The other Hannibal Lecter MANHUNTER - Brian Cox vs Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs analysis

[@gcole2108]

I remember a criminology professor, who had once interviewed a number of psychopaths who were incarcerated, described it as an exhausting process, because they are constantly trying to control the conversation and to get under your skin. I felt like Cox's depiction of Lecktor captured that really well.

[@StrangersIteDomum]

That reminds me of people I know...

[@TheFeebleClone]

It's the almost subclinical attributes. Although sometimes the mask slips, the most dangerous ones aren't flicking their tongues. They're easy to miss. Even when they are inflicting terror in the presence of others, making the victim feel cut off, other people often don't even notice.

[@adamarens3520]

I actually like Cox’s version more. It was less overtly sinister and more real world insidious.

[@jonsimpson9640]

I fully agree, his performance was chilling.

[@wassupinlasvegas9735]

While I enjoyed Anthony Hopkins in his performance, over the years I've found it to be more of a caricature - as is the case with some minor characters (the deputy with the drawl who asks if it's true, he's some kind of vampire was groan-inducing.) Brian Cox's performance is much more subtle and realistic.

[@kingsir6814]

yeah he played an average dude...woaw!

[@dillonwalshpvd]

I also have a real soft spot for the Cox. No pun intended 😂 he’s a very good actor

[@patriceaqa288]

@@dillonwalshpvd there's absolutely nothing glamorous about Cox's performance. He seems like he's a smart man that's honestly suffering the effects of constant isolation within prison. He's tired moody and boring largely. Which is what anyone like him would be on a relative level.

[@effinjamieTT]

Hopkins version is like a Pantomime villain. Cox's innocent line " Would you like to leave me your home phone number?" has always stuck in my mind.

[@ConradScroggins]

"... Zip that pointer down to the letter "G". ... "

[@TheFeebleClone]

@@ConradScroggins 😨😨

[@chrisccc22]

That is the first line that comes to mind. Second is "I don't have the use of my arms. Would you be so kind as to dial a number for me?"

[@alexives9274]

Yah but will knows what that means there not far of each other and would probably give it to him but knows he probably has it but there fight is over they where and are friends he sent him a Christmas card 😊😊

[@fractaljack210]

This Lector stuck with me. I think it was that accent with that sense of humour in this particular movie that drove it home. Subtle and smart. He seemed so...familiar, a familiar, charming evil. A fantastic performance

[@scarletibis3158]

You should watch him in Succession on HBO.

[@mk-ultramags1107]

It's just a much better film than people think. I remember seeing it the 1st time and thinking, "Wow, that is a masterpiece in filmmaking."... Years later its only gotten better for me.

[@mk-ultramags1107]

@@scarletibis3158 He's ruthless and definitely one of the more underrated actors of this era. Even in films like 'The Autopsy of Jane Doe', he takes on a role(and film) that many times end up being "schlock" and actually turns that into a decent little horror film. Between he and Emile Hirsh, that film works. With the wrong casting, it doesn't.

[@KutWrite]

I think this Lecter (I think spelled "Lektor" in this film, which means "teacher") set the tone nicely for the extremely scary yet pathetic Dolarhyde. The latter was well portrayed in both versions of this film, though the "wheelchair" scene is one of my Top Ten scary images. See it just for that if you haven't.

[@Alvan81]

His "social engineering" sequence shows this. Also cox was great in Ralph Fienne's Coriolanus.

[@sebastianfitzptraick7395]

Manhunter is a cinematic masterpiece. Few films are such a vibe and experience. Love the eighties soundtrack too!

[@lucass-posting]

Kino indeed

[@GMPENO]

Well said Sebastian F, One of my favorite films even now after all these years. Actually I might watch it again now.. Cheers🍺

[@coopdville855]

I really love the moment during the climax of the film when Graham jumps through the window as In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida kicks back in after that extended organ solo section. It's a great moment of cinematic badassery.

[@jeremys5576]

The soundtrack's great right up until the final credits... when suddenly the bombastic, annoying "Heartbeat" bursts on and ruins the ambience set by the conclusion. IMHO that song seemed more appropriate to 'Miami Vice' than 'Manhunter'. I love this film and would rate it as the best of the Lecter (or Lektor) adaptations if it weren't for this single glaring choice of music being placed at the end. For this reason, I'd rank it on par with the classic 'The Silence of the Lambs'. 'Hannibal' was campy Grand Guignol -- over-the-top silly yet took itself so seriously, which made it unintentionally funny but a guilty pleasure on subsequent viewings. By contrast 'Red Dragon' was bland and pointless, and 'Hannibal Rising' an appalling, badly acted piece of obvious hackwork.

