Review of Manhunter (1986) by Jennifer A — 04 Sep 2009
Superior to "Red Dragon" but not as good as "Silence of the Lambs".
Manhunter (1986) - 6,5/10.
Director - Michael Mann.
Starring - William Petersen, Brian Cox, Tom Noonan, Joan Allen, Kim Greist, Dennis Farina.
The first film adaptation of the Thomas Harris novel that introduced the world to Hannibal Lecter. It's gained a cult-like following mostly due to the subsequent success of "Silence of the Lambs" but it's not a bad little film in it's own right. A young William Petersen plays Will Graham, the man who put Hannibal away. Retired from the FBI, he is asked to come back when a similar serial killer nicknamed the "Tooth Fairy" is murdering families. Petersen approaches the role in a familar fashion; this could be CSI circa 1986! Brian Cox got the nod as the original Hannibal and he's solid, just not as memorable as Anthony Hopkins. Plus he's just not as central to this film as Hopkins is in the future films, including the remake "Red Dragon". Tom Noonan as the "Tooth Fairy" is more prominent than Hannibal and Noonan does a terrific job. Joan Allen has a nice role as a blind woman the Tooth Fairy takes an interest in.
It's not the classic "Silence of the Lambs" but it's well-paced and suspenseful, coming off more as a drama than a horror film. Plus you will get a chuckle at William Petersen as he seemingly borrows the wardrobe Don Johnson's Miami Vice days. Not great, but enertaining.
This review of Manhunter (1986) was written by Jennifer A on 04 Sep 2009.
Manhunter has generally received positive reviews.
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