Manhunter (1986) - (Frightening Video Risk)
Directed by the Michael Mann (recently "The Insider"), this film stylish, scary, mid-80s jewel of a film is almost perfect. Although some may argue, "Manhunter," made seven years earlier, could be better than the classic "Silence of the Lambs." Containing a great 1980s cast headed by William L. Peterson (remember him from the awesome "To Live and Die in LA"--think jackknife baby), and the always good Dennis Farina (here fit and trim), "Manhunter" is a real trip. Its strong, intelligent story holds your attention without using hyperaction or unbelievable stunt work. From the beginning to the end, the audience is unnerved and fascinated; it keeps you watching. Not for all tastes due to intense adult or twisted content that never really goes over the edge.

Clarice isn't in the chair in "Manhunter" and, hey, that's not even Hopkins.

THE STORY:
Will Graham (played well after about 20 minutes of adjustment by Peterson) is the FBI profiler who caught Dr. Hannibal Lektor ( or "Lector"). After going through a long physical and mental recovery from his Lektor experience, he is called back into action by agent Jack Crawford (Farina) and his crack team to catch a new serial killer nick-named "The Tooth Fairy." The tight, well researched story follows Peterson's tracking of "The Tooth Fairy" and his profiling techniques which may now be familiar to us but were somewhat original at the movies back in 1986.

THE REVIEW:
Well, you know I liked it, but here is what I liked about the film.

Director Michael Mann is an acquired taste. His use of odd camera angles, colored filters, and strange music set the right tone for this film as it does throughout his work. In the beginning of "Manhunter," there is a tense scene that is most frightening without any noticeable violence. In the "Blair Witch" vein, it will make you turn on the house alarm and sleep less soundly.

The Tooth Fairy is Scary!

I did not like Peterson at first in the lead role. He seemed too young to be an FBI profiler. But, in time, about 20 minutes, he became chiseled and real. I liked the way his dialogue was muffled in places adding a subtlety, and sympathy to his character. His family were not wasted and their development elevated the story above formula.

The score is weird in an "Assault on Precinct 13" Carpenteresque way combined with hard-driving 1980s type music later. Check out the very well written review by someone called "Cybrtypr" on IMDB. I agree with Cybrtypr that the great, unusual visuals combine well with the soundtrack to get the audience inside the mind of the serial killer.

The action in the film is unique. Some of you may remember Mann from "Miami Vice" where he used quick cuts and slow-motion to present fast paced action sequences. I remember the action on a backdrop of the best television series music then available. In "Manhunter," Mann's music video approach effectively translates here to the big screen.

That's Atlanta's High Museum doubling as a high security mental hospital, and to the right above you see members of the top notch investigative team (anyone look familiar?)

The science of the investigation is solid. Of course, I do not know whether any of the toys/tools utilized in this film are real and accurate, but the investigative techniques and science employed seemed authentic. We are treated to things like laser finger-printing, use of infra-red to read marked out ball-point pen ink, color wireless fax to an airplane, and Glazier safety shot to name a few of the cool things. I mean, these guys even take fingerprints off of the eyeballs and skin of the victims; it is impressive. Compare this to the crappy display put on by John Travolta's crew in some awful trash called "The General's Daughter."

"Manhunter" is an original and may turn off some viewers with its subject matter and frankness about issues that the general populace would rather leave to weirdo's, experts, and law enforcement. Still, to the rest of us (well, maybe I am not a weirdo, its a stretch), "Manhunter" could be an entertaining even thrilling video risk.

Sleep Tight!

Jonathan Hickman