Manic Man – Review and Interview with Fritz Frauendorf

Shane, battling social anxiety at a party, finds himself dissociating from his own body when social pressure pushes him to the brink, turning a simple gathering into a surreal escape from reality.

Interview with Fritz Frauendorf

Please could you introduce Manic Man for anyone who hasn’t already seen it?

Manic Man is a powerful and intimate exploration of dissociation and social anxiety. It serves as a scene from a larger film currently titled re:attachment, which originates from my short film of the same name. The story follows a character named Shane as he navigates a party, grappling with overwhelm and striving to connect with those around him. The short offers an honest portrayal of the internal struggles faced in such moments, making it both relatable and deeply impactful.

Can you discuss the inspiration behind the film? What made you think, “This is a film that needs to be made”?

The inspiration for Manic Man stems from my lifelong experiences with depression, anxiety, and dissociation, as well as the feelings I often have in crowded spaces or around too many people. There have been countless times when I wished I could do something as literal as Shane does in the film to escape the social pressure. From a filmmaking standpoint, Blade Runner 2049Mr. RobotWaves, and Only God Forgives were significant influences. I believe this film needed to be made because there hasn’t been a mental health depiction quite like this before. Many films hint at mental health themes but fail to fully explore or depict them in a way that carries real weight. With Manic Man, I aimed to give audiences a visceral understanding of what it feels like to be out of your own body. Through its visual and auditory elements, the film seeks to create an authentic representation of this experience.

What do you hope viewers take away after watching Manic Man?

Building on the last point, I hope the themes and emotions in Manic Man resonate with audiences. Whether they personally relate to Shane’s struggles or know someone who does, I want this film to foster understanding and spark meaningful conversations about mental health. My hope is that viewers share the film with those who might need to see it most.

The film has been incredibly successful on YouTube, garnering almost a million views. What do you think has skyrocketed the success of Manic Man in particular?

The goal for Manic Man was always to reach as many people as possible. Months before its release, I consulted with friends in marketing and content creation to better understand the level of consistency required to engage across multiple social media platforms. I took a proactive and insistent approach to ensure its presence was felt online. Choosing to release the film directly to audiences on YouTube, rather than going through the traditional film festival circuit, was a strategic decision. I wanted to retain control over its release and maximize its potential for success.

Additionally, as a proof of concept for the feature film, Manic Man works alongside re:attachment and Dona Nobis Pacem, two short films that already exist. Together, these films form a three-part series exploring the psychological impact trauma has on mental health and identity. Having all three allowed me to keep building upon my portfolio pitch for the feature, and the first two entries of the thematic series have generated a lot of curiosity and anticipation for Manic Man. Its short, impactful nature also made it well-suited for a viral online release.

Turning away from Manic Man for a moment and focussing on you as a filmmaker in general – what are you main goals and ambitions when creating?

My main goal as a filmmaker is to tell stories that matter. Creating is not just a passion—it’s a driving force that gives my life purpose. Much of my work explores mental health, particularly trauma, as I believe our past experiences and connections (or lack thereof) shape who we are today. As a society, it often feels like we’re collectively traumatized. To truly grow and evolve, we need to look inward, confront those pieces of ourselves, and learn how to put them back together. Through my films, I strive to encourage that introspection and healing.

Where did your filmmaking journey begin? How did you get to where you are today?

My filmmaking journey began in 2012 when I saw The Dark Knight Rises in theaters for the first time. To this day, it remains the most psychologically intense experience I’ve ever had in a movie theater. After that, I made it my life goal to create an experience like that for the world to see. Shortly after watching the film, I became obsessed with film criticism for a few years before transitioning my focus to filmmaking. In high school, I started creating short films with friends, which solidified my passion. I committed fully to the craft by attending the New York Film Academy in 2017, and the journey has only grown from there.

Are there any projects you’re currently working on? What does 2025 look like for you so far?

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year. I currently have two short films in post-production, The Interview and Confession Before the End of the World, both set to release in Q1. My plan is to stay prolific with short films and continue building my presence in the filmmaking and content creation world. Additionally, I’m writing a one-location horror feature film that I hope to shoot this year if everything aligns. It’s an ambitious project, and I’m optimistic about what the year holds creatively.

Finally, do you have any advice for actors, filmmakers or general creatives who are wanting to put something of themselves out there in the world?

Start before you feel ready, and stay persistent. Build a brand or channel to establish your identity as a creator. In today’s entertainment industry, persistence and visibility are essential for getting your work seen. At the same time, stay true to your vision. Tell a story you can truly envision, whether shot by shot or through key moments, rather than overcomplicating an idea for the sake of complexity. Authenticity will always resonate more than forced ambition.

Plan carefully, collaborate with the right crew, and leverage the opportunities you have to maximize your reach and resources. Finding ways to generate funding and financial stability can often be more impactful than trying to climb the ladder through traditional means. For anyone creating their first project, think strategically about how to use your resources to make something meaningful and sustainable.

Review of Manic Man

Manic Man follows a young man named Shane who finds himself experiencing disassociation after getting overwhelmed at a party. At just 4 minutes long, the film is less narrative driven and perhaps better described as a visual experience. Writer and director Fritz Frauendorf takes us on a journey with his character, Shane (Remo Rivero). We follow Shane’s descent into unreality, almost immersed in his experiences too. The cinematography and editing contributes towards this sense of immersion, helping align viewers with how Shane experiences the world. This results in a unique perspective that explores what disassociation may feel like.

Screenshot

Due to the length of the film, there is not much scope for in depth development of Shane’s character or his mental health difficulties. There is the risk of some nuance being lost because of this. However, as a visual representation of disassociation, Manic Man succeeds in showing viewers something that is normally not visible to outside parties. Remo Rivero plays the role well and without exaggeration, sturdily maintaining the centre of the film.

A creative and engaging watch. See it on YouTube now!

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