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Michael Mann (Miami Vice, Heat) brings Thomas Harris’ novel Red Dragon to the big screen, introducing movie-goers to Hannibal Lecktor for the first time. Manhunter stars William Petersen (CSI) as an FBI profiler trying to stop a serial killer dubbed ‘The Tooth Fairy’ before he kills again. To stop the mad man, Petersen’s character decides to solicit the help of another mad man — the imprisoned Dr. Lecktor. Petersen is challenged with a lot of ‘thinking outloud’ monologues, but manages to carry the film admirably. Brian Cox and Tom Noonan leave strong impressions as Lecktor and the Tooth Fairy, respectively.

Michael Mann and director of photography Dante Spinotti wash the film in a vibrant, almost neon, color scheme, recalling the style of an Italian giallo film more than your typical Hollywood thriller. Mann is one of few commercial film directors who can get away with filling a studio film with so many stylistic grace notes. The framing and lighting are gorgeous, and there are a handful of shots that are mesmerizing, not the least of which is Petersen staring into the lens with seagulls flapping around behind him. The music is a bit less successful. The synthesized score by The Reds and Michel Rubini works mostly as counterpoint — beguiling at times, jarring at others — a bold, interesting choice, if not an entirely successful one.

For a hyper-stylized film, Manhunter is not without moments of depth. The director’s cut of the movie embellishes the inner conflict raging within Petersen’s character — if he continues to think like mad men, will he not become one himself?

With Kim Greist, Joan Allen, Stephen Lang, and Dennis Farina. Manhunter was re-made as Red Dragon in 2002.