Tackling the story of a troubled individual who helplessly struggles to embody the tough guy image he so desperately longs to project, Michael R. Roskam's Bullhead is a dark and desolate film that settles into your mind long after the story has ended. Roskam spent over five years on the film's script, and his meticulous attention to detail helps to craft a character study like we have never experienced before.
Bringing his paranoia and insecurities to the forefront, Matthias Schoenaerts spent two years bulking up for the role of beefy, chronic hormone addict Jacky Vanmarsenille. His precise delivery is devilishly haunting as he often reminded me of Tom Hardy in 2008's Bronson"”yes, he is that intimidating.
Behind Schoenaerts are a slew of interesting characters, all of whom bring Jacky's world to life. While much of the film revolves around the beef industry and the sacrifices that can be made to get ahead, Roskam mixes in a cop killing, a new animal hormone, and a business merger that seems almost too good to be true.
Many have associated the film with a revenge motto. Having seen Bullhead, I couldn't disagree more. While our leading guy does have a level of vengeance due to an inexcusable crime that was committed against him during his prepubescent years, the film bears so much more that pure revenge. Bullhead is a character study that carefully examines the human mind and spirit. It is a unique film that bears a dark soul"”one that won't leave you anytime soon.
