Maniac (Franck Khalfoun, 2012): France

Reviewed by Gregory DiFilippi. Viewed on Netflix.

Elijah Wood stars in the serial killer/ horror film Maniac , directed by Franck Khalfoun P2 (2007), as Frank a lonesome, mannequin shop owner with a murderous appetite stemming from mommy issues occurring back in his childhood.  The film is shot in a first person perspective that really ups the creepy factor.  You see murders committed as if you’re the one partaking in it. A word of warning: they’re gory and deeply disturbing.

Frank doesn’t appear as what most people may view a brutal serial killer. He’s not broad shouldered like Jason Voorhees or tall and menacing like Michael Myers. His smaller frame isn’t important though, its not about his size its about the malevolent power that is packed inside. What stands him apart from his peers is that he can mix in the public eye and most people would just overlook him. Looks can be deceiving.

The film starts off with heavy breathing and a first person perspective ride along in a van.  You view the world as Frank, who’s stalking a woman exiting a nightclub. Her friend takes off in a taxi and the girl is left alone while a drunken dude offering a limo with booze and weed tries to entice her. Frank says, “Leave her alone” but only loud enough for himself to hear the words (“Leave her alone” seems to be more about Frank wanting her all to himself and if those guys picked her up, he would miss out on her. Frank’s not a good guy). She then eventually makes eye contact with Frank/you and he mutters, “I see you too”. This is where the creep factor truly begins and you fully become aware that he’s up to no good. She then runs off, you exit the van, and let’s just say things don’t go too well for her.  Frank eventually ends up with a souvenir to store in his “special” room in the back of his mannequin shop.

Frank’s appearance that he portrays to the world comes into view when he meets Lucie (Megan Duffy) on a dating site.  She comments about how he’s cute and flirts with him.  He doesn’t seem to be able to keep his composure through the whole meal though as his vision goes blurry and he needs a bathroom break. Eventually she invites him back to her place, which involves a sexual romp but there is no happy ending.  These scenes are vital to the film since you get a clue on how the world sees him: cute and approachable. When he’s with Lucie, what stands out the most to me is the look of his hands. The way the camera captures them they appear very strong and violent, with bruises all over them.

Maniac begins to take an interesting turn when he meets Anna (Nora Arnezeder) peering in his shop one day.  She’s a photographer and interested in his mannequins for her gallery opening. They strike up a friendship based on her fascination with these mannequins. The film does a great job contrasting this relationship and how it differentiates from Frank’s previous encounters with other women.

The cinematography (Maxime Alexandre) used in Maniac highlights his strength and stalker capabilities. The way he drives around in the van staring around at the world, reminds me of a Michael Myers-esque stalking. He’s quiet, but aware. It offers a haunting and violent first person perspective. The soundtrack also reminds me a bit of John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978).  It complements his actions without being over excessive and punctuates at times when things become dark and out of control. This dark tone never leaves the film and Frank’s capabilities as a killer are realistic and frightening.

Elijah Wood does a fantastic job portraying a darkly disturbing individual that lacks quality social skills and has a taste for terrorizing beautiful woman. One of the creepiest horror films in recent years.