Psychological Slasher: Maniac (2012) vs Maniac (1980)
This series begins with the desire to study the classics, gain more knowledge, have both a deeper understanding of, and maybe develop respect for, the Horror films of our past. The reviews I find cover thoughts on both films, with the reviewer watching the original film FIRST. Not me. Not this series. Having virgin eyes to many ‘vintage’ films, I come with unbiased viewership.
Both films do follow similar storylines, a man struggling with the inner war of giving in to the desire to scalp beautiful women. But here’s where the similarities end. I’m trying my hardest to keep this series spoiler free, so you can easily decide whether both, one, or neither sound good to you. Or you can argue me in the comments below! Be prepared for me to argue back. 😉
We’ll follow this order:
- Explore thoughts on the 2012 remake starring Elijah Wood and directed by Franck Khalfoun
- Dig deep into thoughts on the 1980 original starring Joe Spinell and directed by William Lustig
- Does the remake measure up to the original?
- Recommendations
Maniac (2012)
My initial thoughts after viewing the opening scene of the 2012 remake are mixed. I mean, it is a hell of an opener, way to set the scene! The story can’t possibly be going anywhere GOOD. But there’s a lot of telling, and not enough showing me information I need. I feel like I’m meant to be shocked, but that’s it, nothing more complex than that. But that can be okay in some instances. Let’s truck on.
I’m loving the depiction of paranoia, but I want more. I want to see our main character, played by Elijah Wood, drenched in suspicion at every turn, in every scene. I want him pulled down, stuck in the loop of paranoia, not just shown this part of him so little. Give me more!
Watching from Wood’s POV for the majority of the film is fun, a little touch of individuality we don’t see everyday. The obsessive interest and behavior we get to see as if we, too, are a part of Wood. As if we, too, have similar interests and behaviors. Neat!
I wish the auditory cues were a little more…specific…and I didn’t have to work as hard to ‘get’ what’s happening. But thankfully this did not take away from the terrifying notes and rhythms of being a woman afraid, being surrounded by the evidence of humans, yet no help comes. How deep this can run. Fantastic job getting me worked up!
In addition, we’re shown the tragic results of giving into our instincts and transgressive thoughts. Medicating the symptoms, while the tumor grows. The horrifying pieces of this remake aren’t throughout, but are strong enough to give nightmares and inspire thought.
Neither Wood’s character or any of the women convince me to like them. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy an unlikeable character, I find them the most fun, the most…REAL. Nobody is really all that likeable, are they? But I feel like I would be dreading the inevitable more if I was given the opportunity to find redeeming, surface level human qualities in our main male and female characters.
Wood’s acting is fine. There are points of genius, but that ending scene….I can’t. I just can’t. Don’t.Make.Me.Start.Laughing.Again.
But the nods to other horror greats! I caught a little wink to American Psycho, 28 Days Later, and Silence of the Lambs. Did I miss any? Nice little kisses to HORROR. Cool, this film is shouting fanboy, which is fine. Errr… but I thought it’s supposed to be a remake?
Maniac (1980)
The opener immediately has me hooked, the grunting and vocals, like our main character is ravished and starving. Gorgeous. I’ve always found older horny gentlemen to be the most creepy. They have to know this, right? The director William Lustig had clear vision, and this is evident from the get go.
Talk about REAL scenes! The special effects are surprising in their success of getting me to believe in the horrifying scenes throughout. For 1980, phenomenal! There’s such a brilliant mix of violence and everyday mundane life actions.
In addition, the inner dialogue I find brilliant, and wish it’s more popular. Not that I think stories should solely be told in thoughts of our main characters, but it could be nice for tough spots in explaining complex human emotions. Forceful storytelling doesn’t work, but in the original Maniac psychological slasher, everything’s connected perfectly and makes sense. We watch our main character, played by Joe Spinell , exercise and validate his feelings. And what feelings those are!
