Review of Manhunter (1986) by Ernie P — 12 Feb 2008

"Manhunter" is the first film to feature the infamous character of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, ahead of "The Silence Of The Lambs" by about five years. It was directed by Michael Mann (who is one of my favourites), and overall he does very good work here.

The TV show "Miami Vice" (produced by Mann) was in full swing during the 1980s, and the look of "Manhunter" was clearly influenced by that show, sometimes a little too much for my liking.

White is the dominant colour here, and there's lots of sunshine going around. When I say that this film isn't quite dark enough, I mean that in a literal sense - more black and general darkness in the colour scheme may have fit this story better.

However, although not quite as good as "The Silence Of The Lambs", "Manhunter" is a better film than either of the sequels, namely "Hannibal" and "Red Dragon". For those of you who may not know, "Manhunter" and "Red Dragon" are essentially the same film, but "Manhunter" is far more focused as a film.

The story is tighter, with few if any unnecessary scenes. Whereas "Red Dragon" felt like a collection of stars, "Manhunter" feels like a true ensemble, with William Petersen, Dennis Farina, Joan Allen, and especially Tom Noonan leading the way.

Ralph Fiennes was very good as Dollarhyde in "Red Dragon", but Tom Noonan (who I'd never heard of before) is equally as good here. The score....hmmm. I'm on two minds about it. Think "To Live And Die In L.

A." Very 80s, discotheque, synthesized, at times downright danceable. That approach to the score worked for Friedkin's film, but it doesn't always work here for me. It was also rather loud in some scenes, sometimes when one of the characters would be speaking in lower tones.

However, the score is perfect in the film's climactic scenes, using "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" by Iron Butterfly to great effect. Oh, and Brian Cox, as Hannibal Lecter? He's no Anthony Hopkins, but I dare you after watching this film to argue against the point that his performance as Lecter is one of his greatest.

"Manhunter" is a very good film, despite some small flaws, and for fans of this genre, highly recommended.