This 42 minute documentary about the making of the gloriously tasteless and over-the-top horror splatter hoot "2001 Maniacs" proves to be entertaining and illuminating in equal measure. It was made by Adam Robitel, who plays deranged hillbilly Lester Buckman in the picture. Among the topics covered are that the movie is meant to be a tongue-in-cheek comedic romp (the flick is aptly described as "splatstick" by cast and crew alike), the coup of casting Robert Englund as Mayor Buckman, director/co-writer Tim Sullivan's infectious energy and enthusiasm on the set throughout the shoot, how filming in the authentic Civil War period recreation town of Westville added immensely to the movie's atmosphere, the ever-popular equation of sex and violence, how the elaborate murder set pieces were planned and executed, and the rushed circumstances of shooting the climactic barbecue sequence in a single frantic evening. The interviews are likewise a real joy to watch: Sullivan's passion for the horror genre practically explodes off the screen, Englund is as engaging as ever, Linda Shaye seems like an awful sweet lady, Wendy Kremer, Marla Leigh Malcom and Christa Campbell sure are lovely, and Giuseppe Andrews is a complete flaky riot. The hilarious ending credits group singalong of the awesome theme song ends everything on a perfectly breezy and funny note.
Inside the Asylum: The Making of '2001 Maniacs'
(2006 Video)
A really fun, thorough and informative making of documentary
3 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers