Review of Maniac (2012) by Caesar M — 03 May 2013

Maniac is about the owner of a mannequin shop developing a dangerous obsession with a young artist. The plot sounds unusual and remains that way. We're constantly in the head of our "Maniac" (not being me) seeing things from his perspectives at all times. A good thing for the plot since expanding on the vague character development early makes us keen to follow. It has a nice contrast to the killer coming off as charming, pathetic, and distasteful. A more thought provoking take for how we should feel for the central character we follow unlike the usual slasher film killer. Though it's very clear when we meet new characters to tell who's just going to end up on the body count. It works as a horror and character study which unlike many recent horror flicks can't even juggle being one thing.

Entirely told in POV photography is unconventional in cinema in general. This POV perspectives works and fails in some respects. It works since we see from up close the gruesome killings made all the harder to stomach thanks to some fantastic particle effects. Giving us a dynamic look on how our central character does things mentally and physically. The performances are visible from the supporting cast who sell their part including the obvious victims. The negative being it's entirely in POV. We only Elijah Wood when any glass reflective object is around therefore making it difficult to take Wood serious as an actor. As a viewer we vocally hear how he feels but never see. It adds to the mystery of the character, but takes away the opportunity to see Wood in an unprecedented role. Then is the case we do see Wood driving, going to a store, stalking, running, and mundane activity. Immersible no less though it could also be seen as filler to expand the runtime to be more than an hour.

Maniac in the end is an unconventional slasher film that is smart and gruesome. While the whole first person perspective doesn't always work it gives the film a unique look of its own. Visually striking and being to see everything unfolding as the character does makes an authentic journey in the mind of killer.