When was the last time you saw Maniac? Both are designed to place you in the subjective perspective of a disturbed, violent man that delves into the underbelly of New York. Both films explore their attempt and failure at creating a “normal” relationship that precipitates their downward spiral. There are even lines of dialogue lifted from Taxi Driver.
This is in stark contrast to classic slashers, which frame their narratives around the victims and operate akin to a “Three Little Indians” structure of being picked off one by one.
It’s clear that Lustig was trying to blend the two formulas and was trying to evoke Scorsese’s film as his primary influence. He’s not a filmmaker on the level of Scorsese but he is among the best low-budget directors to never break out and he still directs with a deft hand that captures the grime and scuzziness of the city and subject.
Still laughing?
This is in stark contrast to classic slashers, which frame their narratives around the victims and operate akin to a “Three Little Indians” structure of being picked off one by one.
It’s clear that Lustig was trying to blend the two formulas and was trying to evoke Scorsese’s film as his primary influence. He’s not a filmmaker on the level of Scorsese but he is among the best low-budget directors to never break out and he still directs with a deft hand that captures the grime and scuzziness of the city and subject.
Still laughing?
It seems you’re giving the film way too much credit. Much more then it really deserves.
No longer laughing. Just shaking my head. With a prolonged shrug of indifference.