Another week, another new In Film We Trust podcast episode at Anchor.fm/ifwtpod. This week we're diving into the psychological slasher film Maniac (1980). Released during the slasher heydey this film is far more disturbing and psychological in nature than a lot of the slice and dice slashers of the day were (Friday the 13th, The Burning etc). Borrowing more from Psycho and Taxi Driver than Halloween, Maniac, is far more a character study of mental instability than a thrill-kill splatter fest - though, those elements still reside. Anyone a fan? Anyone see it during its original release and the controversy surrounding it? Would also appreciate a listen or 2 if anyone feels the need.
Joe Spinell's best role and it's quite the creeper, aided and abeded with Tom Savini's gore effects. EDIT: I'd show the poster but it might be a bit too much.
I enjoyed his part in Rocky as well...Joe nailed "Maniac" could he be more creepier? saw this at the movies...
Joe Spinell is great in it. And a role he completely believed in - even turning down the Spielberg produced Used Cars for it. Spinell is one of those great character actors who would turn up in big film - Rocky, The Godfather - yet remains largely unknown
it was great! when being at the movies was wonderful experience! no phones, rude people, ushers that kept the rules in force...I miss those days madly...I must have seen thousands of movies at the movies...
A time when you could get unrated films into theaters with this simple warning; "There is no explicit sex in this picture. However, there are scenes of violence which may be considered shocking. No one under 17 will be admitted."
exactly! we are very fortunate we were able to enjoy the movies in peace "at the movies"...It was amazing. people had much respect for each other!
I like the brief appearance by adult film star Sharon Kane (as a nurse). Wish there were more of her in this movie.
Right, more commonly known as Sharon Mitchell. Her appearance certainly speaks to director William Listwig’s roots in adult films. The film has a grimy quality that is at least partially influenced by the 70s adult industry, especially the films of Shaun Costello (Forced Entry, Water Power).
Spinell’s totally committed performance helps set this apart from the typical slasher film. Caroline Munro didn’t hurt either.
Never saw it on initial release - I was too young back then and probably wouldn't have been aware of it anyway. Watched it on BD a few years back and thought it was pretty weak. Lots of boring scenes with the occasional moment of graphic violence. The 2013 remake with Elijah Wood isn't any better.
Slashers from the time would tread a fine line. Some would go for the teen crowd with jump scares and suspense, but not go too far overboard in being unpleasant. Then there were those films that seemed to follow the killer more and went straight for unpleasant: Bloodrage (1979) Don't Answer the Phone Don't Go in the House Don't Open Before Christmas Maniac Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer New York Ripper Nightmare Murderlust Driller Killer I personally am not a big fan of these films, they simply aren't much fun to watch. Maniac (1980) also had some odd parts where the lead psycho got a bit too close to Caroline Munro to be believable. I will vouch for the Elijah Wood remake, because if we are going to follow the killer around then we might as well fully jump into their head.
Woops, I got the two confused. They're two different people. Sharon Mitchell is the one in this, and who I was thinking of.
Another thing I miss is that they turned the lights off. Ushers had flashlights. Around here the lights merely dim these days and it hurts the experience imo.
He's great in Taxi Driver. I also have a soft spot for Richard Elfman's The Forbidden Zone in which he has a very small role.