BLOOD! There’s blood! I thought the remake was bloody….oy! And the scenes involving violence aren’t drawn out, like some…others I’ve seen. Perfect length, each scene having specific purpose to bigger picture. The dread and intensity created is unbelievable. Lustig understands that the shock factor is necessary but isn’t excessive. Superior Horror here, guys!
The characters are, for the most part, layered, human, and likeable. Us, the audience, are constantly kept in mind, which is clear in both the overall chilling atmosphere and in the ending. I haven’t felt this way after viewing a film since the first time I watched Wes Craven’s Scream, back when I was….well, a long time ago.
Is Maniac (1980) better than Maniac (2012)?
No. Although they’re both considered Psychological Slasher films, they both speak to very different audiences. Both gory and original, but because they’re so different, I cannot say which is superior. I can say, however, that each should be viewed separately, as their own pieces of art and storytelling.
Comparing the two films against each other would be an injustice to film in general. The original is masterful, intense, and a perfect use of film as this story’s mode. Now, the remake. If you’ve seen the original, watching the remake could make you…angry. Or maybe you’ll love the twisted, poisonous apple, this film gives.
The side by side comparison shows little from each being the same. Aside from the main story, these are two very different films, both with cool aspects. Okay, okay. They’re both pretty gory and intense. But calling the most recent release a remake of the 1980 original should probably not happen.
Horror Movie Recommendations
- If you liked Maniac (2012), to get a similar feel, the best horror movies to watch Drag Me to Hell (2009), You’re Next (2011), The Strangers (2008), Mama (2013), American Psycho (2000)
- If you liked Maniac (1980), watch some of the finest Horror films, like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), Hereditary (2018), Midsommar (2019), High Tension (2003) P2 (2007)
I’m extremely interested in your thoughts! If I watched them in their release date order, I wonder how my thoughts would differ. Argue me, make me take your side. Whichever that side may be.
If you’d like to see my thoughts on other remakes of horror originals, I’ll be sure to watch the remake first and compile my thoughts! Just leave both titles in the comments below.
Email me at parzz1val@yahoo.com
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All photographs pulled from Google Images.
Movies n TV
Witness the Supernatural Horror of The Eye (2008)
Living blind most of her life, Sydney Wells (Jessica Alba) undergoes a transplant in The Eye (2008) and witnesses unexplainable phenomenon.
Living blind most of her life, Sydney Wells (Jessica Alba) undergoes a transplant in The Eye (2008). The clearer her vision becomes, the more unexplainable the sights she witnesses. Yet, no one seems to understand or believe her. To understand what she’s seeing, Sydney must uncover what happened to her doner.
The Eye (2008) is a supernatural horror film directed by David Moreau and Xavier Palud, an American remake of a Chinese film of the same name directed by the Pang brothers. This PG-13 film stars Jessica Alba, Alessandro Nivola, Parker Posey and Rade Serbedzija. As of this review, the film is available on Amazon Prime Video.
What I Like about The Eye (2008)
In 2008, the film earned two awards and three nominations. The poster above and Jessica Alba received award-winning acclaim. This should probably fall within the Dislikes, but it also earned Jessica Alba a Razzi nomination in 2009. However, the Razzi likely focused on her performance on The Love Guru. Make of that what you will.
I’ll further comment on this point in later sections, but The Eye does work to show the complexities of incorporating this new sense from a character who has lived most of her life without it. She isn’t “fixed” because she was never broken, and it’s a commendable decision considering how often the opposite idea appears.
This film focuses on Jessica Alba, allowing her plenty of material to work through as she slowly breaks down against the mounting issues facing her. It remains a largely controlled performance based on the material given. She would win a Teen Choice Award and (funnily enough) the previously mentioned Razzi nomination. There’s another small role from a recognizable actress in one of her early roles. I will say no more on the matter.
