Maniac (2012) Review

MANIAC, starring Elijah Wood and Nora Arnezeder, and directed by Franck Khalfoun, is a remake of a 1980 film of the same name and is a very different type of horror movie than most people are used to. MANIAC is about a serial killer named Frank (Elijah Wood), who is struggling with his overwhelming urge to kill. What makes this movie standout compared to other slasher films is that it is shot so the audience feels as if they are the killer, that is, its a POV movie, from the point-of-view of Elijah Wood's character. This fact alone fascinated me throughout the movie.

The POV factor also made the movie much more gory, violent and terrifying because where most horror movies would cut or make the camera tilt up, this one got right in there. It really showed the movie from the perspective of the killer and at times made you feel bad for him. Elijah Wood's creppy voiceovers were also terrifying as were his stalker tendencies.

MANIAC made me gasp, cringe, cheer (yes, I cheered for the killer for a split second) and even look away at one point. All guts and brains aside though, I throughly liked MANIAC. Although I've never seen the original, it gave me something different when it comes to slasher movies.

I very highly recommend watching MANIAC if you are a horror fan and you are looking for something different. Just beware it is so violent and gory, its Not Rated. MANIAC is definitly up there in my favorite Indie horrors along with American Psycho. B+

Maniac

Directed by Franck Khalfoun

Starring Elijah Wood, Nora Amezeeder, America Olivo