Post by Nobody on Oct 16, 2006 16:49:14 GMT -5
Maniac By Lust del Carrion
Directed by: William Lustig
Released by: Anchor Bay
Approximate Running Time: 88 minutes
Rating: Unrated
Region Coding: NTSC Region 1
Frank Zito is haunted by the traumas of childhood abuse, which he suffered at the hands of his late mother. As these memories begin to rage inside his mind, Frank hits the seedy streets of New York City to slaughter innocent young women. Surprisingly, Frank begins a relationship with a beautiful photographer, however, his violent compulsions remain.
Lustig does an excellent job directing in this film, and really makes use of the grimey and seedy, X-rated New York of the late '70s and early '80s. As with other horror films of that time, such as Ferrera's Driller Killer and Fulci's New York Ripper, Lustig presents New York as a place with nothing more to offer than grindhouse cinema, pornography, and prostitutes. Due to this, the film has a much more heightened sense of reality.
However, the realism of the film may be due to Joe Spinell's incredible performance as the maniac Frank Zito. Spinell plays his character so well, and creates such an unnerving experience for anyone watching the film, that you have to wonder why he didn't get any other starring rolls during his time on this planet. He is definitely one of the most underrated actors to appear on the silver screen.
Maniac also contains some extremely well done F/X by the legendary Tom Savini.You know almost any film with Tom Savini doing F/X is sure to deliver in one way or the other. With Maniac, you get great direction, acting, and excellent F/X work! The notorious 'shotgun' scene is definitely the highlight of the film. Not only does it contain a point blank shotgun blast to the head, but to the head of Savini himself! It's alway fun to see Savini show up in little cameos on the films that he works on.
The whole film is a very intense watch, and it contains some very gruesome set pieces. The acting by Joe Spinell is top-notch, and the F/X work by Savini is incredible. All of the talents behind Maniac, combined with Lustig's direction, makes for one unforgettable film.
Anchor Bay has done an excellent job putting together their DVD package for Maniac. Some of the extras included are theatrical trailers, radio spots, and an audio commentary with Co-Producer/Director William Lustig, Special Make-Up Effects Artist Tom Savini, Editor Lorenzo Marinelli, and Joe Spinell's Assistant Luke Walter. A documentary on Joe Spinell is also included, titled The Joe Spinell Story. The documentary is a very interesting look into the life of one of the most underrated actors. All in all, Anchor Bay's presentation of Maniac is definitely a DVD that deserves a spot in your collection.
Extras
* Audio commentary with co-producer/director William Lustig, special make-up effects artist Tom Savini, editor Lorenzo Marinelli, and Joe Spinell's assistant Luke Walter.
* Radio interview with co-producer/director William Lustig, and stars Joe Spinell & Caroline Munro
* The Joe Spinell Story (49 mins.)
* Theatrical trailers
* TV spots
* Radio spots
* Gallery of outrage
* Poster/still gallery
* Talent bios
Score
Film: 5 out of 5
DVD: 4 out of 5
Directed by: William Lustig
Released by: Anchor Bay
Approximate Running Time: 88 minutes
Rating: Unrated
Region Coding: NTSC Region 1
Frank Zito is haunted by the traumas of childhood abuse, which he suffered at the hands of his late mother. As these memories begin to rage inside his mind, Frank hits the seedy streets of New York City to slaughter innocent young women. Surprisingly, Frank begins a relationship with a beautiful photographer, however, his violent compulsions remain.
Lustig does an excellent job directing in this film, and really makes use of the grimey and seedy, X-rated New York of the late '70s and early '80s. As with other horror films of that time, such as Ferrera's Driller Killer and Fulci's New York Ripper, Lustig presents New York as a place with nothing more to offer than grindhouse cinema, pornography, and prostitutes. Due to this, the film has a much more heightened sense of reality.
However, the realism of the film may be due to Joe Spinell's incredible performance as the maniac Frank Zito. Spinell plays his character so well, and creates such an unnerving experience for anyone watching the film, that you have to wonder why he didn't get any other starring rolls during his time on this planet. He is definitely one of the most underrated actors to appear on the silver screen.
Maniac also contains some extremely well done F/X by the legendary Tom Savini.You know almost any film with Tom Savini doing F/X is sure to deliver in one way or the other. With Maniac, you get great direction, acting, and excellent F/X work! The notorious 'shotgun' scene is definitely the highlight of the film. Not only does it contain a point blank shotgun blast to the head, but to the head of Savini himself! It's alway fun to see Savini show up in little cameos on the films that he works on.
The whole film is a very intense watch, and it contains some very gruesome set pieces. The acting by Joe Spinell is top-notch, and the F/X work by Savini is incredible. All of the talents behind Maniac, combined with Lustig's direction, makes for one unforgettable film.
Anchor Bay has done an excellent job putting together their DVD package for Maniac. Some of the extras included are theatrical trailers, radio spots, and an audio commentary with Co-Producer/Director William Lustig, Special Make-Up Effects Artist Tom Savini, Editor Lorenzo Marinelli, and Joe Spinell's Assistant Luke Walter. A documentary on Joe Spinell is also included, titled The Joe Spinell Story. The documentary is a very interesting look into the life of one of the most underrated actors. All in all, Anchor Bay's presentation of Maniac is definitely a DVD that deserves a spot in your collection.
Extras
* Audio commentary with co-producer/director William Lustig, special make-up effects artist Tom Savini, editor Lorenzo Marinelli, and Joe Spinell's assistant Luke Walter.
* Radio interview with co-producer/director William Lustig, and stars Joe Spinell & Caroline Munro
* The Joe Spinell Story (49 mins.)
* Theatrical trailers
* TV spots
* Radio spots
* Gallery of outrage
* Poster/still gallery
* Talent bios
Score
Film: 5 out of 5
DVD: 4 out of 5