![The Eye (2008) [Blu-ray] - Expired Digital Copy](https://hauntedmtl.com/wp-content/plugins/aawp/public/image.php?url=YUhSMGNITTZMeTl0TG0xbFpHbGhMV0Z0WVhwdmJpNWpiMjB2YVcxaFoyVnpMMGt2T1RGc2VGQkhSalZUTUV3dVgxTk1NVFV3TUY4dVgxTk1NVFl3WHk1cWNHYz18MTc0MDQ3MjIwMg=)
- THE EYE DESCRIPTION The violinist Sydney Wells has been blind since she was five years old due to an accident
- She submits to a surgery of cornea transplantation to recover her vision, and while recovering from the operation, she realizes that she’s having strange visions
- With the support of Dr
- Jessica Alba stars as a blind woman who receives an eye transplant, which allows her to see into the supernatural world, in this $31 million-grossing film
- Bonuses: featurettes, deleted scenes, digital copy
Last update on 2025-02-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Eye has strong bones and twists that I imagine come from the original film. I won’t comment further on the original, but The Eye provides twists that run with the concept of inherited memories. I love how The Eye explores this concept, though execution doesn’t fully develop these ideas.
Moving the narrative to Mexico adds a refreshing change of location. It adds some variety to the setting and a pleasant shift. However, I will say that the random town provides a typical depiction of rural Mexico.
Despite my reservations about The Eye‘s execution, the film lingers in its horror and often haunts the viewer. From the film’s concept to the visuals, The Eye has an early 2000s charm. Yes, it’s flawed and lacks in parts, but it still provides an entertaining and enjoyable experience.
Tired Tropes and Triggers
Ableism remains a potential issue for the film, though the ending persuades me against that concept. What can’t be denied is that there are several ableist characters, though I linger in the idea that this is intentional. The film shows their perspectives are wrong or inaccurate.
The key trope that this film explores is cellular memory. One addition to this concept is inheriting someone’s supernatural gifts. Though, that’s far from unique at this point.
What I Dislike about The Eye (2008)
Dr. Paul Faulkner (Alessandro Nivola) acts as a co-lead in the film and seems deplorable with his patient (Sydney). This is in no way an inherent issue with the actor but the writing. For a doctor who specializes in Sydney Well’s particular struggles, he seems furious anytime she appears overwhelmed. While it’s possible the ending suggests they are a couple, The Eye does leave this ambiguous. If The Eye intends to pair them by labeling these arguments as romantic chemistry, it fails.
The biggest problem with The Eye remains the underdeveloped ideas. While the plot points remain interesting, few get explored to any depth worth mentioning. Little gets solved, and even the climactic moment of development seems more a matter of happenstance. It makes me wonder if the original film might better explore these concepts.
Final Thoughts on The Eye (2008)
The Eye explores cellular memory with a supernatural twist. While far from a flawlessly executed film, a 2000s charm makes it memorable. If it further developed its concepts, The Eye might haunt in all aspects. However, it fills a niche for those with a taste for premonitions and lingering reapers eager for souls.
(2.5 / 5)
Movies n TV
The Root of All Evil, or “The Demon of Money”
The assessors explore the vile evil of stock trading in “The Demon of Money,” the ninth episode of season 3.
“The Demon of Money” is the ninth episode of season 3 of Evil, created by Michelle King and Robert King. The central cast includes Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Michael Emerson, Christine Lahti, and Andrea Martin. As of this review, it’s available through Netflix and Paramount+ and its add-ons.
The assessors explore the vile evil of stock trading. Dr. Boggs (Kurt Fuller) gets a positive review for his first draft. Grace Ling (Li Jun Li) struggles to adjust to her new reality. Leland (Michael Emerson) takes matters into his own hands. Monsignor (Boris McGiver) does what he must to do good.
What I Like about “The Demon of Money”
The investigation of DF’s stock provides a strange but enthralling mystery, accurately pointed out as similar to The Ring by Ben. It’s an unsettling and tension-inducing procedural plot to connect “The Demon of Money” together.
