Manhunter (1986)

Manhunter remains memorable

When it comes to the "serial killer genre," I suppose Michael Mann's 1986 film "Manhunter" began it all. One could argue for Richard Fleischer's superb The Boston Strangler in 1968, but no matter. Mann's tight and stylish version of Thomas Harris's novel Red Dragon is a thoroughly fascinating work. To this day, I recall the terror felt during the early sequence when Will Graham (William Petersen) investigates the blood-soaked crime scene alone, practically whispering his version of the events into a tape recorder. It's a deeply chilling segment, and one of the first times I can recall such an investigative process shown on film.

Mann, early in his career here, still had his trademark Miami Vice: Season One & Two touches, stark colors, unique MTV-styled camera angles and the insertion of pop music at unexpected moments. The technique has dated the film, though his use of Iron Butterfly's In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is brilliant.

I have grown to like Petersen as he's aged as an actor, but in "Manhunter," he was a bit too young and bland for my taste. I would have liked to seen a more established, brooding actor in the role. But the supporting cast, including Dennis Farina, Stephen Lang and Joan Allen, never disappoint. Tom Noonan gives a haunting performance as the hunted serial killer, but his work is so good it threatens to capsize the film. He does not enter the proceedings until midway in, and the film changes course en route to the shocking climax. His struggles are heartbreaking, and it puts an uncomfortably human face on a terrifying monster. But once the film changes focus, and a face is put to the killer, much of the suspense and fear of the investigation is lost.

I have never liked how the police arrive at the exact moment Noonan's character is about to commit a murder, and his house, an isolated structure that looks as if it were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, does not fit such a lonely and disturbed man. But this was 1986, and back then we were dancing to Rio by Duran Duran with Patrick Nagel prints hanging on the wall. So who am I to blame Mann for wanting to be hip?

"Manhunter" is perhaps best known for having the first film version of the Hannibal Lecter character, played with extraordinary coolness by Brian Cox. It results in pretty much just an extended cameo, but the scene plays with uncommon menace. Cox's Lecter is not be fooled with and, unlike Anthony Hopkins' portrayal, he is unremittingly evil.

After all these years, "Manhunter" holds up, with multiple scenes that remain memorable to this day. It's a fine work by a master director. While far inferior to Jonathan Demme's The Silence of the Lambs (Two-Disc Collector's Edition), it blows the remake, Red Dragon (Widescreen Collector's Edition) in 2002, out of the water. In terms of this often times repellent genre, this ranks as one of the greats. November 9, 2008

Best Hannibal Lecter Movie

The set, the music and especially the actors and director are excellent. It is the best of the movies done with the Hannibal Lecter character. August 2, 2008

Outstanding performance by William Peterson

This was one of the first William Peterson movies I had ever seen. The first one was "To Live and Die in L.A." If you haven't seen that one, pick it up.
Even though this movie has been reproduced, this is still worth watching. The villian is menacing and more frightening than Ralphe Fiennes, although I love Ralphe. Check it out if you haven't already!!! July 20, 2008

Ultimately not that great

It's hard to guess what would have happened to "Manhunter" if "The Silence of the Lambs" hadn't turned Hannibal Lecter (Lecktor in this film) into a popular phenomenon. However, the film was made, released, and seen on its own terms (and flopped on its own terms if it comes to that) in 1986, so I will try not to compare it to "Silence" or the other adaptation of the same source material, 2002's "Red Dragon." Taken independently, however, Manhunter still is largely a failed movie, never managing to lift itself from the morass of mediocre thrillers that one can often find in shopping mall bargain bins.

The plot of the film is not the problem. Successfully adapted from Thomas Harris's critically-acclaimed thriller (entitled Red Dragon), Manhunter follows the efforts of mentally-scarred FBI consultant Will Graham as he attempts to capture a new serial killer dubbed "The Tooth Fairy." While the overall outline of the plot is reasonably formulaic (it's fairly clear the movie will climax with a confrontation between Graham and the killer) the film takes several interesting and unexpected turns.

