Halloween Pick # 7 | “Manhunter”

Manhunter originally did poorly in theatres and, my guess is, it’s because the poster art was terrible. The film has since gained a more appreciative audience on video, as well as curiosity for it being the first film to introduce the character of Hannibal Lector.

To me Brian Cox‘s quiet portrayal of Lector, trapped in a sterile all-white cell, is far more chilling than Anthony Hopkins‘ hammy, lip-smacking lunacy in Silence of the Lambs. That seems to be a minority opinion, however.

The reason I originally went to see Manhunter was because I was hugely impressed with Michael Mann‘s earlier film, Thief. It was visually lush, and wonderfully acted. Mann has since proven consistent with that accomplishment.

The thing that really makes Manhunter stand out, though, is its audacity to show the villain’s sweet side. It does this by giving the “Tooth Fairy” a love interest in the form of Joan Allen. If you haven’t seen the film, you’ll be surprised –- even delighted — by how he manages to win her heart.

We feel the resulting paradox, as does his pursuer Will Graham (William L. Peterson). In his attempts to get into the killer’s mind, and hopefully catch him, his boss is shocked to realize Will seems to “feel sorry for him.” His response sums it up well; “As a child, my heart bleeds for him. Someone took a little boy and turned him into a monster. But as an adult… as an adult, he’s irredeemable. He butchers whole families to fulfill some sick fantasy. As an adult, I think someone should blow the sick f**k out of his socks.”

The final confrontation is further enlivened by the unlikely use of Iron Butterfly’s “Inna Gadda Da Vida.” Mann has always showed a flair for marrying music with visuals, and this is one of his most exciting.