[@kingsir6814]

it's good but nothing more

[@mr.coolmug3181]

Brian Cox as Hannibal was brilliant. You only have to see the scene where he phones a receptionist to see his genius and charm. The Manhunter Dolarhyde character was also better imo. This movie is overlooked despite having so many memorable scenes.

[@davidlean1060]

I don't think casting a big name like Fiennes helped either. I don't know about you, but I'm constantly thinking, 'that's Ralph Fiennes'. Noonan is a rather strange looking dude anyway, so he really fits the bill as a deranged serial killer. I love Noonan in Mann's Heat too. His Kelso character intrigues the f**k out of me. He's surrounded by antenna and collects information that is flying through the air, but Kelso is wheel chair bound. I think Mann means that scene to be like a scene from a Greek drama. Hermes was the god of thieves and he lived on a mountain, much as Kelso does. It was traditional in greek drama for the gods to give the protagonist a quest, from which the protagonist would either gain kudos or hubris. That's pretty much what Kelso does in Heat.

[@edtallman7264]

And because a critical reaction against "Miami Vice," especially the first two season's episodes had been mounted in places like the "New York Times." No longer the fun show that brought American TV into the late 20th century it was now derided as slick, empty story-telling dependent on MTV camera tricks and slick clothing and cars. This help Don Johnson or Tubbs, either. Although the Don was, well, The Don, and Tubbs came roaring back as the voice of "Grand Theft Auto" 2 or 3 (forget which but the one set in Miami, of course).

[@edtallman7264]

should read "didn't help Don Johnson or "Tubbs" much either"

[@IvorMektin1701]

Michael Mann is such a good director.

[@edtallman7264]

"Heat," IMO, is one of the classics of late 20th century American cinema.

[@donragnar8430]

@@edtallman7264Heat is one of my top 5 films of all time

[@davidhunter1555]

I like his quick snappy line delivery in Manhunter. It's like he's two steps ahead of Will and already knows what to say in every case. Red Dragon is my favorite of the books, and Lecter's characterization in that is my favorite for him. That first conversation between Will and Hannibal. When Will tells Hannibal his disadvantages are passion and insanity, he actually scores a hit, as it were, and Hannibal stops playing. He makes accurate guesses about how and where Will lives now, basically telling Will he has screwed up terribly, and that this is now war. Hannibal's hate for his cage, and his sort of "nonplussedness" (for lack of better vocabulary, I'm sorry) at being apprehended shine through just a bit when Will calls him insane, it's one of the few times where a crack of weakness shows on Hannibal because some part of him knows it's true, he just doesn't care. Definitely buying this full video. Love your stuff, keep it up.

[@JTBOSS-ir5kk]

Will Graham deserved at least another mention in a book. I agree about the book--the way Harris describes Graham sitting in Lector's office and noticing the odd book on the shelf and Lector noticing the notice...wow. WOW.

[@ThePitchblue]

he could have predicted will's visit, and quite easily so. firstly because he was reading and being aware of the murders, secondly because he knew that will, as a victim, is going to want to return to the "crime scene" and face the source of trauma. so the whole lotion thing was a tactic to make will feel more powerless and subjugated.

[@mk-ultramags1107]

'Manhunter' perfectly epitomized the feeling of the 80s. Similar to 'Blue Velvet', it digs beneath the surface of conservative suburbia, while being one of the most beautiful films of its era at the same time. Mann didn't waste a single shot. The DP said that every frame was overseen by Mann to convey a mood or theme. This scene and the one in the supermarket are perfect examples of this.

[@mk-ultramags1107]

@Hamburgler Helper You're taking it way too literally. The 1980s saw a wave of films portraying suburbia as a version of "Pleasantville" that simply doesn't exist. I'm not a leftist, in fact, where I live I'd almost be considered "Alt-right" by some because of how blue my state is. However, I'm not blind to the politics of Hollywood that influence generation after generation, and those politics have shifted multiple times since the beginning of cinema. Today, its the "Woke McCarthyism" that has taken over and is being shown in every film but that wasn't always the case. Since the days of 'Metropolis', films have been doing this and 'Manhunter' is no different albeit it's also a more psychological take on the duality of man.

[@TheFeebleClone]

Oh, the overlapping of Manhunter and Blue Velvet fans would be legion. I re-watched blue velvet two or three days ago and it's BETTER than I remember it.

[@randolphvance8889]

Brian Cox's performance of Hannibal Lector is like a fast-talking used car salesman. Sir Anthony Hopkins is the Late Night FM DJ who charms you with his smooth slow tone.

