A hunter of Men

Last week I finally got around to watching another film that's been on my must-watch list for years;

Manhunter (1986) by Michael Mann, (Heat, Last of the Mohicans, Public Enemies).

This is the first on screen appearance of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, (here spelled Lecktor), predating Silence of the Lambs by five years. In essence this is the earlier version of Red Dragon, so forget Lambs for now.

We follow FBI agent Will Graham as he's brought out of early retirement to catch the Tooth Fairy, a serial killer who slaughters whole families during the full moon. Graham is renowned as it was he who caught Lecktor and put him behind bars. He does this by being able to think like the killers he chases, even thought this ability once landed him in the psych ward. He's naturally hesitant to get back to work, but with the lives of entire families at stake, he can't refuse.

Let's get the bad stuff out of the way first. Manhunter is a very 80's movie. If this bothers you, maybe stick with Red Dragon instead. I don't mind, and except for the title logo, I wasn't bothered.

If you have watched Anthony Hopkins portrayal of Hannibal several times, you may have a hard time adjusting to the Brian Cox version. It's certainly different, but I can't say that either is outright better.

That was easy, so let's crack on with the good. Manhunter is absolutely gorgeous. Most scenes are crafted and shot with meticulous care, and are as such a joy to behold. The music fits very well, unlike Mann's previous movie The Keep. I wrote about that some time ago. All the actors are real professionals, and it shows. You buy every scene, without question, except one in the end which was a bit silly.

I could go on gushing, but two things really stood out, and minor spoilers ahead.

1. When they find out that the Tooth Fairy is threatening Graham's family, the FBI just moves them. No last second rescue that has become so cliché over the years.
2. Graham's wife is very understanding. Yes, she feels the stress and the pressure, but there is no melodramatic scene with the tearful screaming wife and the brooding determined husband. They talk like adults, and I love it! Donnie Brasco looses points for just such scenes. Pointless drama for the sake of drama.

Overall I was very impressed, more than I expected, in fact. It's more a pure thriller than the Hopkins movies to be sure. You could brush it off as “just another crime procedural” but that would be unjust. It is in my opinion better than Red Dragon, but only just. Dragon explains a couple of things better than Manhunter, but Manhunter feels more realistic. At the end of the day, it's up to you which version you prefer.

Now that I think about it, Red Dragon felt more disappointing because Lecter isn't in it a whole lot, and as a part of The Silence of the Lambs trilogy, I wanted more of him. In Manhunter, Lecktor is on screen just as much as he should be and the whole thing feels a bit more honest, for the lack of a better term.

Bottom line: I recommend Manhunter wholeheartedly.

That's all folks, so until next time, stay away from serial killers and have a great week!