The Manipulator

Truthfully this film is totally hallucinogenic trash, perhaps one of the worst films I've ever watched. It is 90 minutes long but very easily could have been a much much better five minute film. I am a film, video, and print editor and intentionally try very hard to make things interesting and to the point and avoid those things which to the average viewer are unnecessary and pointless. Pointless pretty much describes what the entire film is about.

Mickey! Mickey, Mickey, Mickey. What was it that inspired you to act in this movie? Money? Or was it a need to demonstrate how bizarre you can get? This is Andy Hardy on Acid....in itself a treat to see a multi dimensional character played by someone who Uncle Walt Disney named That famous Rat after....sorry, a mouse. So if you are interested in trying to figure out what was really being said in a early 70's Avent Garde Drugged Out Movie dealing with the effects of Acid, either taken by the Audience or the Actors...then go and see it. As for me, I am still sitting on the fence as one of Mickey Rooney Most Bizarre Movies....sort of like William Shatner's singing...Bizare and Way Out.

I would simply state that this movie was less than horrible, but I feel that would be too nice. Basically, I would rather consume rancid lobster than endure this cinematic travesty again. I respect Mickey Rooney as a great American actor and I have enjoyed many of his films but he should definitely abstain himself from any experimentations with abstract art and hallucinogens. I wouldn't recommend this film to the devil himself.

WOW a blast from the past - and a pleasant surprise. I got this gem in the Drive-in 50-pack collection. I remember this one from quite a few years ago. I am glad to have this one in the 50-pack. It's definitely one of the better films in the Drive-in 50-pack. This is a very bizarre film where Mickey Rooney plays B.J. Lang a psycho that is holding Carlotta hostage in his basement. He is creating a movie in his mind and forces Carlotta to participate. Mr. Lang gives us quite a show while "teaching" Carlotta all about the theater. To add to the weirdness, we have Old Charlie in the basement who is dead. It's not the greatest horror film but it is one of the better one's from the 1970s and in the Drive-in collection. 6/10

"The Manipulator" is truly one of its kind.Supremely bizarre,surreal and acid inspired horror film set in an abandoned warehouse filled with plastic mannequins,cobwebs and dusty movie props.Mickey Rooney plays bearded B.J Lang,a madman who keeps a young woman played by Luana Anders captive in his building and keeps referring to her as Carlotta,his acting star.She is tied to a wheelchair and begs for food.Rooney torments Carlotta and forces her to act out scenes for his theatre piece."The Manipulator" may come across as obnoxious and boring,but I found it somewhat fascinating in its uncompromising portrayal of insanity.Mickey Rooney is certainly unforgettable as a completely deranged B.J Lang.The shots of mannequins are creepy and there are some brilliant scenes of dementia.6 out of 10 for manipulating of my consciousness.