I, Madman (1989)

by Mark Murton

Also Known As: Hard Cover

Directed by: Tibor Takács

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film!

Synopsis: Aspiring actress Virginia Clayton (Jenny Wright) works at a Los Angeles book store where she becomes immersed in a horror novel titled I, Madman. It isn’t long before she realises the events she’s reading about are coming true in real life.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): One morning at the book store Virginia is sitting at the reception desk when she is subjected to a half-hearted spring-loaded cat, literally foreshadowed by the shadow of the ginger tabby crossing her face as he is “catapulted” into the scene. It’s not clear where the cat was even supposed to have come from, as there is nothing above the desk in the previous high wide shot.

I, Madman - ginger tabby cat on bookstore desk with Virginia Jenny Wright

Mona (Stephanie Hodge), the book store owner, approaches and gathers the cat in her arms, explaining she found him and “figured we could keep him here as mouse patrol.” The cat is quick to scurry off the desk.

I, Madman - ginger tabby cat on bookstore desk with Virginia Jenny Wright and Mona Stephanie Hodge

I, Madman - ginger tabby cat picked up by Mona Stephanie Hodge with Virginia Jenny Wright

I, Madman - ginger tabby cat jumping down and scaring Virginia Jenny Wright then picked up by Mona Stephanie Hodge animated gif

I, Madman - ginger tabby cat held by Mona Stephanie Hodge with Virginia Jenny Wright

I, Madman - ginger tabby cat running off desk away from Mona Stephanie Hodge and Virginia Jenny Wright

Towards the end of the film, fearing Mona is in danger, Virginia rushes to the book store at night. Finding the phone off the hook she starts to look around and soon comes upon the cat standing on some bloodstained books on the floor next to a pool of blood. It would appear that some kind of food has been smeared there to keep the cat actor in place.