I-Lived
The movie centers on a young online app reviewer whose latest assignment mysteriously improves his life, but also starts to tear him apart.
Maniac (2013)
A 21st century Jack the Ripper set in the present day, Maniac is a reboot of the cult film considered by many to be the most suspenseful slasher movie ever made. Frank (Elijah Wood) is the withdrawn owner of a mannequin store, but his life changes when young artist Anna appears asking for his help with her new exhibition.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 and the number of victims increases, it becomes clear that Frank is far more dangerous than he seems. With a pulsating electronic score by Rob, the film is an intimate, visually daring, psychologically complex and profoundly horrific trip into the downward spiraling nightmare of a killer and his victims.
Lengthy ‘Maniac’ Making-Of Featurette
Check out this lengthy behind-the-scenes making-of featurette for IFC’s incredible Maniac, which arrives on VOD platforms June 21, which isn’t soon enough.
Read our extremely positive review here.
In the slasher redo, “Frank (Elijah Wood) is the withdrawn owner of a mannequin store, but his life changes when young artist Anna appears asking for his help with her new exhibition.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 and the number of victims increases, it becomes clear that Frank is far more dangerous than he seems. With a pulsating electronic score by Rob, the film is an intimate, visually daring, psychologically complex and profoundly horrific trip into the downward spiraling nightmare of a killer and his victims.”
A 21st century Jack the Ripper set in the present day, Maniac is a reboot of the cult film considered by many to be the most suspenseful slasher movie ever made.
Elijah Wood, Nora Arnezeder, Genevieve Alexandra, America Olivo, Morgane Slemp, Sal Landi, Dan Hunter, Freedom, Délé Ogundiran, Steffinnie Phrommany, Joshua De La Garza all star in the feature directed by Franck Khalfoun. READ MORE
Incredibly Violent ‘Maniac’ CENSORED In Japan For Teenage Audience…
A blog out of Japan has reported some disturbing news regarding Franck Khalfoun’s Maniac (review), which opens here in the States on June 21.
“EIRIN (Japan’s film rating and censorship organization – much like America’s MPAA) and Comstock Group, Japanese distributor of Maniac, censored several gore scenes to make it 15+ rating – so that high school students could see it,” says the site. “It would be like making an R-rated or NC-17-rated film in the US a PG-13 film. Some scenes were blurred out, some were darkened.”
While there is no physical proof, this person swears by their report: “I can’t provide you the evidence of these details because it’s still playing in theatres – and to give you proof, I would have to record it at the theatre. Which is illegal. But please believe me when I say it is true.” Click the link above for the entire blog.
Thank god for international sellers so the hardcore horror fans in Japan can import the real release out of France, Canada or the U.S. (I’m sure many other places as well). Still, it’s always unfortunately to hear such news, even though it happens way more than you guys even know… READ MORE
[Poster Bites] New One Sheets For ‘Maniac’ And ‘Machete Kills’!
We’ve got a couple of new posters for you this hour. The first of which is a character one sheet for Sofia Vergara’s Desdemonia in Machete Kills, the Robert Rodriguez-directed sequel to Machete.
In theaters September 13 “Danny Trejo returns as ex-Federale agent Machete, who is recruited by the President of the United States for a mission which would be impossible for any mortal man – he must take down a madman revolutionary and an eccentric billionaire arms dealer (Mel Gibson) who has hatched a plan to spread war and anarchy across the planet.”
We’ve also got a new Asian poster Franck Khalfoun’s amazing Maniac remake. Definitely check this out when it opens in select theaters, iTunes and on VOD platforms June 21. READ MORE
New Trailer For ‘Maniac’ Masterfully Captures The Film’s Tone
I saw Franck Khalfoun’s Maniac last weekend. And I almost agree with Mr. Disgusting that it’s a masterpiece. I say “almost” because there’s just a few things here and there that kept me from pure elation – but I’d definitely give it at least an 8/10 (Brad gave it a 9/10 in his review). It’s horror’s Drive, stylish moody and addictive. And I have a feeling I’ll like it even more a second time.
Definitely check this out when it opens in select theaters, iTunes and on VOD platforms June 21. I know I’ll be seeing it again. Meanwhile, this trailer is pretty much nails the tone and may be the best promo reel we’ve yet seen for the film.