Michael Emerson’s Leland balances a genuinely horrifying character with Evil’s campier execution to deliver a haunting performance. This season seems focused on restructuring Leland’s transformation as the series’ key villain, forcing him to balance against other potential threats.
I initially struggled to understand Kristen’s distrust of Dr. Boggs, uncertain of what finally convinced Kristen. “The Demon of Money” clears up this confusion completely after revealing his book. While it’s not directly shown that Kristen read the book, the evidence suggests this is the case. I won’t reveal why it’s so concerning, but I love that Evil doesn’t beat the strangeness into the viewer, trusting them to catch on.
![Evil: Season Three [Blu-Ray]](https://hauntedmtl.com/wp-content/plugins/aawp/public/image.php?url=YUhSMGNITTZMeTl0TG0xbFpHbGhMV0Z0WVhwdmJpNWpiMjB2YVcxaFoyVnpMMGt2TlRFdGJuQndVRmhtU1V3dVgxTk1NVFl3WHk1cWNHYz18MTc0MDQ3MjIwMg=)
- Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi (Actors)
- Robert King (Director)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
![Evil: Season Three [DVD]](https://hauntedmtl.com/wp-content/plugins/aawp/public/image.php?url=YUhSMGNITTZMeTl0TG0xbFpHbGhMV0Z0WVhwdmJpNWpiMjB2YVcxaFoyVnpMMGt2TlRGYWJYaGtVVFpFYlV3dVgxTk1NVFl3WHk1cWNHYz18MTc0MDQ3MjIwMg=)
- Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi (Actors)
- Robert King (Director)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Last update on 2025-01-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Monsignor delivers a moment of action for a character who often defines inaction. It’s an intense moment to see and a pleasant development for a character who plays a key role in the series. It also incentivizes a returning character.
Li Jun Li also pushes the boundaries of Grace Ling, possibly earning the right to claim this episode as her own. As a prophet-esque character, there’s often an instinct to dive into the mystic wisdom, but Grace seems burdened by her gifts and the pressure placed on her.
“The Demon of Money” remains a haunting episode of Evil, paying off many of the points built up in previous episodes. This episode pulls off most of season 3’s setup while delivering haunting moments.
Tired Tropes and Triggers
One can argue that “The Demon of Money uses the bury your gays trope. It’s hard to deny when there’s an admission of love just as death occurs.
There’s some effective bodily disfigurement within this episode, one example leaning toward body horror. These are the results of self-harm, but these actions remain off-screen. Viewers witness the results of the act, but the harm is relayed to the viewer well after the act
What I Dislike about “The Demon of Money”
The procedural plot will have a slight return in a later episode, but it reaches a conclusion that doesn’t satisfy the mystery. I wanted more of it, which is far from a bad problem but one to point out. Ultimately, the missed potential undermines the execution.
Ben claims The Ring is a B-film, which is rightly called out, but the claim can’t go unmentioned here. Regardless of one’s opinions of the adaptation, it’s hard to label the film as a low-budget B-film considering its 48 million dollar budget. For shame on that claim.
Final Thoughts
“The Demon of Money” brings viewers closer to the end of season 3, tying the loose plot threads to set up the season finale. With a haunting procedural investigation, this episode remains a unique example of what Evil offers. While some weaknesses appear and interesting plots drop, the episode lingers in the mind to haunt the viewer.
(5 / 5)
Movies n TV
Anna (2013) To Some, Mindscape to Others, a Thriller Film
Anna (2013), also known as Mindscape, is a psychological thriller of a struggling memory detective named John.
Anna (2013), also known as Mindscape, is a psychological thriller directed by Jorge Dorado. This R-rated directorial debut stars Mark Strong, Taissa Farmiga, Brian Cox, Saskia Reeves, Richard Dillane, and Indira Varma. As of this review, interested viewers can watch this film on VUDU, Hoopla, Plex Channel, Pluto TV, Roku Channel, Tubi TV, Amazon Prime, and more. Anna originally released in 2013, but it released in the US in 2014.
