Manhunter Movie Information

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Movie Information

Overall Rank: 2417

Average Rating: 2.8/4

# of Ratings: 92

Theatrical Release Date: 08/15/1986

Language: English

Genre: Crime, Drama

MPAA Rating: R

Director: Michael Mann

Actors: William Petersen, Kim Greist, Joan Allen, Brian Cox, Dennis Farina, Stephen Lang

Plot: Using his uncanny ability to get inside psychopaths' minds, former FBI agent Will Graham returns to action to hunt down a serial killer. Graham retired after catching Hannibal Lecter and subsequently suffering a breakdown. Now, he engages in a risky cat-and-mouse game with Lecter to capture a new killer.

Logan D. McCoy - wrote on 05/31/2024

It wouldn't be until "Silence of the Lambs" that we got a truly terrifying Hannibal Lecter, but this is still a strikingly stylized bone-chiller.

mitchellyoung - wrote on 02/19/2012

This is an effective crime thriller that works well because of the talent of its cast. William Petersen is gritty and to-the-point as a criminal profiler and Tom Noonan actually makes for a creepy, yet sympathetic serial killer. The film's 80's dialogue and soundtrack sometimes dates it, but the performances bring the plot home.

Unknown - wrote on 11/06/2011

This is the first film adaptation of one of the Hannibal Lecktor novels 'Red Dragon'. It is very different, in style and tone, from the later adaptation correctly titled 'Red Dragon'. I liked the actors very much, but the stylistic choices made it feel too much like the show Miami Vice (also by the same director). Overall, a decent 80's thriller.

Daniel Corleone
Movie God

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Daniel Corleone - wrote on 10/11/2012

Several critics liken this film instead of the other Hannibal Lecter related movies, this rater thinks otherwise. Good, but not as great as Silence of the Lambs in terms of acting, direction, suspense and plot. Will Graham (William Petersen) coordinates with Dr. Hannibal Lecktor (Brian Cox) to find a murdering serial killer nicknamed "Tooth Fairy." Deciphering the letter and Will's theory of recording was just amazing. The antagonist's build-up was good. Graham's relentless passion for his work was well displayed by Petersen. Cinematography was gorgeous as well. Some scenes really slowed the down the pace and plot. Injecting the soundtrack with the direction felt like a music video. The droll storytelling makes the conclusion feel rushed. Manhunter still entertains because of …

Damien Crevan
Rising Star

Noonan and Cox spot on as killers...unlike Sir...

Damien Crevan - wrote on 07/07/2012

Anthony Hopkins. Does that guy even read novels or the background of his role? Noonan and Cox are outstanding as they play two very different psychopathic serial killers. Both are intelligent, one is a bit more educated yet laid back, and the other is more sympathetic and not flashy. Years later, Hopkins would take the role of Hannibal Lector and make him a farce that's truly less horrifying as the real monsters. They blend in... and Lector is a bad cliche' with his love of arts, great food, different countries, ability to speak a zillion languages, and is also charming before he takes a bite out of your face. He couldn't manipulate a freaking cop with that attitude. Bryan Cox owns his character and is laid back, not as pompous, and adept at winning a lil of Graham's trust saying …

MaceeRae
Producer

More Than Worked For Me

MaceeRae - wrote on 12/15/2011

While this film is not as finely filmed as the newer look at the same subject matter, I like it. The stylized look works for me, it's copied and used in many films and TV shows of today...think CSI. For pure visual impact, nothing beats the Freddie Lyles scene in this film. I like William Peterson as Will Graham, he's a precursor to many modern day profilers. Having the colors of his wardrobe be so radically different when at home, and when at work, speaks volumes. I saw it when it first hit the theaters in 1986 after having read Thomas Harris' "Red Dragon", and I enjoyed this telling of the Harris novel. It is said that Michael Mann in hindsight wasn't too fond of it himself, but that doesn't deter me from liking it, it entertained me, it appealed to me; I enjoyed the acting, I …