Review: Manhunter – Re-release

If you’re a fan of iconic serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, then you’ll know the first time the character appeared on screen was way back in 1986, via the movie Manhunter. For the film, the character was renamed Hannibal Lecktor (note the slightly different spelling of his surname) and played by Scottish actor Brian Cox.

Directed by Michael Mann, Manhunter was a dark thriller based on Thomas Harris’ book, Red Dragon. The film starred William Petersen, Tom Noonan, Joan Allen, and the aforementioned Cox, and followed former FBI criminal profiler Will Graham, as he comes out of retirement to work on a murder case involving a killer known as the Tooth Fairy.

In the movie, Graham is asked to help out on the case of a brutal murder. Although he is reluctant to get involved, he soon agrees and begins to profile the suspect.

But realising he may need further assistance, Graham approaches former psychologist Dr. Lecktor for help. However, Lecktor has a history with Graham and as Graham soon discovers, Lecktor may be more of a hindrance to the case.

If you’ve watched some of the Hannibal movies (The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal Rising, etc), but for some reason you’ve never watched Manhunter, this month you are (briefly) being given the opportunity to rectify the situation thanks to a special screening taking place in the UK. Manhunter will be returning to the big screen this September, courtesy of the BFI, where fans old and new can marvel at this bona fide cult classic.  

And to be clear Manhunter is a cult classic. Sure, the movie flopped at the box office back in ‘86, but over the years Manhunter has received plenty of reappraisal and is now favoured amongst film fans.

The reason for this reappraisal is due to multiple factors, ranging from a compelling story, through to some unique visual flourishes, as well as a superb synth-infused soundtrack. Put simply, the movie has a lot to offer, which modern audiences now appreciate, and it begins with the cast.

William Petersen proves to be a strong lead in the role of Will Graham, bringing a great deal of vulnerability to the part. Graham is an expert in his field, but he’s a man dealing with past trauma at the hands of Lecktor, and Petersen conveys this perfectly.

Meanwhile, despite his limited screen time, Brian Cox excels as Lecktor. Lecktor/Lecter has been played by multiple actors over the years (Anthony Hopkins, Gaspard Ulliel, Mads Mikkelsen), but Cox offers up a stand-out turn which hints at the psychopath hidden under his calm exterior.

However, Petersen and Cox aside, it is Tom Noonan who steals the movie as the disturbing serial killer, Francis Dollarhyde aka the Tooth Fairy. Noonan doesn’t show up until almost an hour into the film, but once he arrives he makes Dollarhyde suitably creepy in every scene.

As with Cox, Noonan’s screen time is all-too brief, but he sure makes the most of what he’s given. The final 20-minutes of the film, where Dollarhyde terrorises Joan Allen’s lab technician, Reba McClane, is brilliantly unnerving and offers a window into his crimes.

Outside of the cast, Manhunter serves up the aforementioned superb sound and visual touches which add a dream-like, ethereal quality to the film. This is a beautiful movie to look at, with an even tone throughout, and it is completely captivating.

Manhunter is the first of two big screen adaptations of Red Dragon (the second was released in 2002 under the title Red Dragon), but in my mind it is the better version, because it is creatively more interesting. To be fair, both adaptations are good, but Manhunter has the edge. 

With Manhunter, director Michael Mann delivers a stand-alone tale which is a twisted, psychological thriller. It is a movie with the ability to get under the skin, bolstered by an excellent sense of style. 

Should you wish to experience Manhunter on the big screen to view it in all its glory then you’d best be quick, as the film will receive a one-off screening at the BFI in London on Tuesday 5th September. The screening will be proceeded by a special talk between actor Brian Cox and revered movie critic Mark Kermode which will be hosted live at the BFI.

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Thank you for taking the time to read this review on It’s A Stampede!. For more reviews, check out the recommended reads below.