[@vandolmatzis8146]

lol ,a little of both would be perfect.

[@CampCrystalLake]

Interesting comparisons.

[@nate_d376]

Having worked in corrections, as LE, I can tell you, the portrayal of the prison cells in Manhunter, is really dead on. Depending on the type (classification) of the facility, you could see open bars, or closed full metal doors with a safety glass window in it, with the rest of the cell enclosed completely. Normally the cells would all be in a straight line, in a corridor. I don't remember if Manhunter shows other cells, I'd have to watch it again.

[@swanofnutella4734]

I think I remember in a director commentary for Collateral, Michael Mann spent half the time talking about photography and the other half talking about the interviews and research he would do on the real life analogs of the kind of people he was portraying, and the detailed realities of the worlds they'd occupy.

[@edtallman7264]

@@swanofnutella4734 Yeah, and check out Mann's "Heat" commentary, too. Nate, believe me. "Manhunter" more than holds up a second time around.

[@malcolmjcullen]

A couple of facts about this scene that I recall - one, the exterior and interior of the "facility" that Lecktor is housed in were filmed at the Atlanta Museum of Modern Art. Secondly, if you watch the scenes where they are intercutting between Lecktor and Graham's dialogue through the bars, the bars line up in each shot, seen from either side, so that it appears to the viewer that both men are behind the same bars.

[@Alvan81]

Yes! The dungeon type cell in SotL took me out of the story.

[@Alvan81]

@@malcolmjcullen Thank You sir, you just gave me an excuse to watch again!😁 Cox was excellent.

[@MindiB]

I was happy to hear you praise the novel “Hannibal.” Lector did indeed become the hero, only killing “the free-range rude.” I found the development of his character from “Red Dragon,” to “Silence of the Lambs,” to “Hannibal” a remarkably clever, insidious “redemption” arc (as well as a deeply twisted love story), all carefully plotted and subtly presented by Harris. Readers are seduced into respecting, even liking, the terrifying serial murderer without fully realizing what is happening until our feelings have been thoroughly manipulated. I also liked that the three novels move stylistically from hard-edged police procedural realism (“Red Dragon”), to a more personal, lyrical exploration of Clarice Starling’s experiences and motivations (“Silence of the Lambs”), to an almost surreal, dreamlike tone in “Hannibal.” That trilogy is definitely worth a careful reading; I think Harris’s work was brilliant.

[@avrivah1101]

I've waited a long time for this. I always preferred Brian Cox's Hannibal, especially after the schlock sequels/prequels to Silence of the Lambs. This grounded performance better encapsulates what the character always was to me, a fiendishly intelligent, but charming and understated monster. I like Sir Anthony Paycheck's performance just fine, confined to the original Silence of the Lambs, but he ruined the character after this film.

[@Alvan81]

Agree, but I think Directorial choices are more to blame, than the actor.

[@seanodeli7031]

Manhunter was released for tv broadcast as red dragon to capitalize on the huge success of silence of the lambs I just remember how odd it was to see manhunter on nbc as red dragon and all cut up and edited for tv

[@tunguskalumberjack9987]

I remember that the first time I saw Red Dragon, I was telling everyone that I had already seen it, somehow, a few years earlier. I knew all about this “Hannibal Lecter” character, and the Tooth Fairy, and everything else, but couldn’t figure out how it was possible- I had the same feeling when I first saw The Silence Of The Lambs, but had kind of dismissed it. When Red Dragon came out, I really started annoying my friends with my insistence. It took a few more years until I stumbled across Manhunter once more, and was able to figure out how I was so familiar with the story of Red Dragon. And I was able to vindicate myself to my friends. Thanks for the video!

[@Neiri-qg2wk]

A lot of people don't know that SOTL and the other Hannibal series are based on books. I myself didn't find out until very recently.

[@quadropheniaguy9811]

Manhunter (1986) is a minor masterpiece. It's a study of modernist interiors with a murder mystery thrown in, and the remake with Edward Norton is a superficial potboiler directed by the chap who helmed Jackie Chan's Rush Hour, for goodness sake.

[@kevinjudge8406]

Bit of a tangent, but I have always found it curious that Anthony Hopkins and Gary Oldman won academy awards for roles that Brian Cox originally played - Hannibal Lecter and Winston Churchill.

