I, Madman

An infatuated Frankenstein-like killer is loose in the City of Angels

A secondhand book store clerk & aspiring actress (Jenny Wright) becomes aware that what she sees in her imagination while reading books by a weird pulp author is coming to life in the form of a madman who murders people for body parts. Clayton Rohner plays her detective beau and Stephanie Hodge the owner of the book shop.

Shot in November, 1987, but not released until 1989, “I, Madman” mixes elements of the Frankenstein story with the popular slasher genre along with the milieu of an attractive bookworm in downtown Los Angeles. In short, don’t expect a formulaic or one-dimensional slasher.

Also, while the titular madman is grotesque and his slayings are shocking, don’t expect grim seriousness. The artistic proceedings are decidedly cartoonish, which is to be anticipated with the colorful pulp fiction angle. The remake of "Maniac" (2012) was obviously inspired by it, just grimmer and more arty.

Jenny Wright is a highlight as the protagonist. She was a rising star in the 80s with “Near Dark” (1987) to her credit, but “I, Madman” was her last major role, although she had a memorable part in “Young Guns II” (1990). Her career fell apart shortly after due to substance abuse, but she thankfully overcame eventually, although she lost interest in acting.

Michelle Fozounmayeh is notable in a bit part.

The film runs 1 hour, 29 minutes, and was shot in Los Angeles.

GRADE: B-