In the remake, “Just when the streets seemed safe, a serial killer with a fetish for scalps is back and on the hunt. Frank (Wood) 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.”
Check it out below! READ MORE
Second ‘Maniac’ Poster Reaches Its Breaking Point
Here’s a second theatrical poster for Franck Khalfoun’s horror masterpiece Maniac, starring Elijah Wood in the terrifying lead role, which will open in select theaters, iTunes and on VOD platforms June 21. The one-sheet depicts Frank (played by Wood) reaching his breaking point.
In the remake, “Just when the streets seemed safe, a serial killer with a fetish for scalps is back and on the hunt. Frank (Wood) 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.”
As stated before, we’re huge fans here on Bloody, and are quite proud of our “A modern horror classic” quote; we stand behind it 110% percent. READ MORE
Exclusive
Exclusive: A Bloody Look At the Official Theatrical Poster For ‘Maniac’!!
We are incredibly excited to exclusively share the official theatrical poster for Franck Khalfoun’s horror masterpiece Maniac, starring Elijah Wood in the terrifying lead role, which will open in select theaters, iTunes and on VOD platforms June 21. The one-sheet depicts one of Frank’s (played by Wood) mannequins – only these dummies don’t come to life to make love with you; expect insanity.
We’re huge fans here on Bloody, and are quite proud of our “A modern horror classic” quote; we stand behind it 110% percent.
In the remake, “Just when the streets seemed safe, a serial killer with a fetish for scalps is back and on the hunt. Frank (Wood) 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.” READ MORE
Absolutely Gorgeous And Violent New ‘Maniac’ Poster By Jeff Proctor!
Only 6 weeks until I can see Franck Khalfoun’s Maniac (which Mr. Disgusting calls a masterpiece), starring Elijah Wood. It hits select theaters and VOD platforms June 21. Artist Jeff Proctor has designed a new poster (courtesy of AICN) for this “modern horror classic” (review here) that’s absolutely breathtaking.
In the remake, “Just when the streets seemed safe, a serial killer with a fetish for scalps is back and on the hunt. Frank (Wood) 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.”
Check it out below! And head to AICN to check out the red variant and album cover versions! READ MORE
Korean ‘Maniac’ Poster Gets Sympathetic
Still unbelievably stoked for Franck Khalfoun’s Maniac (which Mr. Disgusting calls a masterpiece), starring Elijah Wood. It hits select theaters and VOD platforms June 21. I’m not sure when the release date for South Korea is, but they’ll be seeing this “modern horror classic” (review here) too, as evidenced by their poster.
In the remake, “Just when the streets seemed safe, a serial killer with a fetish for scalps is back and on the hunt. Frank (Wood) 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.”
Check it out below! READ MORE
‘Maniac’ Peers Out From The Shadows In This New Japanese Poster!
I still haven’t seen Franck Khalfoun’s Maniac (which Mr. Disgusting calls a masterpiece), starring Elijah Wood. It hits select theaters and VOD platforms June 21, but it also seemse to be getting a release in Japan, which makes total sense. I think the Japanese culutre has a stronger stomach for this type of film that American mainstream culture. So it makes sense that we now have a cool new Japanese poster for this “modern horror classic” (review here).
In the remake, “Just when the streets seemed safe, a serial killer with a fetish for scalps is back and on the hunt. Frank (Wood) 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.”
Check it out below! READ MORE
New ‘Maniac’ Still A Dressed Down Take On The Poster
I still haven’t seen Franck Khalfoun’s Maniac (which Mr. Disgusting calls a masterpiece), starring Elijah Wood – but I’m getting closer! I’ll be catching it along with the rest of you when it hits select theaters and VOD platforms June 21. In the meantime, we have a slightly fresh look at this new “modern horror classic” (review here) in the form of a still that gives us a more detailed look at the scenario set up in the film’s one sheet.
In the remake, “Just when the streets seemed safe, a serial killer with a fetish for scalps is back and on the hunt. Frank (Wood) 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.”
Check it out below! READ MORE
Elijah Wood-Starrer ‘Maniac’ Slashes Its Way To VOD
We are incredibly excited to report that Franck Khalfoun’s horror masterpiece Maniac, starring Elijah Wood in the terrifying lead role, will open in select theaters and on VOD platforms June 21.
