Review of Maniac (2012) by Charlie M — 03 Nov 2014

How can a well-made, well acted and terrifying movie be so unwatchable? Make 95% of the movie from the visual POV of a serial killer who scalps women. Elijah Wood is our protagonist Frank, and we watch from his eyes as he stalks the women of downtown Los Angeles for scalps he can put on his collection of mannequins. A remake of the 1980 exploitation film Maniac that was despised by critics, but gained a cult following thanks to the great lead performance of Joe Spinell (who also wrote it). This remake takes the killer's perspective like Peeping Tom & Henry, but the visual effects take it to a whole 'nother level.

Naturally, Frank's behavior is a response to deep-rooted sexual issues with his mother. After watching so many horror flicks, you realize how much of them are about frustrated white guys with sex issues. Seeing so many creepy dudes stab women to resolve their mommy issues, I'm starting to see why people think the horror genre is misogynistic. It seems that the intent is to condemn such acts, but it's awfully hard to tell sometimes. Violence against women is pervasive enough that it's difficult to get up for a movie that puts the audience in the drivers seat especially when there's no redeeming value. And sidenote ladies: stick with sensible flats or running shoes. Heels get ya killed.

The score is a remix from the 1980's original synth music which adds a gritty, old-yet-new feel to it. Maniac often references preceding horror films throughout. Frank dances with a girl to the song Goodbye Horses from Silence of the Lambs, and another girl takes him to see The Cabinet of Dr. Calagari.

Is this well-made? Yes. Do I recommend it? Depends on how much you want to see a Hobbit cut a dancer's achilles tendon.