[@HoustonSoto]

I believe Sir Anthony and Mads’s performances as Hannibal Lecter are more arch, borderline gothic representations, something akin to Count Dracula. Brian’s Hannibal is what you’d likelier see in a brilliant psychopath in reality. He’s congenial, charming, disarming, yet his eyes are completely dead. Whenever you see footage of serial killers being interviewed there is this otherworldly quality about them where they seem perfectly normal, but there are these glints of cold dead menace in their eyes and movements. Cox captures that brilliantly.

[@Neiri-qg2wk]

Hannibal (TV series 2013) I call this version "Rockstar Hannibal." LOL. The series still has a legion of female fans that are obsessed with Mads Mikelssen. I like it as a dark, gothic, romantic version of Hannibal and an entertaining crime show. As far as my favorite Hannibal, it's Cox. But, my favorite scenes from the entire franchise are from SOTL. As a sidenote, that zoom in on Cox at 2:43 is beautiful; very Kubrick.

[@colummalec8043]

I would posit that the framing of the locked cell door over Lester's head is metaphorical as well, and implies he's got a brain that must be unlocked, and since our protagonist is within the room with him, unlocking it will and could be quite dangerous. Always love your analysis, thank you for the great film critiques! Keep it up!

[@ChromeJob]

Bingo. This right here.

[@edtallman7264]

when Michael Mann hits a home run as director, it's "clear the bases. A guy who can swing a fat effing bat is comin' round." And "Manhunter" was his first homer. (Soon to be followed by "Last of the Mohicans."

[@Indubitably14]

Though Mads Mikkelsen is my favorite Hannibal, all 3 actors performed the scene where they call an operator to discover Will Graham's address and Brian Cox's version of that scene is by far the most believable. Both Mikkelsen and Hopkins sound far too creepy for any receptionist to go into someone's office and share personal information.

[@collativelearning]

I didn't see Mikkelsen's one, but Hopkins' version was def inferior - no persuasiveness, no charm ironically given Hopkins was playing it. Cox was super charming there.

[@StGroovy]

The Hannibal TV series was fantastic and surreal. The repurposed dialogue and characters was the best kind of fan service. I met Mads Mikkelsen once when he was filming the series - he is very tall and imposing in person.

[@collativelearning]

@@StGroovy He's got a great look definitely.

[@McN4styFilth]

Mads Mikkelsen definitely did a great job portraying Hannibal. The entire series is fantastic but it's a mish mash of the books due to licensing issues and the never ending push for political correctness. I'm terrified what they'll end up doing with Clarice if they ever get a fourth season as rumored. I've heard they'll cast Ellen Paige to counter balance the "bad" portrayal of transsexuals.

[@bettyp5669]

@@McN4styFilth silence of the lambs is a masterpiece but it does not take away from the fact that trans folks have been portrayed in questionable manners in the past. Some of those actually being bad portrayals when the only portrayal was of a murderer and the characterization of buffalo bill added to that initial bunch didn't help.

[@RubberMammy]

An overlooked classic. Cox did an awesome job.

[@billyboy8534]

Tom Noonan's portrayal of Francis Dolarhyde is better than the actor who played him in Red Dragon.

[@collativelearning]

Much better.

[@jewelcitizen2567]

@@collativelearning He literally stalked cast members… now that’s method acting.

[@collativelearning]

@@jewelcitizen2567 And he was huge!

[@tinicum54]

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida!

[@davidlean1060]

Noonan turns up as the wheelchair bound Kelso in Heat too. A tiny role, but the way Noonan plays it intrigues the heck out of me. Coincidentally, Ted Levine is also in Heat.

[@thrazamund7062]

Rob, on the topic of great psychopaths have you ever thought of doing an analysis for “The Night of the Hunter”? A one of a kind movie that is awash in symbolism and subtext.

[@kevinrhea7332]

I’d like to see that

[@TheKitchenerLeslie]

The Dracula hairline is called A Widow's Peak. And perhaps Lecter was told who would be visiting him. I don't think you can just "pop in" to see a serial killer when you have a few minutes after brunch.

[@delnieve1]

Thanks for this video! The Mads version works so well for me as a version of the character who is an insane killer who can still fly under the radar. After seeing Mads the Hopkins version remains incredibly compelling but in the back of my mind I'm always wondering, how did this dude ever pass as normal?

[@Dragondrops5150]

I’ve seen manhunter once and was very impressed with Brian Cox version of the character I need to see this movie again

[@dillonwalshpvd]

Can always rely on Collative :) thanks for your service bud

[@bebe5563]

I think this is my favorite Red Dragon film. Will Graham's character is much more flashed out by Willam Peterson than by Edward Norton, imo. In Red Dragon his encovering of the Thooth Fairy killer is brought more like an epiphany. In Manhunter it is like a sick fantasy, like almost enjoyment and thus bringing terror to the characterization in Peterson's take. The character feels much more like walking a tight rope between the two sides of his persona.

