***
Addictive thriller about a serial killer who targets entire families and a federal investigator with a knack for getting inside the heads of such monsters. Misses an extra star both for its tired conceit that hunter and hunted are essentially the same (which leads to some confusion as to how, exactly, we are supposed to respond to the murderer) and an ending that is as deflating as it is unbelievable. Introduces Hannibal Lecter (though he isn't the killer). Filmed twice, first as the excellent Manhunter (1986), directed by Michael Mann, then as Red Dragon (2002), directed by Brett Ratner. Followed by The Silence of the Lambs.
Addictive thriller about a serial killer who targets entire families and a federal investigator with a knack for getting inside the heads of such monsters. Misses an extra star both for its tired conceit that hunter and hunted are essentially the same (which leads to some confusion as to how, exactly, we are supposed to respond to the murderer) and an ending that is as deflating as it is unbelievable. Introduces Hannibal Lecter (though he isn't the killer). Filmed twice, first as the excellent Manhunter (1986), directed by Michael Mann, then as Red Dragon (2002), directed by Brett Ratner. Followed by The Silence of the Lambs.