MANHUNTER

1986 ****1/2 121 mins.

Based upon the novel Red Dragon by Thomas Harris, this film about a retired FBI agent who is drawn back to solve one more case works extremely well because it is stamped with the greatness of its director--Michael Mann. Michael Mann has a talent for creating characters we believe and connect with. This film is no exception. No one should miss this fantastic psychological thriller, in which Hannibal Lecktor (played here by Brian Cox) got his start. You will note that the name is spelled "Lecktor" in this film.

This has got to be the worst director's cut of a film I have ever seen. Not just because of the added scenes, though (although they don't help). This is bad because the film is de-restored to such a way so that the footage looks almost as though it is a widescreen version adapted from the full screen version. The picture jumps around a lot, and watching this version of the film is complete, utter torture. All I can say is that, if this really is Michael Mann's approved version, he really needs to re-evaluate his thinking.
Rated R for language, violence, and gore.