian entry for the [[Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film|Best Foreign Language Film]] at the [[84th Academy Awards]].<ref name="84th">{{cite web |url=http://www.standaard.be/artikel/detail.aspx?artikelid=DMF20110916_083 |title=Rundskop wordt Belgische inzending voor Oscars|language=nl|work=De Standaard|access-date=29 January 2012|date=16 September 2011}}</ref><ref name="AMPAS">{{cite web|url=http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2011/20111013.html |title=63 Countries Vie for 2011 Foreign Language Film Oscar |access-date=14 October 2011|work=oscars.org}}</ref> It was officially nominated in this category on 24 January 2012,<ref name="Nominees">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16700124|title=Oscars 2012: Nominees in full|date=27 February 2012|access-date=29 August 2019 | work=BBC News}}</ref> but ultimately lost to the Iranian submission ''[[A Separation]]''.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
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* {{mojo title|bullhead|Bullhead}}
* {{mojo title|bullhead|Bullhead}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|bullhead|Bullhead}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|bullhead|Bullhead}}
* {{metacritic film|bullhead|Bullhead}}
* {{Metacritic film|title=Bullhead}}


{{Michael R. Roskam}}
{{André Cavens Award 2001–2020}}
{{André Cavens Award 2001–2020}}
{{Belgian submission for Academy Awards}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2012}}
{{Magritte Award for Best Flemish Film}}

[[Category:2011 films]]
[[Category:2011 films]]
[[Category:2010s crime films]]
[[Category:2011 crime drama films]]
[[Category:2010s drama films]]
[[Category:Belgian crime drama films]]
[[Category:Belgian films]]
[[Category:2010s Dutch-language films]]
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[[Category:Belgian crime films]]
⚫
[[Category:Dutch-language films]]
[[Category:Films about organized crime in Belgium]]
[[Category:Films about organized crime in Belgium]]
[[Category:Films set in Belgium]]
[[Category:Films set in Belgium]]
[[Category:Films shot in Belgium]]
[[Category:Films shot in Belgium]]
[[Category:Gangster films]]
[[Category:Gangster films]]
[[Category:Magritte Award winners]]
[[Category:Magritte Award winning films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Michaël R. Roskam]]
[[Category:Films directed by Michaël R. Roskam]]
⚫
[[Category:Dutch-language Belgian films]]
⚫
[[Category:2010s Belgian films]]

Latest revision as of 06:58, 7 November 2024

Bullhead
Theatrical Poster
Directed byMichaël R. Roskam
Written byMichaël R. Roskam
Produced bySavage Film
Starring
CinematographyNicolas Karakatsanis
Edited byAlain Dessauvage
Music byRaf Keunen
Distributed byKinepolis Film Distribution
Drafthouse Films
Release date
  • 2 February 2011 (2011-02-02)
Running time
128 minutes
CountryBelgium
LanguagesDutch
Limburgish
French
Box office$151,840 (US)

Bullhead (Dutch: Rundskop) is a 2011 Belgian crime film written and directed by Michaël R. Roskam and starring Matthias Schoenaerts. The film is about the prohibited use of growth hormones on cattle by farmers with ties to organised crime "hormone mafia", and tells the story of Jacky Vanmarsenille, a young Limburgish farmer, who is approached by his veterinarian to make a deal with a West-Flemish beef trader. But the murder of a federal policeman, and an unexpected confrontation with a mysterious secret from Jacky's past, set in motion a chain of events with far-reaching consequences.[1]

The film was nominated for an Academy Award in the category of Best Foreign Language Film in 2012, but lost to A Separation. The film was shot mainly in Truiens,[2][3] a Limburgish dialect.[4]

Plot

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In Sint-Truiden, cattle farmer Jacky (Matthias Schoenaerts), who runs the family business, visits a distant relative and intimidates him into selling cows. In the Limburg province, a mafia deals in illegal hormones and controls the cattle and meat trade. The farmers sell cows to the mafia, who inject the cows with hormones, and the cows are made into food. Jacky is a thirty-something angry lonely man with a muscular physique who is addicted to steroids.

A West Flanders mafia heavy returns a car to two bumbling Walloon mechanics, who had earlier stolen it for him, and tells them to make it disappear. They find a bullet hole and see a news report about a murdered police detective and realize the car was involved.

Jacky's veterinarian sets up a deal for him with the West Flanders province mafia boss, Marc. At the meeting, he is introduced to Marc's associate Diederik, who has something to do with Jacky's mysterious past. Diederik is actually a police informant employed by police detective Eva, who is investigating the hormone mafia.

Twenty years ago, Jacky and Diederik were childhood best friends. Jacky's dad, also a cattle farmer, dealt with the mafia and brought the boys along to a deal. Jacky fell in love with Lucia, the daughter of one of the mobsters, whose intellectually disabled brother Bruno tried to prostitute her. Jacky's dad takes the boys home, but they ride their bikes back to see Lucia, only to be caught by Bruno. Bruno forces Jacky onto the ground and his friends gather around as Bruno smashes Jacky's testicles with two rocks, castrating him. Disgusted, Bruno's friends abandon him, and Diederik leaves as well. When Diederik's father, another cattle farmer, finds out, he forbids Diederik from talking to the police, as it could ruin their connections with the mafia. Jacky is forced to begin injecting testosterone, or he will never go through puberty.

