On this day, December 26, 1980, Maniac was reportedly released in New York City. However, there’s some confusion about its release timeline. While some sources confirm this date, others state that the film premiered earlier at the Cannes Film Festival on May 10, 1980, with a wider U.S. release in early 1981 March 6 in Los Angeles.
Directed by William Lustig and starring Joe Spinell, Maniac delves into the psyche of Frank Zito, a serial killer haunted by traumatic memories of his abusive mother. Its graphic violence and psychological depth have cemented its place as a cult horror classic.
Have you seen Maniac?