Review of Manhunter (1986) by Gareth M — 11 Dec 2009

Completely engrossing and compelling, albeit in a totally mid 80's manner, romantically dated I would say, in that it looks brillant but limited to a time. The scenary, the decor and the synths all add to the natural flavour and vigour Michael Mann and the film radiates.

Peterson is great as the intense and troubled cop, although the family scenes are peripihal and don't amount to much. Brian Cox is ample as Lecktor, but somehow lacks the suaveness or overall menace that Hopkins does in the later films. Also the vunerability or mindset of a male cop, william graham is slightly less convincing to that which Jodie foster female character is in Silences of the Lambs.

However its probably not best to compare the films, as the feel and touch of this film is undoubtably different to the later films, and arguely better with it mood setting and cinematopgraphy. The only thing that stops this being a 5 star film is perhaps the lack of depth in places, beneath the atmosphere Mann has set; but mostly because its just another cop vs bad guy film, albeit a multi layored high quality one.