We’re huge fans here on Bloody, and are quite proud of our “A modern horror classic” quote; we stand behind it 110% percent.
In the remake, “Just when the streets seemed safe, a serial killer with a fetish for scalps is back and on the hunt. Frank (Wood) 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.”
Check out the UK trailer and poster inside. It opens opens overseas on March 15. READ MORE
See The UK Trailer For ‘Maniac,’ Bloody Disgusting’s #1 Horror Movie of 2012!
One of the perks and pains of owning Bloody Disgusting is that I get to see movies early – like, extremely early – which is great for pimping a film, but terrible for conversation. It still pains me that we can’t celebrate the release of All the Boys Love Mandy Lane here in the States, and from what I’m hearing, the release of Franck Khalfoun’s horror masterpiece Maniac is in jeopardy. I don’t know what’s going on just yet, but there’s word that IFC Films is having issues releasing the slasher remake starring Elijah Wood.
So, those of you in the UK need to celebrate the momentous occasion when Metrodome releases Maniac in UK cinemas on March 15. We’re huge fans here on Bloody, and are quite proud of our “A modern horror classic” quote; we stand behind it 110% percent. You’ll see it on the UK quad, as well as on the newly released UK trailer. On March 15 you’ll be able to write your own reviews and tell us if you agree. I’m dying to celebrate with some of you (if only I had an all region Blu-ray player).
In the remake, “Just when the streets seemed safe, a serial killer with a fetish for scalps is back and on the hunt. Frank (Wood) 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.” READ MORE
And Just Like That, The ‘Maniac’ Score Was Released!!
Franck Khalfoun’s forthcoming remake of Maniac was Mr. Disgusting’s favorite horror film of 2012. While, sadly, I haven’t seen it I was certainly digging on the snippets of the score (by “Rob”) that were released this morning. And just like that… the entire thing is now available! So if you were itching after the sample, you can head over to these iTunes or Amazon links and start jamming to it immediately.
In the film to be released soon by IFC Midnight, “Elijah Wood plays the role of a serial killer who works at a shop that sells antique mannequins. He finds victims on the Internet and stalks them like prey, all the while suffering from hallucinations that throw him back into the past, when he was abused by his own mother. In his twisted mind, he gains a measure of revenge against his mother with each kill.” You can watch the first 6 minutes here.
Read Brad’s review and head inside for the cover art! READ MORE
Watch A Lengthy ‘Maniac’ Behind-the-Scenes Featurette!!
IFC Films’ Maniac will be making a bold spot on my best horror of 2012 list when it debuts next week (read my review here). And while IFC has yet to unveil a release date for the Elijah Wood starrer, Premiere France has unloaded a 4-minute long behind-the-scenes look at the film directed by P2‘s Franck Khalfoun. It’s in English!
“Wood plays the role of a serial killer who works at a shop that sells antique mannequins. He finds victims on the Internet and stalks them like prey, all the while suffering from hallucinations that throw him back into the past, when he was abused by his own mother. In his twisted mind, he gains a measure of revenge against his mother with each kill.”
Watch for a release date soon, but not soon enough… READ MORE
Elijah Wood Gets Maniacal In New ‘Maniac’ Stills!
One of my favorite movies of the year is IFC’s forthcoming Maniac, a brutal cinema verite horror film from French director Franck Khalfoun. Some new stills have arrived putting on display the cast, which includes Elijah Wood, Nora Arnezeder, Genevieve Alexandra, America Olivo, Morgane Slemp, Sal Landi, Dan Hunter, Freedom, Délé Ogundiran, Steffinnie Phrommany and Joshua De La Garza.
In the film, “Wood plays the role of a serial killer who works at a shop that sells antique mannequins. He finds victims on the Internet and stalks them like prey, all the while suffering from hallucinations that throw him back into the past, when he was abused by his own mother. In his twisted mind, he gains a measure of revenge against his mother with each kill.” READ MORE
International ‘Maniac’ Trailer Scalps, Ties And Slashes!! NSFW
IFC Midnight will be releasing director Franck Khalfoun’s thriller Maniac, at some point next year (no exact word on when, though). Written by Alexandre Aja and Gregory Levasseur, Maniac is a reboot of director William Lustig’s 1980 cult pic of the same name. The film stars Elijah Wood as a serial killer and I was already pretty stoked to see this based on the trailer, and word-of-mouth from a recent LA screening has been amazing which has me even more amped. And this new trailer, via the Film Stage, backs that up.