Struggling to return to his work as a memory detective, John (Mark Strong) pursues a new assignment. Anna (Taissa Farmiga) views John as her last chance to prove her innocence before she’s condemned to an asylum. As John searches through her memories, a tale of abuse and manipulation unravels.
What I Like about Anna (2013)
Anna earned three nominations but no award recognition. From the Sitges–Catalonian International Film Festival, it earned a nomination for Best Motion Picture. The Goya Awards recognized Jorge Dorado with the 2014 nomination for Best New Director. Finally, Anna received a nomination from the Gaudí Awards for Best Art Direction.
Taissa Farmiga’s performance balances the line between suspicious and innocent, which is necessary for this unraveling mystery. It’s a delicate role, but Taissa Farmiga brings to life the material given.
![Inception (4K Ultra HD/BD) (4K Ultra HD) [4K UHD]](https://hauntedmtl.com/wp-content/plugins/aawp/public/image.php?url=YUhSMGNITTZMeTl0TG0xbFpHbGhMV0Z0WVhwdmJpNWpiMjB2YVcxaFoyVnpMMGt2T1RGd1dGaFJhWEI1V1V3dVgxTk1NVFV3TUY4dVgxTk1NVFl3WHk1cWNHYz18MTc0MDQ3MjIwMg=)
- Acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan directs an international cast in “Inception,” an original sci-fi actioner that travels around the globe and into the intimate and infinite world of dreams
- Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a skilled thief, the best in the dangerous art of extraction: stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state when the mind is at its most vulnerable
- Cobb’s rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved
Last update on 2025-02-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Anna‘s plot rotates around a new fringe science that’s slowly gaining traction. It’s less a dissection of this science and more a norm that Anna expects viewers to believe. It’s an interesting concept, though not unique. Still, it’s a nice additional dynamic to the mystery.
While not a horrifying film, it does deliver a mystery that keeps viewers engaged with enough hooks to add an extra layer before something gets stale. That mystery does linger in the mind in some respects but doesn’t haunt the viewer.
Tired Tropes and Triggers
Despite Anna not depicting these moments, sexual assault remains a recurring element of the film. Little remains conclusive, with some suggestions that these are false allegations. Furthering this point, the film depicts Anna as a manipulator and flirt when some incidents suggest she’s a survivor of assault.
Derogatory language might upset some, but these remain brief moments. The use indicates a particular character’s immaturity, but I’ll raise the point regardless. Furthering this line of analysis is a moment where a bullied character is implied to be gay, but it’s likely just an insult.
While not inherently a trigger, this new field of science earns the claim of being somewhere between forensic science and lie detector tests, a massive gap that anything can fit in. It makes everything subjective when the film wants to claim absolute evidence. I can’t help but wonder what exploring that unreliability might look like, but that’s not this film.
What I Dislike about Anna (2013)
The biggest deal breaker for some is this concept of a teen mastermind. I won’t go into details about the mystery, but I am often fatigued with this idea of a teen femme fatale. While Anna gives enough mystery, it’s an overused trope.
Mark Strong’s performance delivers on the material, but John seems so easily manipulated for someone who does this as a profession. While out of practice, I don’t understand why he believes or doesn’t believe information. If Anna depicts John as overly critical or gullible, the film will have a more consistent character.
I assume there remains an understandable reason for the name change, but Anna appears as a common title for a film, spinning a series of some recognition. Mindscape also earns some recognition and competition, but it’s a more memorable title than a single noun name.
Final Thoughts
Anna provides an interesting concept and mystery, but many shortcomings hinder the execution. Viewers eager for a psychological mystery with a drop of sci-fi, Anna delivers an engaging story. However, the market does provide competition, making it a tough film to recommend. 
(3 / 5)
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