Maniac (2012)

The owner of a mannequin shop develops a dangerous obsession with a young artist.

Director:

Franck Khalfoun

Writers:

Alexandre Aja (screenplay), Grégory Levasseur (screenplay),

Stars:

Elijah Wood, America Olivo, Nora Arnezeder

2 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Elijah Wood	...	Frank
America Olivo	...	Frank's Mother
Nora Arnezeder	...	Anna
Liane Balaban	...	Judy
Megan Duffy	...	Lucie
Jan Broberg	...	Rita
Sammi Rotibi	...	Jason
Genevieve Alexandra	...	Jessica
Steffinnie Phrommany	...	Stephanie
Brian Ames	...	80's Man 1
Sal Landi	...	Detective
Akbar Kurtha	...	Pharmacist
Délé Ogundiran	...	Policewoman
Morgane Slemp	...	Jenna
Luis Fernandez-Gil	...	Indian Waiter

Storyline

Just when the streets seemed safe, a serial killer with a fetish for scalps is back and on the hunt. Frank is the withdrawn owner of a mannequin store, but his life changes when young artist Anna appears asking for his help with her new exhibition. As their friendship develops and Frank's obsession escalates, it becomes clear that she has unleashed a long-repressed compulsion to stalk and kill.

---

Plot Keywords:

mannequin | serial killer | subjective camera | one word title | french horror | 

---

Genres:

Crime | Horror | Thriller

---

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [de] Official site [jp]

Country:

France USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 January 2013 (France)

Also Known As:

Alexandre Ajas Maniac

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

La Petite Reine, Studio 37, Canal+

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The movie features the song "Good-bye Horses," by Q. Lazzarus. The song was also featured in The Silence of the Lambs, another movie about a serial killer who skinned people and had issues with his mother.

---

Connections

Remake of Maniac (1980)

---

Soundtracks

"Juno"
Written by Robin Coudert and Chloe Alper
Performed by Robin Coudert and Chloe Alper

User Reviews

Unusual and interesting

A psychopath on the loose. Or should I just say, a young boy with unresolved mother issues as a result of which others (girls, in particular) have to suffer?

Once he sets his eyes on the next target, nothing gets in the way. Very cunningly he establishes where the victims live and like a skilled craftsman carries out his hideous crimes, without remorse, second thoughts or hesitation.

Pivotal to the story is the appearance of an artist who has an acute interests in these plastic mannequins something that appeals greatly to the disturbed young man. Much as his instincts are ever present she somehow causes him to not be himself which is no little thing.

Great job has been done to bring intensity on the screen. We follow the troubled man, we agonise as he prepares his next murder, we feel sorrow when he indulges his animal instincts. Elijah wood is outstanding as the loner with a dark secret.

Another plus would have to be how the director gives it a very 80's look and feel without ever misleading us from the fact that it is a very modern day story.

Ultimately, although the direction by a Frenchman has its obvious advantages it remains a Hollywood movie. Hyperbole, gory scenes for the sake of it and a sense of stretched reality deprive this appealing story from further deserved points.