Manhunter (1986)

Written by Thomas Harris, Michael Mann

Directed by Michael Mann

Running Time: 119 minutes (approx)

Production Year: 1986

Rating: 18 Certificate

Production Country: USA

Filmed in Colour

First of the film versions of Thomas Harris's novels featuring the dastardly Dr Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter (or Lecktor as he is here), Michael Mann's 1986 movie is arguably the best of the bunch. If you can ignore its dated feel (it's understandably heavily rooted in the 1980s), it's a tremendous mad whirl of a psycho-chiller, perhaps too slick and glossy at times but with less emphasis on blood and gore than the re-make and sequels.

The film follows former FBI agent Will Graham (William Petersen) as he's brought out of retirement by Jack Crawford (Dennis Farina) to track down the Tooth Fairy (Tom Noonan, pictured), a serial killer who appears to select his victims at random.

To get his teeth firmly into the case, Graham has to enlist help from Lecktor - his most deadly adversary who he put behind bars - and a psychological battle ensues. As Lecktor, played strongly here by Brian Cox, indulges in mind games with Graham, the clock ticks away for the FBI man, and the murderer lines up more victims...

Re-made as Red Dragon in 2002, this under-rated original is well worth watching.

When is Manhunter next on TV?

In the UK... it's next showing on ITV1 London November 28th, 11:45pm. See more...

Cast

Image for William PetersenWilliam PetersenWill Graham
Kim GreistMolly Graham
Joan AllenReba McClane
Image for Brian CoxBrian CoxDr. Hannibal Lecktor
Image for Dennis FarinaDennis FarinaJack Crawford
Image for Tom NoonanTom NoonanFrancis Dollarhyde
Stephen LangFreddy Lounds
David SeamanKevin Graham
Benjamin HendricksonDr. Frederick Chilton
Michael TalbottGeehan
Dan ButlerJimmy Price
Michele ShayBeverly Katz
Robin MoseleySarah
Paul PerriDr. Sidney Bloom
Patricia CharbonneauMrs. Sherman

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