In the present, Jacky goes to a store and meets a salesgirl, who is actually Lucia. He begins following her, and one night, he goes into a nightclub after her. She approaches him, remembering he was a customer. When she tries to speak with him, she is interrupted by her male acquaintance who flirts with her and asks her to dance. The man leaves the nightclub, and Jacky follows him and savagely attacks him. Jacky next follows Lucia to see Bruno, who is now physically disabled and mute, and living in care accommodation. After she leaves, he confronts Bruno. Lucia begins to suspect that Jacky is the boy that Bruno attacked when they were children. Lucia visits Jacky at his farm, and during their meeting, she receives a call from a friend informing her of the attack after her night out and that the victim is in a coma. Lucia notices bruises on Jacky's knuckles and suspects he is responsible.

The police find the stolen car and arrest the mechanics. They suspect that Jacky is involved in the murder of the detective. Diederik drives to Jacky's farm to warn him that the police are coming to arrest him, revealing he is a police informer, and the two go on the run. Jacky attempts to see Lucia, but she refuses to let him into her apartment. He becomes increasingly agitated, and she invites him in. She admits that she has called the police and knows he is responsible for attacking her friend. In Lucia's bathroom, Jacky administers a dangerous dose of testosterone. The police arrive and arrest him, and in a testosterone-induced rage, he attacks the officers. He is shot in the stomach and dies from his wounds.

Cast

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Production

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Roskam worked over five years on the script, which was in part based on the 1995 murder of government livestock inspector Karel van Noppen who was investigating the use of growth hormones; the rest is fictitious.[5][1] Schoenaerts trained up to twice daily, six times a week bodybuilding over a three-year period to put on 27 kg (60 lb) of muscle to play the testosterone injecting Jacky.[5][1]

Release

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The film was selected for the panorama section of the 61st Berlin International Film Festival.[6] It premiered in the United States at Fantastic Fest in Austin. Drafthouse Films acquired the rights to distribute the film in the United States where it opened on 17 February 2012 in a limited release.[7]

Reception

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Critical response

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The film has received generally favourable reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a score of 87%, based on 75 reviews, and an average rating of 7.08/10. The website's critical consensus states, "Anchored by Matthias Schoenaerts' searing performance, Bullhead is a grim and gripping thriller with the cinematic sinew to match its domineering star's physicality".[8] Metacritic gives the film a weighted average rating of 68/100, based on 24 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[9]

While criticizing the film's awkward flow due to its use of flashbacks, Roger Ebert praised the performance from lead actor Matthias Schoenaerts, noting that

"The one excellent aspect of the film is Matthias Schoenaerts' performance. We often follow him walking in a controlled lurch from side to side, as if merely walking is not enough of a challenge for him. We see his eyes, burning with pain. [...] [The film] impresses because of the pain, sadness and rage contained in the title performance by Flemish actor Matthias Schoenaerts, who bulked up for the role (without steroids), and seems ready to burst from his clothes and even his skin."[10]

Awards

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Bullhead was awarded both the New Authors Audience Award and the New Authors Critic’s Prize for Best Actor (Matthias Schoenaerts) AFI Fest.[11] The film won the AMD-sponsored Next Wave Award at Fantastic Fest.[7] Matthias Schoenaerts won the FIPRESCI Award for best actor at Palm Springs International Film Festival. The jury praised the actor’s "superb portrayal of an innocent and sensitive man trapped in a truculent body."[12][13] It won the Best Film Award at the Ostend Film Festival, received nine Magritte Award nominations and went on to win the awards for Best Flemish Film in Coproduction, Best Screenplay, Best Actor (for Schoernaerts) and Best Editing.[14] The film also received the André Cavens Award.[15]

Bullhead was selected as the Belgian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 84th Academy Awards.[16][17] It was officially nominated in this category on 24 January 2012,[18] but ultimately lost to the Iranian submission A Separation.

References

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  1. ^ a b c Savage Film. "Synopsis". Rundskop. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  2. ^ Mamula, Tijana; Patti, Lisa (30 June 2016). The Multilingual Screen: New Reflections on Cinema and Linguistic Difference. ISBN 9781501302862. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  3. ^ Verheul, Jaap (January 2016). ""Out of Many, One: The Dual Monolingualism of Contemporary Flemish Cinema" - page 332". Academia.edu. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  4. ^ "Rundskop". Primo.eu (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 31 December 2018. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  5. ^ a b Summers, Chris (21 February 2012). "Bullhead: Oscar contender rooted in real Belgian murder". BBC News. Retrieved 3 October 2018.
  6. ^ Senjanovic, Natasha (14 February 2011). "Bullhead: Berlin Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  7. ^ a b Borders, Meredith (27 January 2012). "Oscar Nominated BULLHEAD Opening In Limited Release On February 17!". Fantastic Fest. Retrieved 30 January 2012.[permanent dead link‍]
  8. ^ "Bullhead". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 12 March 2012.
  9. ^ "Bullhead". Metacritic. Retrieved 12 March 2012.
  10. ^ "Bullhead – Roger Ebert review". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 12 March 2012.
  11. ^ "AFI Fest 2011 Awards – Winners" (PDF). 10 November 2011. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  12. ^ Pond, Steve (15 January 2012). "'Starbuck' Wins Top Palm Springs Fest Award". Reuters. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  13. ^ "Matthias Schoenaerts Wins Best Actor Palm Springs International Film Festival". Positive Impact Magazine. 19 January 2012. Archived from the original on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  14. ^ Marsh, James (10 January 2012). "Bullhead bags 9 Nominations at Belgian Film Awards". Twitch Film. Archived from the original on 13 January 2012. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
  15. ^ "Michael R. Roskam - Tête de bœuf". Flagey (in French). Cinematek. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  16. ^ "Rundskop wordt Belgische inzending voor Oscars". De Standaard (in Dutch). 16 September 2011. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  17. ^ "63 Countries Vie for 2011 Foreign Language Film Oscar". oscars.org. Retrieved 14 October 2011.
  18. ^ "Oscars 2012: Nominees in full". BBC News. 27 February 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
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