Review of Maniac (1980) by Al M — 29 Apr 2011
Despite being over thirty years old, Maniac remains one of the most thoroughly brutal and disturbing slasher films ever. Instead of being told from the point of view of the victims, Maniac focalizes itself around Frank, the psycho-killer indicated in the film's not-so-subtle title.
Despite Joe Spinell's inability to act, Maniac still manages to take the viewer on a descent into a world of pure insanity and brutal violence as Frank kills one person after another with gore effects courtesy of Tom Savini and then returns home to arrange and have bizarre conversations with mannequins.
Joe Spinell looks like an extra ugly and creepy Ron Jeremy, and his disgusting qualities only serve to heighten the creepy and perverse qualities of the film despite his inability to read a single line in a compelling manner.
An entirely brutal and completely insane film, Maniac lives up to its title. Maniac has no deeper meanings or social commentaries--it is pure exploitation, but it is an exploitative descent into madness like few others.
This review of Maniac (1980) was written by Al M on 29 Apr 2011.
Maniac has generally received mixed reviews.
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