Bullhead (Rundskop)
Dir: Michaël R. Roskam
2011
***
Michaël R. Roskam's Bullhead is both stylish and shocking in places but is ultimately let down by a meandering pace. It is provocative from the outset and throws many contrasting elements into the mix, giving the overall film an aggressive overtone, almost as if it is there to challenge formula and the industry, rather than to entertain a wider audience. I think it's a very intelligent film and the techniques and ideas Roskam uses are right to be praised but for me it didn't have the pull it should have had and for every one great idea, there were about three predictable and somewhat cliched scenes. However, there are a few scenes in particular that make it well worth watching, many questions are raised without being answered which might put a few people off but I thought the script, that leaves a lot to interpretation, was perfect.