Maniac Cop III: Badge of Silence

Maniac Cop III: Badge of Silence is a 1993 American supernatural horror film and the third installment in the Maniac Cop series. It was directed by William Lustig and Larry Cohen, who also contributed to the film's screenplay and story. The film stars Robert Davi, Robert Z'Dar, and Caitlin Dulany, with Z'Dar reprising his role as the titular Maniac Cop, Matt Cordell. The plot follows a vengeful zombie police officer who returns from the dead to exact revenge on the city and its police force.

Plot

The film opens with a series of violent crimes plaguing New York City, attributed to the deceased officer Matt Cordell, known as the Maniac Cop. Despite being killed in the previous film, Cordell is resurrected by a voodoo priest who seeks to use him as an instrument of vengeance. Meanwhile, Officer Kate Sullivan is involved in a shooting that leaves her in a coma and wrongfully accused of excessive force. As the media frenzy around her case escalates, Cordell sees Sullivan as a kindred spirit, wronged by the system he once served. Determined to clear her name and exact revenge on those who betrayed him, Cordell embarks on a bloody rampage through the city.

Cast

• Robert Davi as Detective Sean McKinney
• Robert Z'Dar as Officer Matt Cordell/Maniac Cop
• Caitlin Dulany as Officer Kate Sullivan
• Michael Lerner as Deputy Commissioner Edward Doyle
• Paul Gleason as Hank Cooney

Production

The production of Maniac Cop III: Badge of Silence faced several challenges, including budget constraints and creative differences. Originally intended to further explore the character of Matt Cordell and the corrupt system that created him, the film ultimately took a more supernatural turn, focusing on voodoo resurrection and a straightforward revenge plot. Director William Lustig reportedly left the project before filming was completed due to disagreements over the direction of the film.

Release and Reception

Maniac Cop III: Badge of Silence was released direct-to-video in 1993. It received mixed reviews from critics, with some appreciating its B-movie charm and action sequences, while others criticized its departure from the more grounded tone of the first film. Despite its mixed critical reception, the film has gained a cult following over the years, appreciated for its campy horror elements and the performance of Robert Z'Dar as Cordell.

Legacy

The Maniac Cop series has become a cult favorite among horror and action fans, with its blend of police procedural elements and supernatural horror. Maniac Cop III: Badge of Silence is often noted for its ambitious, albeit flawed, attempt to mix genres and deliver a unique take on the zombie cop narrative. The series has inspired discussions about the portrayal of police in media and the blending of horror with social commentary.