New historical movie: Manhunt
“Manhunt” (2024) is a historical drama television series that meticulously chronicles the events following the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Set against the backdrop of one of the most turbulent periods in American history, the series delves into the intense manhunt for John Wilkes Booth, the infamous assassin, while exploring the broader political and social ramifications of Lincoln’s death on the nation’s future. The show features a nuanced portrayal of key historical figures, with Edwin Stanton, the Secretary of War, emerging as a central character who temporarily assumes presidential responsibilities during the crisis. Notable for its commitment to historical accuracy, “Manhunt” blends detailed period-specific production design with dramatic storytelling to create an immersive viewing experience. Creator Monica Beletsky and her team have paid meticulous attention to the visual and thematic authenticity of the Victorian era, from the gritty, lived-in feel of the sets to the intricate costumes that reflect the era’s realities. The series was primarily filmed in Savannah, Georgia, using its Civil War-era architecture to enhance historical authenticity, and includes recreated key locations such as Ford’s Theatre. The series does not shy away from exploring the broader implications of Lincoln’s assassination, particularly the political and social challenges of the Reconstruction era. It uses flashbacks and detailed character studies to provide context for the Confederate plot and the roles of various historical figures. This approach has been both praised and critiqued for its depth and complexity, which sometimes risks overwhelming viewers unfamiliar with the period. Public and critical reception of “Manhunt” has been generally favorable, with praise directed at its detailed storytelling, strong performances, and historical authenticity. However, some critics have noted the inclusion of fictionalized elements to enhance narrative engagement. Overall, “Manhunt” is recognized for its ability to dramatize a pivotal moment in American history while resonating with contemporary audiences.
Historical Context
“Manhunt” (2024) immerses viewers in the intricate aftermath of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, meticulously crafting a narrative that balances historical accuracy with dramatic storytelling. Set during one of the most pivotal moments in American history, the series explores the intense manhunt for John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln’s assassin, and the profound implications of the event on the nation’s future. The series portrays Edwin Stanton, the Secretary of War, as a central figure in the narrative. Stanton’s dramatic role in temporarily assuming presidential responsibilities in the immediate aftermath of Lincoln’s death is highlighted, emphasizing the weight on his shoulders during those crucial 12 hours when the United States had no conscious president. Stanton’s personal connection with Lincoln, shared grief over the loss of children, and his struggle with asthma before the advent of modern medicine are also focal points, providing a rich, nuanced portrayal of his character. A significant emphasis is placed on the visual and thematic authenticity of the period. Creator Monica Beletsky and her team took a bold approach to the production design, focusing on the ornamentation and intricate details of the Victorian era to create a relatable and immersive experience for modern audiences. This commitment to authenticity extends to the depiction of period-appropriate hygiene and the gritty, lived-in feel of the sets and costumes, contrasting with the often pristine representations seen in other historical dramas. Filming locations further enhance the historical authenticity of “Manhunt.” The series is primarily shot in Savannah, Georgia, which provides a rich backdrop with its Civil War-era architecture and lush landscapes. Key locations such as Ford’s Theatre and General Sherman’s headquarters are meticulously recreated, adding depth and historical resonance to the narrative. Additionally, scenes filmed in Philadelphia, including the interior of Ford’s Theatre recreated at the Miller Theater, enrich the series with a sense of historical accuracy and immersion. The series also delves into the broader implications of Lincoln’s assassination and the subsequent manhunt. It explores the political and social challenges of the Reconstruction era, reflecting on the nation’s struggle to rebuild and the bitter compromises that ensued. Through flashbacks and detailed character studies, “Manhunt” provides context for the Confederate plot and fleshes out characters who play crucial roles in the unfolding drama.
Key Episodes and Their Historical Basis
Episode 1: “The Assassination”
The premiere episode of “Manhunt” sets the stage by depicting the infamous assassination of President Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth. This episode carefully reconstructs the historical ambiance of Ford’s Theater, where Lincoln was fatally shot. Despite using the Miller Theater in Philadelphia for interior scenes, the series captures the essence of the period with remarkable accuracy. The dramatization adheres to the historical timeline, though it also incorporates fictional elements to enhance narrative engagement.
Episode 2: “The Immediate Aftermath”
In the second episode, the series dives into the immediate chaos following Lincoln’s assassination. The portrayal of Edwin Stanton, Lincoln’s war minister, and his immediate response to the crisis is a focal point. Tobias Menzies’ performance as Stanton is particularly notable for conveying the character’s sense of urgency and determination to capture Booth. This episode also touches on the emotional and political turmoil of the time, although some events are dramatized or altered for storytelling purposes.
Episode 3: “The Escape”
Episode three focuses on Booth’s flight from Washington, D.C., into the southern states. This part of the series showcases the various historical landmarks and terrains Booth navigated during his escape. The series highlights locations like Pulaski Square Park in Savannah, which is used to recreate the period scenery, adding an element of authenticity. This episode also begins to explore the potential Confederate conspiracy behind Booth’s actions, reflecting historical speculations and interpretations.
Episode 4: “The Conspirators”
In the fourth episode, the series delves deeper into the network of conspirators who aided Booth. This episode features a mix of real and fictionalized characters, focusing on their motivations and roles in Booth’s escape. The character development of figures like Mary Simms and Dr. Samuel Mudd is emphasized, adding depth to the historical narrative. The portrayal of these characters, while largely faithful to historical accounts, includes dramatized interactions to create a more compelling story.
