Part of Disreputable Cinema
Saturday, April 27, 2019, 7:00 p.m.
Museum of the Moving Image - Redstone Theater

With director William Lustig in person

Dir. William Lustig. 1980, 88 mins. DCP. With Joe Spinell, Caroline Munro. Every horror fan can tell you about the first time they saw Maniac, and everyone else hasn't forgotten it either. Landmark special effects by the legendary Tom Savini and a career performance by Joe Spinell as Frank Zitto, one of horror’s sleaziest slashers, are at the heart of William Lustig’s exploitation landmark. This dark, twisted, and relentless film was met with revulsion from mainstream critics and protests from scandalized special interest groups upon its release in 1980, and was censored around the world for its shocking and brutal content. Yet the film has since risen to legendary status among cult and horror fans, thanks to an unconventional script (co-written by Joe Spinell), Lustig’s atmospheric directing, and its outlaw allure. This screening of the film will be followed by a discussion with director William Lustig.   

Tickets: $15 ($11 seniors and students / $9 youth (ages 3–17) / free for children under 3 and Museum members at the Film Lover and Kids Premium levels and above). Order tickets online.(Members may contact [email protected] with questions regarding online reservations.)

Ticket purchase includes same-day admission to the Museum (see gallery hours). View the Museum’s ticketing policy here. For more information on membership and to join online, visit our membership page.