boredatwork

B-Movies are watchable...they might have part of the package, such as perhaps ONE person who can pretend to act in a remotely entertaining way. I am a fan of terrible films but this one was absolute, utter agony to sit through, my friend was asleep within 5 minutes and I sat wondering why I subject myself to sitting through such crap, my finger getting ready to hit the ffwd button. Nothing happens in this film for the first hour or so...you watch it, you wait, nothing really happens...drive-in filler/fodder, avoid...better off re-watching horribly boring films you've seen with a few memorable blips of greatness...like Unhinged.

Difficult to watch at times, but since we're dealing with serial killers here, you could say the film hits the mark. At the foundation of Maniac is a very well shot depiction of a cold(literally and otherwise) and lonely urban environment. This is most apparent in the NY subway scenes. Even after 24 years Maniac doesn't have too many dated or unintentionally campy moments. It's gritty and disturbing. One of the better shot in NY horror films without a doubt. The 80's synth soundtrack is awesome. Simple, dark and drawn out synth lines help further develop the grim mood of Maniac. The make-up effects are top shelf, as viewers are treated to some primetime Tom Savini skills. A vicious but undeniably effective and well crafted film.

You don't see anyone make a film like this anymore. Shot on 16mm but absolutely gorgeous looking. Low budget but has a very unusual and quite fine OST(modern classical/jazz sounding I guess?). Great characters and performances. Some of the performances are simple but are usually always quite charming. Romero was able to create a great look by using locations that happened to be available through family and friends. Martin exemplifies the beauty of doing a lot with a little. Re-watchable because there are so many clever details to be found. People looking for tired vampire movie formulas and a bit of T&A will be disappointed with this film. What's impressive is how little the film actually covers the standard themes of vampires. Instead, the actual social construct of vampirism is brought into question. Viewers are left to figure out and discuss what the main character is all about on their own. One of the finer moments in 70's semi-independent cinema. On par with Season Of The Witch in terms of weirdness and style. The creativity and integrity seen in Martin will seldom be seen again as long as Hollywood continues to be run by spineless, cowardly producers.