Manhunter (1986) [Photo]

A single vintage press kit photograph from Michael Mann’s stunning thriller “Manhunter”, based on the original novel “Red Dragon”, written by Thomas Harris.

The film was largely overlooked at the time of its original release, which was somewhat down to financial difficulties at the production studio (DEG). This resulted in a limited marketing materials being produced and also a limited, shorter theatrical run than was originally anticipated.

About that name change

If you have ever wondered why the original title “Red Dragon” was not used for the motion picture, this is believed to be a decision made by the legendary producer of the film: Dino De Laurentiis. Having experienced a Box-Office flop with a prior release “Year of the Dragon” (1985), he was concerned that some cinemagoers might incorrectly assume that Red Dragon was a sequel – and give the film a miss!

As it turned out, Manhunter ended up being something of a disappoint too (in terms of ticket sales) – but has since gone on to achieve cult status amongst fans, some of whom consider it to be even better than the multiple Oscar-winning Lecter movie “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991)…

See also

• The Silence of the Lambs (1991) [UK]
• Hannibal (2001) [UK]
• Red Dragon (2002)