Maniac (1981): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Maniac is a 1981 drama thriller directed by William Lustig, starring Joe Spinell, Caroline Munro and Rita Montone. It runs 1 hour 27 minutes. Critics gave it 22 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 27m (87 min)
- Director
- William Lustig
- Original language
-
English - After the credits
- Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
What Is Maniac About?
The premise of Maniac without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A disturbed killer terrorizes New York City, driven by a disturbing obsession with collecting the hairpieces of unsuspecting young women, particularly American fashion models. He targets photographer Anna, and a dangerous game of cat and mouse ensues. As he focuses his attention on her, it becomes a question of whether he will be captivated by her or destroy her innocence.
Maniac Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- serial killer
- grindhouse film
- maniac
- psychotronic film
- slasher
- schizophrenic
- schizophrenia
- cult director
- rotting corpse
- sex in a car
- cult film
- based on ed gein
+38 more Show fewer
- 1980s
- sadistic psychopath
- victim
- italian american
- one word title
- italian restaurant
- serial killer as protagonist
- extreme film
- b movie
- bathtub
- scalping
- city
- apartment building
- title at the end
- brooklyn new york city
- body in a bag
- darkness
- murdered during sex
- sadistic murderer
- slasher murderer
- criminal
- psychopathic killer
- psycho killer
- body count
- sadistic killer
- killed by a serial killer
- deeply disturbed person
- psychotic killer
- slashed to death
- masked villain
- ski mask
- home invasion
- characters murdered one by one
- masked man
- masked killer
- masked murderer
- mask
- decomposing body
Maniac Cast
Joe Spinell leads the cast, with Caroline Munro and Rita Montone. Directed by William Lustig; 9 actors are credited in all.
- Director William Lustig
Also Starring in Maniac
· 5 moreMore from William Lustig
More films directed by William Lustig, best-rated first: Maniac Cop, Conducting Dario Argento’s ‘Opera’, Uncle Sam and The Expert.
Maniac Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Maniac 22 on Metacritic.
-
Metacritic 22 Metascore
User score 6.5
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 64% User score
See on TMDB
Maniac Plot Summary
What happens in Maniac from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
A young couple enjoying a peaceful day on the beach become the target of a lurking man hidden in the dunes. When the woman, seeking fuel for their fire, sends her partner away, the unseen assailant seizes the opportunity to attack. He brutally slashes her throat with a razor, and before her partner can return, he is ambushed from behind, strangled with wire until he is nearly decapitated.
Full summary
The whole story of Maniac, scene by scene
Maniac Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Maniac.
How Well Do You Know Maniac?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What does Frank Zito do with the hooker he meets?
Cars in Maniac
20 cars on screen, including the 1971 Buick Electra 225 and the 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado.
-
1971 Buick Electra 225 Important role -
1968 Oldsmobile Toronado Important role -
1976 Ford Granada Minor role -
1979 Mercury Capri Minor role
Maniac Also Known As
17 alternative titles, including “Maníaco” and “Elmebeteg”.
- Also known as
-
- Maníaco
- Elmebeteg
- Ο Μανιακός
- 매니악
- Maniac: Kvindemorderen
- O Maníaco
- Маньяк
- Маніяк
- Maniaco
- Maniak
- Tên Điên Giết Người
- 疯子
+5 more Show fewer
- 瘋子
- マニアック
- Maníac
- Manijak
- ไอ้นรก...ถลกหนัง
Seen Maniac?
Movies Like Maniac
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Maniac, Maniac and Maniacal.
Maniac FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Maniac, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Maniac?
Maniac runs 1 hour 27 minutes (87 minutes).
When was Maniac released?
Maniac was released on March 6, 1981.
Who directed Maniac?
Maniac was directed by William Lustig.
More films by William Lustig Who is in the cast of Maniac?
Maniac stars Joe Spinell, Caroline Munro and Rita Montone, among 9 credited actors.
How is Maniac rated?
Maniac has 22 on Metacritic and 64% on TMDB.
Does Maniac have a post-credit scene?
Yes. Maniac has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.
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