MANIAC (1980): 45 YEARS OF SWEAT, SPLATTER, SLASHERS, AND SPINELL!!

MANIAC (1980) d. William Lustig (USA)

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Wildly controversial and undeniably influential, Maniac (1980) is one of the most unsettling slasher films of the early 1980s. Directed by William Lustig and starring Joe Spinell - who also co-wrote the screenplay - Maniac follows Frank Zito, a deeply disturbed and isolated man driven by trauma, navigating the grim streets of New York City.

Unlike many slasher movies of the era, Maniac is a psychological horror film that focuses less on body count and more on the fractured mind of its killer. Tom Savini’s legendary practical effects are a standout, as is Lustig’s raw portrayal of urban decay. Jay Chattaway’s synth-heavy score and Robert Lindsay’s gritty cinematography contribute to a haunting atmosphere that has helped cement the film’s cult classic status.

Criticized upon release for its extreme violence and perceived misogyny, Maniac has since been reevaluated as a bold example of independent horror cinema—transgressive, unforgettable, and essential viewing for fans of character-driven horror.

Join AC and his awesome panel of guests (John W. Bowen, Art Ettinger, Nicola McCafferty) as we celebrate 45 years of MANIAC!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps3PlKu_e3s

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