[@ryancalhoun2910]

I agree. For as much as I love Edward Norton he wasn't the right person to play William Graham.

[@edtallman7264]

I agree. I say this as an Ed Norton fan, but the "Red Dragon" he was in is like the kid brother who is well-known and well-liked around town, but big brother is the one who made All-State and brought home the state championship.

[@marbs0204]

I agree. Norton also gave a rather poor performance; he seemed like he was half-asleep.

[@DBSG1976]

I appreciate that you are analyzing the less celebrated performance of the character. I think a scaled down version is fascinating.

[@operationpapercut7048]

Cox based his original and best interpretation of Lecter on Peter Manuel. If you listen to the Manuel interviews, its incredibly chilling to then watch Manhunter again in this context.

[@JW-ri9oy]

Crazy to me that you didn’t like the TV series! To me, that show is Kubrickian in its execution. Absolute masterpiece that demands study and endless rewatches.

[@ChromeJob]

Thanks for giving Brian Cox his due. I've always thought his performance was the better one, highly creepy and disturbing without it being clear why. He said he based his portrayal on a prankish English schoolboy,… and Peter Manuel.

[@flibber123]

I think what the audience wants might also influence which Hannibal resonates with them. From the movies, Brian Cox's Hannibal is the best one for me because he's the one who most fits in what we are told about Hannibal in these stories. In Silence, Lecter does something notable, I won't spoil it. It's a little hard to buy that Hopkins' Hannibal did that but I could believe Cox's Hannibal would have no problem doing that.

[@steelrad6363]

I always enjoyed Brian Cox's performance, less showy but more chilling. But Anthony Hopkins performance is great too.

[@garrisonnichols807]

If I had to choose between Silence of the Lambs and Manhunter I think Manhunter was the superior film. I've seen both multiple times and I just enjoy Manhunter more. The casting was spot on and the characters feel more real to me. I really can't picture Jodie Foster as an FBI agent trying to catch dangerous serial killers. I think actresses like Sigourney Weaver or Michelle Pfeiffer would've been a better choice as Clarice Starling.

[@PalpyTeen]

Brian Cox is the only Lector, the only thing I can think of is that most people saw "Silence" first and his performance was imprinted on them, it's the only thing that makes sense to me, Anthony Hopkins' Lector is a CLOWN

[@8thTower]

Manhunter is an amazing film, possibly Michael Mann's best. Brian Cox is indeed superb as Lecter, though Hopkins was as well in the original. What makes this film stand out above all the others is the brief humanisation of Dolarhyde. And that is the sex scene. For a brief moment he experiences love, touch, comfort ... something he has yearned for his whole life. And now he has it, afterwards, he realises what he has been missing through his childhood and it crushes him. That scene, where he is sobbing in bed, lifts this film above all the rest. Then there is the "smell yourself" line, the caressing the tiger scene, Will Graham's psychic connection with Lector ... it's a masterpiece. The mood is superb, casting is great, the psychology is accurate and haunting. Will never be matched. And the soundtrack ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/epbXan-dnJKUbsk

[@farookhfaz5068]

the tiger-petting scene is a cinematic masterwork

[@DistantEarlyWarning]

Manhunter is an 80s gem. On a technical level, it has brilliant cinematography, lighting, and music. It's simply mesmerizing.

[@ElevenDollarCheese]

Cox's answer when he says, "pray tell" was the most Lector thing in either of the movies. With, "you are very tan, Will" coming in a very close second.

[@Rotcivcom]

The way the man sits on the white chair in front of Lector's cell makes it look like he is bowing to Lector. Like you said, it's almost a spiritual experience to meet him.

[@chrisccc22]

Brian's Version was hands down the best. "I don't have the use of my arms. Would you be so kind as to dial a number for me?"

[@Teknotion]

I once inadvertently watched this film on a head full of LSD. It was completely transfixing, but I couldn't tell you what happened in it.

[@PictureProductStudio]

Ironically, how Lecktor (surname changed in the movie) looks has nothing to do with Lugosi, it's modeled after Scottish serial killer Peter Manuel, whom Cox shares an uncanny resemblance to.

[@lollmemmSm0keweed]

You got to give some credit to William Petersen. Underrated performance. If they had cast him in Red Dragon instead of Edward Norton the movie could have been good.

[@venomouslizards]

00:50 I could not get into the book version of Hannibal. This was one of the few few pieces of media that were unreasonably gory and disturbing. Mostly the stuff with Margot and Mason. I also absolutely hated the ending, it completely ruined Clarice for me.

