Maniac

Frank Zito, a disturbed Vietnam veteran, is haunted by the ghosts of his mother and the women he's murdered. He stalks the streets of New York City, killing women and scalping them to attach to mannequins in his apartment. His violent spree escalates as he becomes increasingly obsessed with finding a connection, leading to a brutal and bloody climax.

Maniac (1986) is a notorious cult classic known for its graphic violence and unsettling atmosphere. While critically panned upon release for its extreme gore and low production values, it has since gained a significant following among horror enthusiasts who appreciate its raw, visceral approach and Joe Spinell's disturbing performance. It's often cited as one of the goriest and most disturbing slashers of its era.

• Praised for its unflinching portrayal of a disturbed killer and its groundbreaking special effects.

• Criticized for its extreme gore, gratuitous violence, and bleak tone.

• Considered a landmark film in the slasher subgenre for its shock value.

Google audience: Audience reception is highly polarized, with many finding it disturbingly effective and a cult favorite, while others are repelled by its extreme violence and lack of traditional narrative.

Joe Spinell, who plays the titular killer Frank Zito, also co-wrote the screenplay and served as an executive producer on the film. He was deeply invested in the project, wanting to create a truly terrifying and realistic portrayal of a serial killer.