In fact, Brad (Mr. Disgusting), loved it too ( review here), and gave it our second ever editor’s choice badge. In the film,”Wood plays the role of a serial killer who works at a shop that sells antique mannequins. He finds victims on the Internet and stalks them like prey, all the while suffering from hallucinations that throw him back into the past, when he was abused by his own mother. In his twisted mind, he gains a measure of revenge against his mother with each kill.”
Head inside for the trailer! READ MORE
[BD Review] Brad Absolutely Loves ‘Maniac’!!
IFC Midnight will be releasing director Franck Khalfoun’s thriller Maniac, at some point next year (no exact word on when, though). Written by Alexandre Aja and Gregory Levasseur, Maniac is a reboot of director William Lustig’s 1980 cult pic of the same name. The film stars Elijah Wood as a serial killer and I was already pretty stoked to see this based on the trailer, and word-of-mouth from a recent LA screening has been amazing which has me even more amped.
In fact, Brad (Mr. Disgusting) has written a more positive review for it than I’ve seen him craft in some time. It’s also only the second film ever to receive our “editor’s choice” badge. “Again, it’s not for the faint of heart and I expect mainstream critics to scoff at it, but they’ll eventually be proven wrong. Relish in knowing that the new ‘Maniac’ is a horror film that our community will own and cherish for years to come.”
[BD Review] ‘Maniac’ Is A Modern Horror Classic Not For The Faint Of Heart
While Halloween and Friday the 13th took the world by storm, William Lustig’s 1980 Maniac never received the same attention as the aforementioned slashers, but definitely helped pave the way for A Nightmare on Elm Street and as well as its own line of various copycats. Maniac was quite simply forgotten (except among us hardcore horror nuts), which is why the idea of remaking it for name value never made any sense. Yet, to my surprise, Alex Aja and producing/writing partner Grégory Levasseur actually had something to say. There’s a purpose for this remake, and the execution propels it into becoming a modern horror classic.
The premise is basically the same except the psychotic Frank, played by Joe Spinell in the original, is replaced by a younger and more sympathetic Elijah Wood. Frank, in the 2012 version, collects and restores mannequins. On the surface everything is normal as he attempts to keep it together, but his tormented past turns him from Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde in a flash. He stalks and murders women, and then returns to his secret room plastered with mannequins dressed up like each victim. And like the original, he collects their scalps, which are then stapled onto the mannequin’s heads as trophies.
The modern spin is that Franck Khalfoun, who directed the horrendous P2 for Aja and Levasseur, shoots everything from Wood’s perspective. It’s NOT found footage, but it’s directed as such. The audience embodies Frank’s everyday life, which makes for quite a gut-punching experience. And while this concept is nothing new (Enter the Void recently did this), it’s a refreshing take on the slasher genre that makes the viewer literally become the killer (it’s a bit like the original Friday the 13th when Pamela Voorhees stalks in the shadows). The first person perspective validates the remake and sets the table for some extremely compelling performances.
The acting really glues everything together. Wood is an oddly sympathetic character and many of the victims are so incredibly well cast that it emotionally stings a bit when they die. Nora Arnezeder plays the female lead, Anna, a mannequin photographer who crosses paths with Frank when she passes by his store and sees his work on display. She’s such a likable character that it’s painful watching as she’s being led like a lamb to the slaughter.
Speaking of slaughter.
Maniac goes from 0-60 in the blink of an eye as it opens with a shocking kill that will have horror fans salivating for more. At first it feels as mean spirited as the original, but eventually it transforms into a visionary slasher that somehow manages to balance emotion with splatter. The original goes for shock value while Khalfoun’s remake goes for dirty realism (which is nailed home when Frank continually uses bug spray to kill all the flies caused by the rotting flesh). At no point does Khalfoun pull back; every kill is fierce and brutal and the camera never looks away when a victim is being scalped (obviously, this is because Frank wouldn’t be looking away, but Khalfoun could have chosen to edit it down).
