Review of Manhunter (1986) by Alexander J — 03 May 2008

I was greatly disappointed, by this film. I did not like the cinematography choices, the casting choices, or the annoying 80's soundtrack. I think there were way to many flaws in this film. Honestly there are a few things I think this film did better then its counter part. One is that they delay the appearance of the "tooth fairy" more. Two I really can't think of another thing off the top of my head...Damn.

Here is where the movie fails. All the characters in my opinion are sterile and lacking real emotion. The sets look like they are the exact same. White wash walls, with white furniture, with white people in them, I understand the cinematographer is trying to make a point, but it just makes your sets bland tasteless pieces of white light. The music was out of the 1980's pop songs not that there is anything to terribly wrong with that I just do not think it conveyed any meaning they just felt like they were trying to sell songs. The casting I think was weak Brain Cox (Lector) did not make any real impression, he just seemed like a quick thinker, there was no fear or any lasting feeling induced by him. I think that is a shame. The killer portrayed by Tom Noonan (usually a decent actor) was a good look for the killer but lacked the character development (maybe this was the scripts fault) to develop the character. The character was weak and left traces of us wanting to know more about him. Lastly why would the director/ writer etc make a sex scene with a serial killer...I do not see the point. Usually one of these scenes is supposed to excite the audience or otherwise this just was awkward and felt like it was only there to sell the 1980's song it was selling (funny I do not think that song was to popular, guess people do not want to listen to a song a serial killer makes love too).