Maniac

Frank S. is a deeply disturbed Vietnam War veteran living alone in New York City. Haunted by the trauma of his past and his mother's cruel abuse, he stalks the streets at night, murdering women and scalping them. His violent rampage escalates as he becomes obsessed with capturing the likeness of his victims in mannequins, creating a twisted gallery of his atrocities.

Maniac is a notorious and controversial slasher film that gained a cult following for its unflinching gore and gritty realism. While reviled by many critics upon its release for its extreme violence and disturbing subject matter, it has since been re-evaluated by some as a pioneering work in the exploitation genre, praised for its raw intensity and Joe Spinell's committed performance. It remains a benchmark for extreme horror.

• Shockingly violent and deeply unsettling.

• A raw and grimy portrayal of a disturbed individual.

• Cult classic for its extreme gore and gritty atmosphere.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's extreme violence and disturbing nature, with many acknowledging its cult status and Joe Spinell's intense performance, though often noting it's not for the faint of heart.

Joe Spinell, who played the titular maniac Frank S., was also a co-writer of the screenplay and heavily involved in the film's production, reportedly drawing inspiration from his own feelings of alienation and rage.