Review of Manhunter (1986) by Johannes R — 13 Jun 2011
15.6.2011.
Michael Mann's stylish (and stylized) adaptation of Thomas Harris's novel looks visually good and has does suspense well. Unlike Silence of the Lambs, this is more an urban crime thriller than gothic horror, leading to a different kind of interpretation of Hannibal Lecter. The similarity between the hero and the villain - between the cop and the killer - is a theme to which Mann would return in his later work, and the film shows also other aspects which connect it to his ouvre. I also liked the soundtrack - especially the last shootout with Iron Butterfly's In-a-Gadda-Da-Vida is memorable. However, despite the carefully developed connections between the serial killer and the investigating agent, the characters lack depth and the film comes off as a rather shallow, if gripping, show.
This review of Manhunter (1986) was written by Johannes R on 13 Jun 2011.
Manhunter has generally received positive reviews.
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