Review of Manhunter (1986) by Daniel K — 01 Oct 2009

4: Absolutely beautiful. Nobody makes it quite like Mann, and very few are worthy of comparison. It's as if every shot is meant to become a still framed on ones wall. It's so strange to see a masterpiece so connected to Miami Vice.

They certainly share numerous elements in common. Miami Vice is definitely one of the more unusual television programs I've seen as well. It's both ultimate pulp and ultimate art, which manages to make perfect sense.

This works in the same way. The shots are still, long, carefully composed, immaculately lite, wonderfully performed, incredibly scripted, closely controlled, understated when they need to be, and powerful and overblown whenever possible/plausible.

The performances are superb. Cox works, even if he isn't as memorable as Hopkins. Noonan is amazing. Terribly creepy, complex, and effective. Allen is a great foil as well. Petersen works in the only thing I ever remember him in.

He really carries the film through, even though he somehow isn't necessary. It's a happy alternative to a picture starring Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell though. Essentially, the actors serve to augment the already formidable positive qualities the film has collected about itself without them.

The story is eminently entertaining and the staging/editing couldn't be better. Red Dragon is overblown and crass Hollywood, whereas this is ingenious and wonderful art. Mann is the ultimate cross between the commercial and the artistic.

That is probably why I love his work so much. This is no exception. It's one of his best.