Manhunter, written and directed by Michael Mann, is the first film to bring the character of Hannibal Lecktor to the big screen. The film follows Will Graham (William Petersen), a gifted but troubled former FBI profiler who has a unique ability to empathize with serial killers.
He is pulled out of retirement by his boss, Jack Crawford (Dennis Farina), to help catch a new killer dubbed the “Tooth Fairy,” who is brutally murdering entire families during the full moon. To better understand the killer’s psyche, Graham is forced to visit the imprisoned, brilliant, and manipulative Dr. Hannibal Lecktor (Brian Cox) for insight.
As Graham gets closer to the killer, Francis Dollarhyde (Tom Noonan), he finds himself slipping back into the dark mindset that forced him to retire.
The film focuses on the psychological toll this work takes on Graham and the unsettling relationship he forms with Lecktor, who is both a source of information and a clear danger.
The supporting cast includes Joan Allen as Graham’s supportive wife, Molly, and Kim Greist as Reba McClane, a blind woman who unwittingly gets close to the killer.
Stephen Lang also has a notable role as a journalist who exploits Graham.
The film’s most striking element is its cool, sleek, and neon-drenched visual style, which is a Mann signature. He uses moody lighting, slow-motion shots, and a pulsing, synth-heavy soundtrack to create an atmosphere of dread and psychological tension.
Petersen delivers a raw and compelling performance as the tormented Graham, a role he makes his own.
Cox’s portrayal of Lecktor is understated and chilling, a stark contrast to later, more theatrical interpretations.
William Peterson in Manhunter (Photo/MGM)
Reception for Manhunter
Manhunter grossed $2.2 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 8 at the box office.
The film would gross $8.6 million in its theatrical run.
Legacy
The legacy of Manhunter is its enduring cult status and its influence on the crime-thriller genre. While it wasn’t a box office hit upon release, it has since been re-evaluated as a seminal work.
It introduced audiences to the Hannibal Lecktor character and provided the foundation for the more widely known films that followed, such as The Silence of the Lambs.
The film is praised for its visual artistry and for its unflinching look into the mind of a serial killer.
It’s a gripping and stylish thriller that is a must-see for fans of Mann’s work and the crime genre.
