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Maniac
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I
warned you not to go out tonight.
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The
story of a truly psychotic, and very ugly guy that kills women
and scalps them so he can put their hair on mannequins. This is
one of the flicks you hear about a lot in the circles of cult
horror. Savini is involved in more ways than one, and as always
makes a difference. Several scenes really shine due to his work,
with probably the best shotgun headshot ever put on film, nasty
and beautiful.
The fact is, this isn’t a great flick. The best things about it
are the killings, which happen left and right, and that the killer
isn’t a one-dimensional killing machine, but instead a character
that’s probably a lot more realistic than we’re used to. He’s
not evil or unkillable. He’s sick and regretful and lashing out
at his dead-hooker mother by killing women and pretending they’re
her. We’re not really given a chance to fear him, because we’re
usually feeling as sorry for him as we are his victims.
At the same time, there’s some creepy scenes, usually when he’s
at home with his bloody mannequins talking to himself.
Some trivia, the song Maniac from Flashdance was originally going
to be for this film, but wasn’t used and the lyrics were changed
for Flashdance. Also pornstar/activist Sharon Mitchell plays a
nurse that’s a friend of one of the victims. Also the headless
girl in the end is the same one used in Friday the 13th.
3 out of 10 vicariously oedipal psychos
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Maniac
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I
warned you not to go out at night.
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I loved this film from start to finish. My buddy had a copy of
this movie on VHS and he wanted me to borrow it based on the strength
of one scene. I was surprised to find a gem.
The killer in this movie, as the Horrorist stated, is not one
dimensional which is rare. He is in almost every scene which you
never see in your everyday slasher flicks. This movie delivers
on numerous levels. Psychologically this film creates a very creepy
atmosphere during the scenes where he is alone with the mannequins.
There is also a very intense chase scene which leads throughout
a subway.
Tom Savini delivers as only he knows how with some top notch gore.
The scene that my friend wanted me to see, I rewinded and watched
again maybe 4 or 5 times. One of my favorite scenes of all time
and probably the best shotgun headshot of all time.
There was an unrated DVD that was released a few years ago that
is a must see in my opinion. Highly recommended if you have not
had the pleasure to see yet.
9 outa 10 bad dates where you should have taking her home instead
of hoping in the backseat.
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Maniac
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I
warned you not to go out at night.
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The biggest fault with this film is the stupid sub plot with
Munro (whose role was made bigger because her infamous husband
at the time was putting money into it). There is NO WAY in hell
that she would have anything to do with sleazy Spinell.
And the whole idea of that social retard (in the real sense
of the word not in the cruddy way it's used on message
boards nowadays) becoming this 'successful with the ladies'
charmer seems ridiculous.
It's made very clear that Spinell's character is a
bedsit dwelling social outcast. A haunter of back alleys and
red light districts. He was NOT Ted Bundy. So that whole 'charming
Munro' thing was absurd, and slowed the film down as well.
Otherwise though this is prime Grindhouse fare....Just slipping
into the scene before the Mecca of such films, 42nd Street,
imploded under AIDS and drugs.
It has a great sleazy, urban jungle, atmosphere, some superb
effects work by Savini and a fun turn by Spinell.
This, along with Maniac Cop and the excellent Vigilante,
show just how underrated Lustig is as a Director.
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(1980)
William Lustig, C.A. Rosenberg, Joe Spinell
Joe Spinell .... Frank Zito
Caroline Munro .... Anna D'Antoni
Gail Lawrence .... Rita
Kelly Piper .... Nurse
Rita Montone .... Hooker
Tom Savini .... Disco boy
Hyla Marrow .... Disco girl
James Brewster .... Beach boy
Linda Lee Walter .... Beach girl
Tracie Evans .... Street hooker
Sharon Mitchell .... Nurse #2
Carol Henry .... Deadbeat
Nelia Bacmeister .... Carmen Zito
Louis Jawitz .... Art director
Denise Spagnuolo .... Denise
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