MANIAC (1980)

[zombie no.one]

tried to watch this after someone posted a link to some site that lets you watch movies but the link had been taken down.

...so is it any good? the write-ups on amazon make it sound harsh, even for a slasher/nasty movie

[The Burgomaster]

Joe Spinnell is great in the lead role and there are some nice, gory killings.  Other than that, it's pretty standard stuff. 

[zombie no.one]

Joe Spinnell is great in the lead role and there are some nice, gory killings.  Other than that, it's pretty standard stuff. 

okay not a "classic" then? might still have to investigate. been through a bunch of slasher type movies recently, the worst of which was easily STAGEFRIGHT. if it's better than that Im sold...

[RapscallionJones]

Dude, F that.  Maniac is awesome.  An underrated slasher/roughie.  It's mean as hell, gritty and filthy.  Half Psycho, half Taxi Driver.  Tom Savini did the effects and the subway murder scene is one of the nastiest, most misogynistic pieces of cinema ever shot. 

It's on the extreme end of the slasher spectrum and underappreciated even in cult circles.  See it.

[Shadow]

I think one of its subtle strengths is in its tagline: "I warned you not to go out tonight." I had seen the poster and taglines countless times before I saw the film, so I was surprised when that line is uttered by the killer...to himself. Yes, it's gory, dirty, misogynistic and potentially revolting, but its choice of viewpoint character and examination of what plagues him makes for some interesting film.

[voltron]

A brutal, uncompromising film. See it now!

[Joe]

i still dont know why everyone hates stage fright so much, i dig it. maniac IS classic, check it out im sure you'll like it.

[The Burgomaster]

For me, MANIAC is one of the second-tier films of its kind . . . not quite a classic (although Joe Spinnell's performance is classic).  I can't put it on the same pedestal as movies like LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, BASKET CASE, and THE HILLS HAVE EYES.  I consider it to be a level below these movies . . . on par with movies like I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE.

[Torgo]

the best part of this one is when Tom Savini gets his head blown off by the shotgun.   What was great was he was the guy who blew his own head off.   

[Caronte]

Joe Spinnell is great in the lead role and there are some nice, gory killings.  Other than that, it's pretty standard stuff. 

and don't forget caroline munro!! 

[zombie no.one]

I can't put it on the same pedestal as movies like LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, BASKET CASE, and THE HILLS HAVE EYES. 

interesting, because I would say Last House... is easily better than Hills Have Eyes (IMO)

all good though, thx for responses. Im gonna try and check out Maniac...