Maniac
Director: William Lustig
Actors: Joe Spinell, Caroline Munro, Abigail Clayton
PlotIn the grimy underbelly of New York City, a disturbed loner struggles with deep-seated psychological issues linked to his troubled past and his overbearing mother. The man, Frank Zito, is a serial killer who scours the city streets at night, preying on young women. His gruesome pattern of violence includes scalping his victims and taking their hair as trophies, which he attaches to mannequins in his decrepit apartment. These acts serve as a twisted attempt to preserve some semblance of companionship and control, compensating for his profound loneliness and the abuse he faced as a child.
As the body count rises, Frank's grip on reality wanes, with his hallucinations and flashbacks intensifying. His dangerous obsession with beauty and death draws him to a photographer named Anna, whom he encounters during a photo shoot in a park. Charmed by her talent and grace, he forges a connection with Anna, unaware that this new relationship might trigger an even deeper descent into his own madness. As Frank navigates the blurred lines between delusion and reality, the police inch closer to unmasking the serial killer that has been terrorizing the city.
Writers: C.A. Rosenberg, Joe Spinell
Release Date: 06 Mar 1981
Runtime: 87 min
Rating: 18+
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Maniac offers an unsettling psychological horror experience bolstered by Joe Spinell's performance, well-done gore, and a fantastic soundtrack, with Blue Underground delivering a high-quality Blu-ray release despite rough video transfer, exceptional audio, and extensive extras.
Read our review of Maniac Blu-ray 30th Anniversary Edition to find out more
Maniac's 4K release excels in visuals & sound, missing extras; a definitive must-have. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Read our review of Maniac 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray to find out more