-Contributed by Luke Merrill
Maniac
We end our Halloween weekend blowout, here at Horror
Camp, by screening the newest, and by far the most provocative title in our new
releases section at the video store, Maniac. A remake of the classic slasher
film from the 80’s bearing the same title. Maniac is a cinematic tour de force
that will make you think twice about walking the streets alone at night. Set to
a rippingly awesome soundtrack , inspired by 80’s synth pop, and told from the
point of view of the serial killer, it offers a ground-breaking view of the
life of the deranged.
Earlier over the weekend, I had reviewed 2 other
films, VHS2 and No One Lives, and had some issues with over-use of first person
POV and audience friendly serial killers. Maniac doesn’t suffer from these issues.
Although told from first person POV, it’s not as “all over the place” like
VHS2, which tends to make audiences queasy. As far as an audience friendly
serial killer, Maniac has no delusions about what it is. Although you feel
sympathy for the plight of the protagonist ( I don’t know what else to call
him), you quickly realize he is not fit to exist within the confines of
society.
The maniac Frank, is played masterfully by ElijahWood. Before I hear any public outcry about the dude from Lord of the Rings
playing such a disturbing role, let me remind you that he had no problem
playing the creepy cannibal in Sin City, and was quite effective at that role as
well. The best thing about Elijah Wood, as an actor, is the fact that he is so
unassuming. He oozes boyish charm, so much so, you would never find him
threatening. It makes it so much more spine chilling to hear him say such blatantly
creepy things as he stalks and follows his victims, complete with heavy
breathing and perverse comments about his victim’s beauty.
A young maniac in training.
Without revealing too much, because you should
really go out and view this movie on your own, Frank’s backstory is that of
your typical deranged psychopath. Complete with complications involving
sexuality, misdirected feeling of violence to members of the opposite sex, and
Mommy issues, Frank has got it all. Frank suffers from migraines and without
medication will begin to openly and vividly hallucinate in the world around
him, he is not right in the head. By day Frank spends his time with his
passion, restoring vintage mannequins, by night he pursues other interests
altogether, mostly revolving around being a monster and collecting trophies
from his victims.
A grown man working with mannequins. No, that doesn't set off any alarms.
At one point in the movie Frank meets Anna, an
aspiring artist/photographer. Her interests in her art focus upon mannequins as
well, giving life to inanimate objects, as she likes to call it. Coincidentally
in a way Frank also does the same thing, so they have a lot in common. Frank is
torn by his growing desire for Anna, and his need to be a maniacal lunatic. It
all comes together in a twisted finale that doesn’t disappoint.
I liked this movie for it’s realistic and spine
tingling depiction of a truly terrifying subject matter. There is absolutely no
sugar-coating around it. Maniac is raw and visceral, something other horror
movies should take note of. I can understand how this movie may be disliked by
most viewers, because it’s just too realistic. But don’t discount it on that
merit alone, Maniac is gorgeous and cinematic and should be watched with
someone else somewhere in the house, because man that sort of thing is just way
too creepy.
So this wraps up our Halloween Horror extravaganza.
It’s been fun watching the latest Horror has to offer, and I hope some of these
reviews might convince you to check out some of these titles. Nothing I’ve
reviewed this weekend left me feeling like I wanted a refund and the overall
experience has been thoroughly enjoyable. Until next year when we get our hands
on some hi-def projection equipment once again, have a Happy Holiday and Horrific Viewings
from your Head Counselor, signing off.
Tags: Movie Night at the Rec Hall, Serial Killers,