[@lv2465]

IMHO Brian Cox's interpretation of Hannibal Lektor is the scariest by far. There's no hissing or teeth snapping. His cell is pure brilliant white with not much space, even when Will Graham visits and sits opposite. Hannibal is on his bunk causally reading as if his back in his office. It's as if to Hannibal the bars are no longer there. Then there's his conversation with Graham completely professional no bitterness at all a friendly Doctor/Patient exchange in which Graham freaks out literally. Anthony Hopkins Hannibal got more spotlight. Mads Mikklesens Hannibal we get more backstory, so when we return to Brian's Hannibal it sends a shiver down your spine because he's the least threatening. But equally as dangerous.

[@SilurianSkies]

I have seen the films, prequel and Brian Cox portrayel, and thought these were the definitive versions of the Lecter role until I saw the TV series. Mads Mikkleson as Lecter is superb, carrying the caché and sophistication of an educated serial killer which can not be touched.

[@Stonecutter334]

I liked Cox ‘s version better. I actually told him so after I had seen him in A Few Good Men on stage in NYC. He looked through me like I was made of glass.

[@DrTomoculus]

Manhunter and Brian Cox will always be for me the favourite. No insult to Anthony Hopkins at all. I just think the Lecter in Manhunter is more believable.

[@jesepiorlando2836]

I’m sorry but the Hannibal lecture show is rly good. Mads did a great job showing his mannerisms and his accent is more convincing. Why would a Lithuanian boy that went to school in France have a British accent?

[@relin6770]

I love the dialogue in the last scene with Will and Hannibal. They're both relaxed lying down as if they're analyzing each other over the phone. Brian Cox's delivery is brilliant. I've only watched it about 100 times lol.

[@knotlock]

I think my favorite is Mads Mikkelsen.

[@steelpatriot3683]

Spooky....I just bought this on Blu Ray a couple of weeks ago. Always considered this by far the best of the Hannibal Lecter films (albeit it's really a Will Gray film as HL is a small but still brilliantly portrayed part in this one). Pure 80's cool at every turn in this film, excellent performances, superb score, fantastic visual feel, and a genuinely brilliant ending.

[@edtallman7264]

To say that would've been like dropping a turd in church back in the late 80s or early '90s.

[@steelpatriot3683]

@@edtallman7264 Yes....it had a very mixed reception in its early years. I remember Alex Cox introduction on Moviedrome (which was where I first saw it) was not a glowing endorsement by some distance but that Empire had given it 5 Stars (and not in one of their big studio sell out reviews.....) Looking back now you can see all the Michael Mann tropes are already there well before he really kicked on to be known for his cinema output more than pastel suits in Miami Vice.

[@edtallman7264]

The film was often, but not always, treated fairly, and in some reviews you had to read the fine print very closely to even find out who the director was, though his association with "Vice" also got him and the film some good publicity as well. I remember it was featured on NBC's big live at 5 show in New York City. The segment producers allowed Mann plenty of time to explain how "Manhunter" was not "Vice" goes to the Big Screen.

[@aidanlynn]

Yes! Such an underrated movie.

[@StJimmy89]

Anthony Hopkins won the best actor Oscar for less then 16 minutes of screen time. Enough Said.

[@gunsort3242]

A short time after seeing the film my girlfriend and I went into Tower Records on Sunset. I was behind her and she stopped partway down an aisle, spun and came back to me and said "The killer is in that aisle". I cautiously looked and it was Tom Noonan (Dolarhyde) shopping for records.

[@dawnlovescouture2644]

Man hunter was very underrated when it was released, but it was an excellent film.

[@BrainDamageComedy]

seriously - season 1 and 2 of the hannibal show once it gets going after 4 of 5 episodes is must watch - it becomes great. the last season and 'ending' never live up to season 2 in particular - so good. worth a look m8.

[@mynyddyquartzite2034]

The tooth fairy is a protopsychopath there’s a slight difference here as he still has emotions as seen in the bedroom part where he gets emotional as one part of him is saying I’m sorry but a psychopath wouldn’t , I’m surprised this film didn’t get an Oscar

[@benwoodruff1321]

My favorite Hannibal Lecter. He feels more like the insane folks that I met.

[@collativelearning]

Feels more real definitely.

[@Mark-fv8vt]

The finest part about the scene is the subtext which succeeds in making covert references to witchcraft... The fact that Hannibal never explicitly mentions the goddess that Dolarhyde believes he is serving makes it seem all the more grounded. There's a procedural aspect to the film's surface, but its heart is patently mystical, and the audience is invited to view the more evil characters as being nearly "possessed".

