Directed by Franck Khalfoun

 

Staring Elijah Wood, Nora Arnezeder, America Olivo

 

First off I would like to emphasize that I am a true believer that classic horror films should not be remade as they often result in a total train wreck and take away from the original Film.I went into maniac expecting failure due to bad casting decisions of Elijah Wood in the Classic Joe Spinell role. I was Pleasantly surprised.Maniac is the Story of Frank, An introverted owner of a Mannequin Store. He spends his time restoring old vintage mannequins and oh that’s right Killing and scalping women.He Meets an artist named Anna who is looking for mannequins for her latest exhibition and they form a friendship.

 

As Anna and Franks relationship evolves, so does Franks obsession.You can feel Frank struggling with his emotions and Loneliness; moments of the film make you feel sympathy for him and in the blink of an eye you go back to seeing his true violent nature. This film was well constructed, the Characters were well written and Elijah Wood has completely shocked me with his performance.Maniac is not a splatter fest but some scenes are quite brutal and feel organic.The atmosphere of the film was brilliant helped along by its haunting electronic soundtrack and cinematography.

 

Most of the film is shot in POV through the eyes of frank, which made it feel more Claustrophobic, Voyeuristic and personal.I would recommend this film to everyone who loves horror or just well constructed cinema.

 

matt holding