31 Days of Horror! Maniac (2012)

A budding serial killer with definite mommy issues meets a photographer and fantasizes about having a relationship with her.  As their friendship grows, his obsession grows until it culminates in the only ending possible for these things.

Maniac is a remake of the 1980 film by the same name.  Though I definitely know the cover and title, I can't remember if I have seen the original, so this review will not be a comparison of the two.  Filmed almost exclusively in the POV standpoint, we are left to watch the movie through the killer's eyes.  With the exception of a few kill scenes, we only see the killer when he sees his reflection in a mirror, and even then, it's often warped and skewed to his perception of himself.

Many viewers are shocked to see Elijah Wood play such a role, but after seeing his depiction of Kevin in Sin City, it was not a stretch of the imagination that he could pull creepy off well.  The only downside to this film is how slow moving it is.  If you are looking for a fast paced thriller, keep looking.  Though there are some graphic scenes when he scalps his victims, the gore is low-key and the pace of the movie will give any drama a run for its money.

This movie rates higher on its technical aspect of filming, and low on the shock and awe that makes a truly effective horror film.  Overall, I give it a so-so rating.  I expected much better.