Did you know that The Silence of the Lambs was not the first time Hannibal Lector/Lecktor showed up on the big screen? I definitely did not. In fact, unless you’re an extreme movie fan or you were around at the time this was released, you probably didn’t either.
Based on Thomas Harris‘ novel Red Dragon – which was then adapted once again in 1991 – Manhunter is a classic detective story. Starring William Petersen as Detective Graham, this movie focuses on his character, who just so happens to be in the middle of a mental breakdown after he himself arrested Hannibal Lecktor. Now, with a new killer on the loose nicknamed ‘The Tooth Fairy’, Graham must bite the bullet and ask his previous captive for help to solve the case.
First thoughts? Great lighting, gorgeous scenery… but unnecessary eighties background sound effects. I was hoping they’d fizzle out eventually, but sadly they didn’t. Massively distracting, and although typical of the time period, it’s one of those trends that doesn’t always translate nowadays to a modern audience.
Watching this after rewatching The Silence of the Lambs a few days previously was an error. I understand that. Brian Cox is fine as the infamous cannibal, but not a speck on Anthony Hopkins. Rumour has it that John Lithgow was almost cast as Lecktor, and it feels as though he would have been a better choice. Much creepier, and as we’ve seen since 1986, Lithgow is a bloody brilliant actor.
Stylistically, Manhunter is a nice film to look at. The neo-noir feel it brings – despite being super eighties and dated – is a particularly pleasing aesthetic and reminiscent of Blade Runner. Creative and immaculately focused, there are some shots here that Dante Spinotti should be very proud of.
Unfortunately, one finds it very difficult to give the movie any further praise.
Slow burning can be used to great effect, but sadly the plot to this movie is quite the snooze – particularly in this day and age. There are singular 43 minute episodes of Criminal Minds that have surprised more and surpassed the story that takes two hours to mould in Manhunter. Definitely a movie of its time, and it shows.
There are some strong efforts at tension-building here, but the overall movie is disappointing. By the time the final act comes around, you’ll find it difficult to care about what happens in the slightest. I certainly struggled to come up with enough material for this review due to how forgettable it is, that’s for sure.
Manhunter is available to stream on Sky Cinema and Now TV in the UK.
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