[@leejohnstone894]

Brian Cox's version of Lecter is more dangerous then Anthony Hopkins version of the infamous Doctor

[@hachimanjiro]

I always thought that this was one of the greatest portraits of Lecter, I also seem to remember that the character of Will Graham is seen at the beginning of the movie was making a pen around the turtle eggs with his son and in the one of the final scenes we see the hatchling turtles making their way to the sea.also this may have been William Peterson's open for the CSI series

[@gustavoalmanza2673]

Manhunter is amazing. Really wish William Petersen would receive more recognition for this movie and To Live And Die In L.A. He could’ve been a big name leading man in the late 80s and 90s, but I respect his decision to stick to theater and do his career on his terms

[@nu-metalfan2654]

Very underrated movie. There was no need for Red Dragon as Manhunter was great. I wished Hannibal had a different Hannibal Lector instead of Anthony Hopkins, because we could’ve had a fantastic trilogy with 3 different Hannibal Lector’s. Manhunter and Silence Of The Lambs are without a doubt the 2 best Hannibal Lector movies. Hannibal could’ve been so much better, and Red Dragon and Hannibal Rising weren’t needed.

[@collativelearning]

The novel of Hannibal was really unnerving for me - beyond dark. They made a mess of the movie version.

[@nu-metalfan2654]

@@collativelearning I thought the movie Hannibal was okay for what it was but nowhere near as good as Manhunter or Silence Of The Lambs. Hannibal should’ve been much better than it was.

[@collativelearning]

@@nu-metalfan2654 Read the novel. It's pretty scary.

[@clubparty44]

Why is this in the Hasan playlist

[@JohnSmith-mk1rj]

The V shape in the mans hair is called a Widow's Peak.

[@RiderOfKarma]

Haven’t seen Manhunter since I was a kid, but now I have to rewatch this for the Logan Roy ‘Lecter, wow.

[@DisobedientSpaceWhale]

11:07 that's known as a Widow's Peak 🧛‍♂️

[@SkeggsyDAR]

Good stuff Rob. It's a shame that this film is always overshadowed by Silence of the Lambs. It's been a while since I watched it, so it's definitely worth another watch

[@jumpingman6612]

Couldn't agree more

[@jwnj9716]

Just look at him. He's staring into your soul.

[@collativelearning]

His stare is really intimidating

[@robby7499]

Oh puh-lease, I have no soul.

[@MARK_13_13]

Who, Rob you mean?

[@robby7499]

@@MARK_13_13 A SpongeBob reference.

[@Pomeray8]

I listened to a podcast more recently where the director of poltergeist 3 was a former business partner of Mann's and referred to him as the most objectionable human he's ever met. I enjoy pre-digital Mann most, and wish he would have explained what he meant.

[@nope5657]

Calls the show "unwatchable." Well damn, now so is this video.

[@joeymallen9084]

Manhunter was better than the remake,but no one will ever beat Anthony Hopkins as Leckter

[@harryhoffer9804]

Glad to see an analysis on one of my favourite films, Manhunter.

[@FreeThinkAlways]

I'm glad you pointed out in your opinion Rob that the Hannibal movie was pretty awful. I can't help but feel the same on the several occasions I've watched it. Considering it's directed by Ridley Scott you would expect the movie to be a worthy sequel to silence of the lambs but for me I found it really dull and can't help but ask myself.. is this really the best storyline they could come up with? Really does disappoint me because I love the original movie. I know Ridley Scott has given us some classic movies but he's also made a few stinkers too and this I find is one of em

[@danbal4185]

I too love both films and both Lecters. But for me the greatest mystery is why after such a double like "Manhunter" and "To Live and Die in LA", Bill Petersen hasn't become one of the greatest Hollywood Stars of his generation. He's amazing in both flics.

[@colingorrie4593]

As well as everything else about this film that is superior, the soundtrack is superb.

[@jjohnson3469]

Awesome. Really looking forward to this. I can remember seeing this on TV when I was maybe 10 or so and while Silence of the Lambs was very powerful it never completely overshadowed the impression Manhunter left. Tom Noonan was horrific in a great way, too. Years later when I revisited it, I was pleased to see that it was directed by my personal favorite as well: Michael Mann. Keep up the great work, Rob.

[@arock155]

Do you think you might ever do a video on THX-1138 or American Graffiti? Thanks for the Hannibal analysis, it's nice to see this version of the character get some attention.

[@collativelearning]

THX definitely. Great movie.