It’s such an interesting parallel that Lustig’s 1980 Maniac set the stage for hundreds of slasher copycats and now, here in 2012, Khalfoun is doing the same thing with his remake. Again, it’s not for the faint of heart and I expect mainstream critics to scoff at it, but they’ll eventually be proven wrong. Relish in knowing that the new Maniac is a horror film that our community will own and cherish for years to come.
The Full NSFW Trailer For The Elijah Wood Starring ‘Maniac’ Ratchets Up The Gore And Intensity
P2 helmer Franck Khalfoun’s Maniac, a remake of William Lustig’s cult horror film about a serial killer, had a partially complete trailer leak last week. Well, now we’ve got the whole thing – and it’s even moe intense towards the end. Lots of blood, nudity and a generally depraved, sleazy vibe. This thing is definitely NSFW.
The picture was written by Alexandre Aja (The Hills Have Eyes, Piranha 3D, Mirrors, High Tension) and his producing/writing partner Grégory Levasseur. It stars Elijah Wood (The Lord Of The Rings) and Nora Arnezeder (Safe House). In the film, “Wood plays the role of a serial killer who works at a shop that sells antique mannequins. He finds victims on the Internet and stalks them like prey, all the while suffering from hallucinations that throw him back into the past, when he was abused by his own mother. In his twisted mind, he gains a measure of revenge against his mother with each kill.”
Head inside to check it out! READ MORE
Trailer For The Elijah Wood Starring ‘Maniac’ Actually Pretty Hardcore
P2 helmer Franck Khalfoun’s Maniac, a remake of William Lustig’s cult horror film about a serial killer, has a partially complete trailer our of Cannes that’s actually pretty intense. The picture was written by Alexandre Aja (The Hills Have Eyes, Piranha 3D, Mirrors, High Tension) and his producing/writing partner Grégory Levasseur. It stars Elijah Wood (The Lord Of The Rings and Nora Arnezeder (Safe House).
In the film, “Wood plays the role of a serial killer who works at a shop that sells antique mannequins. He finds victims on the Internet and stalks them like prey, all the while suffering from hallucinations that throw him back into the past, when he was abused by his own mother. In his twisted mind, he gains a measure of revenge against his mother with each kill.”
Head inside to check out the trailer, courtesy of First Showing. It’s only partially complete but we’ll update when we have the whole thing. Oh, and it’s definitely NSFW what with all the nudity and killing etc… READ MORE
America Olivo Lands Motherly Role in ‘Maniac’ Redo
According to the unreliable IMDB, the incredibly sexy America Olivo (pictured; Friday the 13th, Bitch Slap) will play the mother of Frank (Elijah Wood) in Franck Khalfoun’s now-filming remake of the 1980′s classic Maniac. They also report that Morgane Slemp (Hostel: Part III, R.I.P.D., Dracula 3D, Total Recall), Sal Landi (Poe), Dan Hunter, Freedom (Gangster Squad), Délé Ogundiran, Steffinnie Phrommany and Joshua De La Garza will also star alongside previously announced Nora Arnezeder and Genevieve Alexandra.
Produced by Alex Aja, “Wood plays the role of a serial killer who works at a shop that sells antique mannequins. He finds victims on the Internet and stalks them like prey, all the while suffering from hallucinations that throw him back into the past, when he was abused by his own mother. In his twisted mind, he gains a measure of revenge against his mother with each kill.” READ MORE
Exclusive
Elijah Wood Toplining ‘Maniac’ Remake!
Bloody Disgusting is exclusively being told that Nora Arnezeder (Safe House) and Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings) have been cast as “Anna” and “Frank” in Alexandre Aja (The Hills Have Eyes, Piranha 3D, Mirrors, High Tension) and producing/writing partner Grégory Levasseur‘s remake of William Lustig’s classic 1980 slasher Maniac.
As previously reported, Aja and Levasseur will be reteaming with P2 helmer Franck Khalfoun. Khalfoun will be directing from a screenplay by Aja and Levasseur.
In the original film, “a schizoid serial killer randomly stalks and kills various young women in New York, which he sees as revenge for the mistreatment he got while being raised by his own abusive mother.” READ MORE
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