Movie Review: I, MADMAN (1989) - Nightmarish Conjurings

Salutations my screechers, screamers, and scary dreamers,

Tonight’s tale of terror entitled “I, Madman” relates a rabid reader’s realization that several slayings mirror murders made known in a novel. As acquaintances expire and actuality and fantasy fuse, our horror haunted heroine begins believing the book’s baddie is butchering beyond the bounds of his binding.

In the eighties slasher fare became so one trick that they all began to have a special gimmick but this film pulls off an incredible feat by fully utilizing its clever conceit. Whenever the main character starts to read her book the lighting takes on a different look and then within the same camera shot she appears as a character from the novel’s plot. These transitions are pulled off with such accuracy they help blend fiction with reality.

The claymation creature and the killer’s comical run emphasizes that this movie was made to be fun. Our slasher has a cartoonish look as if he had just escaped the pages of a comic book and though he may look silly when he gives his quarry chase he proves imposing when he adds a victim’s nose to his face. The kills, like the segues, also deserve commendation for their use of fog and dramatic illumination.

Sadly this picture did not get everything right as it is severely lacking when it comes to fright. A perfect example of how the horror falls flat is when they use the horror trope called the spring-loaded cat. Although to give credit where it is due this film did offer something new in the form of a clever final chase which proves to be a saving grace.

Story/Concept: 2
Direction/Style: 2
Scares: 0
Atmosphere: 1
Rewatchability: 2

TOTAL: 7/10

In conclusion, as an avid bibliophile the concept of this movie really makes me smile and once I tempered my scare expectations I found myself entertained for the entire duration.

Stick to the shadows my fine friends.