Review of Manhunter (1986) by Matt C — 17 May 2012

If you're one of those people who thinks that Anthony Hopkins portrayal of Hannibal Lecter was impressive then I doubt this film is for you. If like me you think his performance was actually hammy, scenery chewing, nonsense of the highest order then maybe give it a try.

Cox's cameo is pitch perfect and truly chilling, you know how a serial killer might actually be. Petersen is also excellent and you wonder why he never had more of a career on the big screen, I'm sure he pocketed a lot of cash from all that CSI stuff but it's not the same is it? The film isn't a complete success and feels very 80s and very Miami Vice but it is an intelligent study of serial killers and the process to try and catch them, and a signpost to some of Mann's later work.