The real problem is that the actors fail to generate any tension with their performances. Brian Cox's Hannibal Lecter may be slightly chilling in his banality, but his frostiness lacks menace. William Peterson's Will Graham is a complete dissapointment. Very little about mid-80's William Peterson screams "emotionally-scarred." He seems every bit an everyman--the standard movie flatfoot. While that might be useful or beneficial in some roles, Manhunter requires that Graham be weak--tortured by the demons of his past--and Peterson seems more like a boxer than a basket-case. As the killer, Francis Dollarhyde, Tom Noonan certainly looks imposing. However, one senses he was chosen precisely because of those intimidating looks, not because of his thespian skills. It might help if the screenplay gave him a bit more to work with, but nonetheless he is not always convincing. Dennis Farina and Kim Greist are adequate in their roles as FBI man Crawford and Graham's wife, respectively.

Still, despite the principal actors' sleepwalking, the movie is not without its moments. Stephen Lang is suitably greasy as a tabloid reporter, and Joan Allen is very delicate as Dollarhyde's blind love interest. The climactic shootout set to Iron Butterfly's In A Gadda-da-vida is very well-directed, even if its impact is blunted by a sappy happy ending to outdo all sappy happy endings (The turtles are going to be okay). It's worth a look, especially if you like "Silence" or thillers, but it's just not terribly good. And I didn't even get into how dated it is. July 8, 2008

A great thiller

Although I have alot of respect for Sir Anthony Hopkins, I don't like his series of the Lector movies. That's because they are "movies". The difference between a movie and film is guality. Movies can be exciting and have actors who can and cannot act in them. Films are different. They have good writing, directing, editing and acting. Sir Anthony did his best, but one or two strong actors can do so much. SoTL and Hannibal became horror movies instead of thrillers. Of the players in these horror movies, I can only remember Sir Anthony and Jodie Foster.
With several relatively unknown actors and a TV director: Michael Mann, Manhunter was presented balanced and thrilling. I consider this film to be part of the "film" catagory.
William Petersen plays William Graham, a solitary man with left-over mental problems from capturing the serial killer Hannibal Lecter(Brian Cox). Graham has retired and he lives in a beach house with his wife;Molly(Kim Greist) and son; Kevin(David Seaman). Grahams peaceful existance is interrupted by his former partner Jack Crawford(Dennis Farina). Crawford manipulates Graham back into FBI service in the search for another serial killer(Tom Noonan). He shows Graham 2 photos of the two families who have been slaughtered already by the new killer who is governed by a lunar cycle.
There is a stark contrast between the characters of the killer and Graham. The rest of the world passes by without knowing the visousness of the killer. The killer goes to work, though shy, he enjoys friendships and at least one romantic relationship. Graham, on the other hand, is brooding as he returns to the dark mindset of the serial killer. As he goes deeper into this darkness even his partner Crawford becomes afraid. In his mutterings trying to understand the killer, we discover that Graham feels sorry for the child who became the serial killer, but feels the killer should be blown out of his *** socks. Then Graham asks Crawford is that feeling is a contradiction in terms, Crawford doesn't know what to say. Crawford stands with his back against the wall as Graham continues to mutter then shortly provides the reason for the killings and how the killer picked his victims.
As Graham, William Petersen is in his own little world. He is constantly talking to himself, asking questions and answering them. This brings a deep tenseness to the character. Very well done. All of the other actors except for Brian Cox take a back seat to the consumate performances of these two men. The chemistry between these two men is fantastic. One of the most terrifying moments of the film happens after Graham sees Leckter for the first time in 3 years. As Graham bangs on the cell door desperately to get out, Lecter tells him that the only reason he caught Leckter was because Graham was just like him. Petersen runs down the stairs as though the devil were chasing him and at the bottom must control what must have been the biggest anxiety attack of all time.
Cox provides a wonderful performance as Leckter. He comes across as a calm psychologist anyone would want to see. But through his clouded eyes the viewer can see the madness.
Dennis Farina has usually played the police officer in films that he does. He was a cop, so I guess it might be natural to cast him that way. I wish casting directors would try other roles, I think he could handle them. Kim Greist, David Seaman and Tom Noonan all are equally supportive.
This is not a block buster, but it is one of the best films I've seen. It was made in 1986 so you might have a problem finding it. I own it and have viewed it several times since I got it and I think a viewer who want strong performances instead of blockbusters would enjoy this film. May 20, 2008

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