Madman
Director: Joe Giannone
Cast: Gaylen Ross, Tony Fish, Paul Ehlers
Reviewed by Brian M. Sammons
Madman is one of those also ran movies that came out in the early 80s during the height of slasher fever. It was not seen by many, and often forgotten about by many more, including some of the most diehard horror fans. While this is the same fate that has befell many a slasher, Madman deserves better than that. Sure, it had a small but very devoted cult following, but again, Madman deserves better than that. And even if actress Gaylen Ross (of Dawn of the Dead fame) wants to pretend that she was never in this movie, Madman deserves better than that. And sure, some other company brought this out on Blu-ray first a couple of years ago, but it looked like crap, and damn it, Madman deserves better than that. So three cheers then to Vinegar Syndrome who brought this movie out in an edition that treats it with respect and not just a quickie cash grab to milk the movie’s fans. So yes, this is a great Blu-ray, and if you’re in a hurry, you can stop reading now and just get this new Blu-ray/DVD set. But if you want to know more, or just got some time to kill, then keep on reading, but whatever you do, don’t say his name.
This movie begins like many of the best slashers of the 80s: people sitting around a campfire, telling the tale of the local madman that’s going to butcher most, if not all, of them. Based off of the old New Jersey urban legend of Cropsey (yes, he’s “real” and not just a character from another slasher, The Burning), this take is about a farmer who one night went mad and killed his family with an ax. He was quickly caught and hanged by the townsfolk for his crimes, but he didn’t die. Now the farmer, named Marz, is a wild, long-haired, scarred-faced, bare foot, grunting killer named Madman Marz, and if you say his name over a whisper, he will come and get you. After one snotty camper yells “Madman Marz” at the top of his lungs, and then throws rocks at Marz’s old farmhouse, it is only a matter of time before the legend comes out of hiding to prove himself real.
While Madman is just one of many summer camp set slashers, it takes place over a single night. Not even Halloween can say the same. There are also a handful of memorable characters all set up for the butchering and more than a few good, bloody kills. It also has parts that are memorable for odd, but amusing reasons, such as someone hiding in a refrigerator to escape the Madman, and someone else being decapitated in a creative way not involving an axe, machete, or other familiar implement. Then there is the star of the show, Madman Marz himself. He’s just great; a big, growling, wild man that’s as strong as a bull and savage in his “art.” Madman Marz doesn’t need a weapon to rip you apart, smash your body, or snap you in half, but he does like using them.
Not everything is perfect in this film. It can be a little long at times, but if so, then only slightly. Worse is actress Gaylen Ross who is clearly on autopilot and could not give a damn about this movie. She was so ashamed of being part of this silly little slasher that she didn’t even use her real name. So when you see Alexis Dubin in the credits, that’s her. To balance that out, the direction is well above the curve when it comes to slashers. Scenes just look good, there’s actual suspense and tension at times, not just wall to wall jumps scares, and several subtle and smart decisions are made. Case in point, early on we see an old, rusty ax buried in a tree stump and two guys combined can pull it free. Later, Madman Marz steps up and pulls it out one-handed. I love that little bit, as it goes a long way to show you the power of this psychopath and reinforces his lethality.
On to the extras that Vinegar Syndrome has put together for this Blu-ray/DVD two pack. First, let me say that finally we have a good looking HD transfer of this film, and that’s damn special in its own right. If that wasn’t enough, there is an audio commentary with director Joe Giannone, producer Gary Sales, actor Tony Fish, and Madman Marz himself, Paul Ehlers. A second, fan commentary track is done by the four slasher lovers from The Hysteria Continues podcast, and it’s a whole load of fun. Worth getting this new edition, even if you have one of the older ones, just for that alone. There is an introduction to the movie by producer Sales, a featurette about the early career of the producer that runs 14 minutes, and an interview with the producer by the Deadpit podcast that’s about three and a half minutes long. Deadpit also has an interview with Paul Ehlers that’s just over 5 minutes long. Speaking of Mr. Ehlers, there is a featurette called “Madman: Alive at 35!” That takes place in his house with producer Gary Sales and actor Tom Candela where the three reminisce about making the low budget slasher all those years ago. Not enough Madman love for you? Well how about an hour and a half long documentary about the movie called The Legend Still Lives: 30 Years of Madman. There is a featurette on music done by various artists inspired by the movie and an In Memoriam segment for the late director. A trailer, TV spots, and a still and art gallery bring this impressive list of special features to a close.
This is a great version of this woefully overlooked slasher that deserves to be called a classic. It’s well directed and acted, at least by most. The kills are good and bloody and have never looked better than on this new Blu-ray. Marz is a great boogeyman with a style all his own. In all ways this movie is pure slasher fun, and this disc comes loaded extras, I love it for that. Consider this new Madman Blu-ray/DVD combo pack highly recommended.
