Trailer

Maniac (1980)

R   |    |  Drama, Horror, Thriller

Maniac (1980) Poster

A psychotic man, troubled by his childhood abuse, loose in New York City, kills young women and takes their scalps as his trophies. Will he find the perfect woman in a photographer, and end his killing spree?

6.5/10
13,990
Rate
22 Metascore

Videos

Photos

  • Joe Spinell in Maniac (1980)
  • Maniac (1980)
  • Maniac (1980)
  • Hyla Marrow and Tom Savini in Maniac (1980)
  • Joe Spinell in Maniac (1980)
  • Joe Spinell in Maniac (1980)

See all photos

Get More From IMDb

For an enhanced browsing experience, get the IMDb app on your smartphone or tablet.

Get the IMDb app
Facebook
Twitter
E-mail

Awards

1 nomination.

Reviews & Commentary

Add a Review

User Reviews
18 January 2008 | PaulyC
6
| creepy little NY film
Okay, first of all this movie was shot in New York and there's something I find fascinating about the look of films shot in NY in the 70's or 80's. The movie itself is decent but not great. It has a good look and feel to it and I like Joe Spinell in it. Joe plays Frank, a photographer, who misses his dead mother despite being mistreated by her as a child. He begins killing women at night and keeping parts from the bodies. I however didn't find the relationship he had with the model he stalked all too believable. It has some good scenes and is still a good watch for slasher fans and fans like me of gritty New York City in the 70's and 80's.

Metacritic Reviews

Critic Reviews

More Like This

Maniac

Maniac

Maniac Cop

Maniac Cop

Brain Damage

Brain Damage

Pieces

Pieces

The Burning

The Burning

Zombie

Zombie

The Prowler

The Prowler

My Bloody Valentine

My Bloody Valentine

Tourist Trap

Tourist Trap

Chopping Mall

Chopping Mall

Sleepaway Camp

Sleepaway Camp

Troma's War

Troma's War

Did You Know?

Trivia

Joe Spinell was very serious about making a sequel to this film with director Buddy Giovinazzo, for which they shot a 10-minute promo called "Mr. Robbie". After several years, financing for the film was found, and the project was close of reaching pre-production stage. But after Spinell suddenly passed away in 1989, the sequel never happened.

Quotes

Rita: Don't kill me. Don't kill me. Frank, don't kill me.
Frank Zito: No, no. I'm not going to kill you. I'm just going to keep you so you won't go away ever again!

Goofs

The prostitute's head moves in between shots.

Alternate Versions

The 2008 Korean DVD includes the uncut theatrical version, running nearly 88 minutes. However, even without Korean subs, the Korean title can clearly be seen above the original title.

Soundtracks

Goin' to a Showdown
Written by Adriana Kaegi (as Kaegi)
Performed by Don Armando's 2nd Avenue Rhumba Band
Courtesy of ZE Records

Storyline

Plot Summary

Synopsis (WARNING: Spoilers)

Genres

Drama | Horror | Thriller

Details

Release Date:

6 March 1981

Language

English

Country of Origin

USA

Filming Locations

Hotel St. James, 109 West 45th Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$350,000 (estimated)

User Polls

The Worst Horror Movie Remakes
Iconic Shots in Which Actors Were Doubled
(Not) First Feature Films by Famous Filmmakers
Villainous Franks
The Most Realistic Movies About Addiction
The 666 Mark of IMDb

Everything That's New on Netflix in August

No need to waste time endlessly browsing—here's the entire lineup of new movies and TV shows streaming on Netflix this month.

See the full list

Around The Web

 | 

Powered by ZergNet

More To Explore

Search on Amazon.com