Manhunter never really received the attention it deserved when it debuted in 1986, especially considering it was the world’s first cinematic incarnation of Hannibal Lecter, the murderous but brilliant cannibal who would go on to enthrall audiences in the Oscar-winning follow up, The Silence of the Lambs. When the sequel came out, Manhunter was all but forgotten by most people, so much so that when it was announced that Red Dragon, a prequel to The Silence of the Lambs, was in the works, people thought it was a first. And though Red Dragon was a worthy entry in Lecter canon, Brett Ratner’s sterile touch and Ted Tally’s simpler script left it inferior to the chilling atmosphere Michael Mann crafted for Manhunter through its score and plotting. It’s not a perfect film by any stretch, but it’s a terrific introduction to the saga with a top-notch cast let down by a final product that feels too raw for its own good.
On one hand you have the perfect performance of Tom Noonan as Dollarhyde, affectionately known as the Tooth Fairy, who slaughters entire families according to a pattern that Will Graham (William Petersen) must divine. The story is simple enough, and it serves up enough twists that, if it was perfectly constructed, would keep you pinned to the edge of your seat. Unfortunately, Mann, who not only directed but also wrote the screenplay, included lots of think-out-loud and expository dialogue that sabotages any chance the film has of getting into a rhythm and keeping tension high. William Petersen manages to overcome some of the sloppy writing, but for every positive touch he adds, he makes another that detracts due to his bland delivery. Manhunter is filled with unfortunate trade-offs like that one, but thanks to superb turns from Noonan and Brian Cox, starring as the insatiable genius Lecter, it stands as a good thriller, almost in spite of itself.
Blu-ray Bonus Features
There are none.
"Manhunter" is on sale September 13, 2011 and is rated R. Crime, Drama. Written and directed by Michael Mann. Starring Brian Cox, Joan Allen, Tom Noonan, William Petersen.
