Madman
Anchor Bay
1981

review by Terry Wickham

This 2001 DVD release was a real pleasure to watch. I consider this to be a total victory for low-budget independent horror filmmaking. This is an atmospheric little film that wasn't made for much money but had some people behind it who really cared for the project. The cast and crew put in some hard work and the film reflects their efforts. The storyline choices, as well as the production ingredients put on the screen, is a winning combination from Director Joe Giannone and Producer Gary Sales.

I actually remember seeing this film when I was in high school, when it came out on videocassette back in the early 80's. The images and sound looked nowhere near as good as this transfer by Anchor Bay. This DVD also has a fun and informative audio commentary track by Director Joe Giannone, Producer Gary Sales and actors Paul Ehlers and Tony Fish. Their thoughts about making the film make you appreciate what they did even more.

At a summer camp, around a campfire, the story is told of Madman Marz. He was a farmer who supposedly chopped up his family with an axe. Nobody ever found the bodies and he disappeared into the woods. Legend has it, if you say his name above a whisper that he will come for you. This is a great, classic set-up that also gives the film immediate atmosphere. Of course one of the teenagers doesn't believe it and yells out for Madman Marz to come and get him.

The thing that separates Madman from most of the other "body count" films is a strong focus on suspense and restraint. The film has its share of gore effects, but they are on the screen for only a short period of time and thus potent. It's the moments were Madman stands silhouetted in the tree, in the background or even the foreground that gives this film intensity. Comparing the other films in the same vein, most of the other filmmakers were not mature or patient enough for that approach.

The cinematography by James Momel is outstanding. Momel's use of lighting, execution of camera movement is far above films made on budgets comparable to Madman. The electronic music by Stephen Horelick is likewise important. At times, Horlick could have used more subtly, but considering that his job was to set mood and frighten people, I'd say he did a darn good job.

The acting is not the films real strength. I found it a bit odd that actress Gaylen Ross (Dawn of the Dead) took credit under a different name, Alexis Dubin. My guess would be there must be some kind of legal reason for this decision, maybe because the film was shot non-union. Not one person brings her name up on the commentary track. Or possibly there was some bad blood or something?

I give the filmmakers a lot of credit for creating a film that sparkles and is completely entertaining to watch. Anchor Bay has done another commendable job putting this film out for the world to see. Bravo!

Official Website:
http://www.anchorbayentertainment.com

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