Schizophreniac: The Whore Mangler

Schizophreniac: The Whore Mangler is an all American comedy more than anything. Schizophrenic Italian-American Harry Russo and his doll have a bone to pick with the world. Mr. Russo has decided to dedicate his life to killing dirty whores and dressing in drag. Russo doesn’t give a shit about anyone or anything. He is also unaware that he is one of the greatest comedians alive.

Schizophreniac was shot on video but director Ron Atkins made sure to provide extremely offensive material to make up for the lack of production values. The actor that played Harry Russo, John Ginacaspro, gives off one of the most insanely passionate performances that one could expect from a low budget film. I wouldn’t be surprised if Ginacaspro took pointers from Robert De Niro’s performance in Taxi Driver. Harry Russo almost makes Travis Bickle look like a bitch.

Schizophreniac isn’t the first film dealing with a mentally unstable Italian-American man that has mother issues. William Lustig’s Maniac featured Joe Spinell as Frank Zito in a female hating frenzy. The difference between Schizophreniac and Maniac is that Ginacaspro goes for psycho comedy whereas Spinell wanted to portray the certifiably insane. Harry Russo certainly mangles some naked whores while achieving hate filled gratification. Frank Zito, on the other hand, attempts to fit in society and ultimately fails horribly as his brutal woman killing confirms.

There is no shortage of violence and nudity in Schizophreniac. Harry Russo especially likes to get naked (unfortunately) when wearing lipstick and a Twisted Sister style wig. The ways in which Russo aggressively talk and act are poetic to say the least. It is the kind of poetry that you would expect to see in the alley of the ghetto section of little Italy. Actor John Ginacaspro is obviously one of those types of characters you meet in real life and never forget.

I am a supporter of real independent and low budget filmmaking. As can be expected, most low budget films are complete shit. Ron Atkin's Schizophreniac is an exception to the afflicted world of extremely low budget filmmaking. When you have a star like John Ginacaspro and a director with an eye for entertainment like Ron Atkins, it is hard to go wrong.

-Ty E