Manhunter

Based on Thomas Harris’ novel, Manhunter follows retired FBI profiler Will Graham (William Petersen) as he reluctantly jumps back into the fray to help catch a brutal serial killer known as the Tooth Fairy (Tom Noonan’s Francis Dollarhyde). Filmmaker Michael Mann delivers a haunting, methodically-paced thriller that is, by and large, exceedingly compelling for the duration of its running time, and there’s little doubt, certainly, that Mann does a superb job of cultivating an irresistibly moody atmosphere that’s perpetuated by, among other things, Dante Spinotti’s lush visuals and Michel Rubini and The Reds’ memorable score – with the strength of the various performances, particularly Petersen’s perpetually intense turn as the tortured protagonist, going a long way towards heightening the engrossing vibe. It’s clear, as well, that Manhunter‘s continuing emphasis on procedural elements fares better than one might’ve anticipated (ie this stuff is just interesting, generally speaking), while the inclusion of several overtly enthralling sequences, especially an almost unbearably tense encounter between Dollarhyde and Stephen Lang’s slimy reporter, ultimately compensates for a second half that isn’t quite as taut or streamlined as one might’ve preferred. By the time the propulsive, spellbinding final stretch rolls around, Manhunter has cemented its place as an admittedly overlong yet predominantly stirring endeavor that benefits substantially from its raft of appealing, engaging attributes. (Noonan’s terrifying work is an ongoing highlight, to be sure.)

*** out of ****