These pin-sharp screen grabs come from the region 2 double-disc "Special Edition" of Manhunter.
- 2x photographs of Petersen in James Foley's "Fear" (1996)
1. The Performer
Prior to finally hitting the jackpot with the international TV phenomenon "Crime Scene Investigation" (CSI), it was something of a mystery as to why actor William L. Petersen had not received more recognition for his acting talents.
For many fans, Petersen's performance as retired FBI expert detective Will Graham is nothing short of perfection. Absorbing and intense throughout, he provides us with the kind of flawed hero who we can believe in. Anything but a super hero though - Graham's brilliance is his mind, much like his nemesis in 'Red Dragon' - Dr. Lecktor
Petersen was also impressive starring as Richard Chance in William Friedkin's explosive crime drama "To Live and Die in L.A." (1985) - minus the beard he grew for Manhunter just one year later! During the 1990's, Petersen seemed to shun the Hollywood career path, in favour of live performances on the theatre stage.
Occassional he could be seen on the big screen however, usually in small roles (notable examples being brief appearances in 'Mulholland Falls', 'Fear' and the 'The Rat Pack' TV movie)
The picture to the above
shows a scene from the rare Director's TV cut of
Manhunter, showing Will in pretty bad shape after
his pursuit of the Red Dragon. The scene was cut from
the theatrical (cinema) release, a decision which was apparently against
the wishes of Director Michael
Mann (as suggested in the "Hannibal Files" book)
The Director's TV cut was finally made available to own on VHS (widescreen) and DVD as a part of the excellent double DVD edition from Anchor Bay Entertainment (sadly this release is now Out Of Print in all formats).
Caption: Original rare press still, showing a scene from Mann's long-time "lost" Director's Cut of the film.
2. The Character
[information about the character to appear here soon]
3. Trivia
- William Petersen's on-screen debut was in Michael Mann's earlier crime classic "Thief" (1981)
- As actor and producer of CSI, Petersen invited Manhunter villian Tom Noonan to Guest Star in an episode (an offer that Noonan accepted!).
Internal Links_
- "To Live and Die in L.A." - Stunning 1985 press-kit promotional photograph.
- "To Live and Die in L.A." - Rare photograph of Bill with William Friedkin on-set (circa. 1984-85).
- "To Live and Die in L.A." - Press Kit photograph of William L. Petersen as Richard Chance.
External Links_
- www.williampetersen.net - The original Fan-Site [no longer updated]
- William L. Petersen page on The Imdb
- William L. Petersen page on Wikipedia
- William L. Petersen biography page on Yahoo! movies
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