[@arock155]

@@collativelearning Glad to hear it!

[@contrabandresearch8409]

The only Hannibal movie I like is Manhunter. It has such a great mood and vibe.

[@danieljohnson2005]

Manhunts is such a great movie and Brian Cox did an outstanding job as Lecter. I actually saw this one late night as a kid and was shocked to realize it was a prequel to The Silence of the Lambs. I had no idea anyone else had ever played Lecter. Anthony Hopkins was, obviously, iconic playing the character, but I think Cox did just as good, if not better in some ways.

[@jewelcitizen2567]

*_”Thank you… so very much”_*

[@collativelearning]

He actually seems genuinely thankful there lol

[@jewelcitizen2567]

@@collativelearning Indeed… though I wouldn’t bet my life on it. His phone conversation with Graham is hilarious, *_”God’s a champ, he always stays ahead!”_*

[@collativelearning]

@@jewelcitizen2567 In silence of the Lambs it's mentioned Lecter collects news articles of church roof collapses. That cracked me up. Lecter has a brutal sense of humour.

[@jewelcitizen2567]

@@collativelearning 100%. Much like the Serial Killer that Michael Mann interviewed and cited as his partial inspiration for Noonan’s character. I believe his name was Dennis Wayne Wallace, he used to wear a t-shirt that said ‘Support Mental Health or I’ll k____ you!’ lol

[@Barot8]

I like how Brian Cox's performance is like a tiger pacing in a cage, constantly staring at the visitor.

[@connermoss1994]

Great stuff. I love how the poster shows will half in the shadow. Like half his phyche is already taken by the darkness.

[@QDesjardin04]

There's a hollowness behind Lecter's eyes that gets to you. I'm willing to bet that Lecter senses Graham's reluctance and his underlying fears during that chat about the file folder. Even when Graham initially turns away: "Goodbye, Dr. Lecktor" -- Hannibal knows that in Will's mind, the key is already in the lock over madness, and it just needs to be turned.. never mind how painstakingly slow the ordeal could be. That's the leverage Lecter has over Will, their divine bond of being monsters in the dark. "It feels good, Will, because God has power. And when one does what God does enough times, one becomes as God is."

[@everettparker1313]

Both Brian Cox and Anthony Hopkin are both did Incredible Performances as There own Versions of Hannibal Lecter. Brian Cox Hannibal Lector is Calm, Funny and Just has a way to get under your skin. Anthony Hopkins Hannibal Lector is Calm and Angry, Charming and Unsettlingly Plus he’s Emotionless and Full of Life.

[@JackWhite52]

I loved your Hopkins video, about to watch this one. I hope we'll get to see your take on the TV show. I didn't take to it immediately but I stuck through and it became one of my favorite shows of the last decade. I also want to say your Dr Strangelove series was incredible. You were a tremendous deal of help with my 3rd year undergrad assignment on nuclear deterrence. I can't thank you enough. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@Kenshiro3rd]

Cox was great. Hopkins was iconic. Ulliel was… alright. That said IMO Mikkelsen was the most accurate to the books. Red Dragon was my favorite book. That said Manhunter was my favorite adaptation.

[@mrsamuraiist]

Anthony Hopkins is more iconic but Brian cox was far more realistic as hannibal

[@stoatystoat174]

I find Hopkins a bit extreme and great fun. Cox feels a bit less-is-more believable and scary, also great. The way he lies to tells the phone operator that he has no hands is a nice demonstration of an absence of any feelings of guilt

[@10tepeyac]

Cox was not scary at all until he starts talking and shows how quickly he figured Will’s current life and deduced he had a wife and kids and probably knew his age. When he asked for his number it made my skin crawl. First time I saw this movie I expected a monster and he seemed so innocuous and kinda charming.

[@Zecamilleo]

i find brian's version much more disturbing than hopkins' version.

[@patrickdoherty4527]

Fantastic film. Such a great performance by Cox. It would have been interesting to see him play the role again. Perhaps they could have made a series with his version of Lecter. William Petersen could pop up to. I'd rather see that than the Hannibal series.

[@gamesoftoday2656]

These videos are just amazing!!

[@tonydaza8504]

I was playing a game by rockstar games called manhunt I just remembered Brian cox voiced the antagonize film director Lionel Starkweather the reason why I mention is because His narration in this game is excellent and appropriately disturbing . I wonder it was from this role was why he was consider for the character in game manhunt by rockstar

[@jonharrison9222]

An obnoxious character is obnoxious whether they’re male or female. No ‘mismatch.’

[@alexanderwaite9403]

William Peterson and Brian Cox were excellent in the film.