Episode 5: “The Manhunt Intensifies”
The fifth episode portrays the intensification of the manhunt for Booth. It depicts Stanton’s strategic efforts to mobilize resources and personnel in pursuit of the assassin. Historical events such as the issuance of rewards and the coordination between military and civilian forces are accurately represented. However, the episode also introduces fabricated elements to heighten dramatic tension. This episode underscores the nationwide impact of the manhunt and the pressure on law enforcement to bring Booth to justice.
Episode 6: “The Capture”
In the penultimate episode, Booth’s capture is dramatized with a mix of historical fidelity and creative liberties. The series reconstructs the dramatic final moments leading to Booth’s death, showcasing the culmination of the manhunt. The episode captures the emotional and physical exhaustion of the characters involved, reflecting the historical record of Booth’s end while adding narrative flourishes to enhance viewer engagement.
Episode 7: “Aftermath and Legacy”
The final episode examines the aftermath of Booth’s capture and the broader implications of Lincoln’s assassination. It portrays the trials of the conspirators and the nation’s struggle to reconcile with the traumatic event. The series concludes by reflecting on the historical significance of Lincoln’s death and its lasting impact on American history.
Creative Decisions
The production of “Manhunt” involved several creative decisions that aimed to make the historical drama more relatable and visually engaging for modern audiences. Chloe Arbiture, the Emmy-nominated production designer, was responsible for designing over 200 sets for the series. She and her team focused heavily on the ornamentation, decoration, and detail characteristic of the Victorian era, to ensure that the visual elements contributed to a rich and human connection to the story. Arbiture highlighted that the use of color, texture, and intricate details played a crucial role in creating an immersive world, diverging from the typical sepia-toned, desaturated look common in many period pieces. The decision to portray the world of “Manhunt” as lived-in and gritty, rather than pristine and elegant, was intentional. This approach aimed to provide an authentic feel of the era, reflecting the hygiene and conditions of the time. The inspiration behind this choice came partly from historical photographs, such as the one showing the bed where President Lincoln died, which captured the stark reality of the era. Monica Beletsky, the creator and showrunner, also emphasized the importance of using various visual techniques to enrich the narrative. Flashbacks were employed to reveal characters’ motivations and psychological states, adding depth to the storytelling. Beletsky’s vision was to create a series that stood out by not shying away from the color, texture, and grit of the period, ensuring that the audience remained emotionally invested in the characters and their journeys. The casting of highly accomplished actors further bolstered the series’ ability to bring historical figures and their internal struggles to life. Tobias Menzies and Anthony Boyle, among others, delivered performances that balanced charisma and authenticity, crucial for portraying complex characters like John Wilkes Booth. Beletsky specifically sought actors with a strong command of language and a wide emotional range, which she believed was essential for conveying the power dynamics and wit prevalent in the pre-electronics era. In addition to the detailed sets and strong performances, the series aimed to explore both political and non-political aspects of the period, subtly addressing themes of American division and human treatment, making the narrative feel timely and relevant. Despite the challenges, including weather delays during filming in Savannah and the need to continually cast new roles, the team succeeded in creating a rich and engaging historical drama that honored the story they set out to tell.
Historical Consultation
The historical drama series “Manhunt” took significant steps to ensure period accuracy, focusing on elements like hygiene, sets, and costumes to create a lived-in, gritty atmosphere rather than a pristine and elegant one. The approach was inspired by a rare photograph of the bed where President Abraham Lincoln died, highlighting the limited domestic or criminal photography of the time, which was mostly reserved for portraits of important people. The initial research for “Manhunt” began with the figure of Edwin Stanton, who stepped in as acting president during the twelve hours following Lincoln’s assassination, before Andrew Johnson took over. Stanton’s close relationship with Lincoln, shared personal tragedies, and his struggle with asthma during a time before modern medicine made him a rich subject for a leading role in a cat-and-mouse thriller with John Wilkes Booth. The thorough research behind “Manhunt” is evident, with efforts to capture the significance of the manhunt for Lincoln’s killer and its impact on American history. This level of detail occasionally risked overwhelming viewers unfamiliar with the period. The series also connects past events with contemporary issues, highlighting how understanding historical figures and their actions can shed light on present-day political and social divisions. Creator and executive producer Monica Beletsky emphasized the extensive preparation by the cast and crew, including years of research and on-set consultations to ensure historical accuracy. Each scene was meticulously cross-referenced with historical records whenever possible, contributing to the series’ authenticity. The adaptation of James Swanson’s book “Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer” for the screen involved a lengthy process, taking almost eighteen years before the Apple TV+ miniseries premiered in 2024. Swanson’s lifelong fascination with Lincoln’s assassination and his collection of historical newspapers enriched the narrative and provided a profound understanding of the dramatic overnight change in American history following Lincoln’s death.
Challenges in Production
Creating the Apple TV+ series “Manhunt,” based on James L. Swanson’s book “Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer,” involved a series of significant production challenges. One major difficulty was ensuring the period drama accurately reflected the era, including its hygiene, sets, and costumes, making them feel gritty and lived-in rather than pristine and elegant. The production aimed for a sense of authenticity that is rarely achieved in historical dramas. The showrunner, Monica Beletsky, emphasized the need for a unique and standout vision for the series. The production team aimed to avoid the often-sepia-toned and desaturated look typical of many period pieces, opting instead for rich colors and textures to reflect the complexities of the time. The production designer, Arbiture, found this approach both exciting and challenging, given the many layers and details required to faithfully recreate the period. Another challenge was the large and rotating cast required for the narrative. Since John Wilkes Booth is depicted on the run, new characters had to be introduced in almost every episode. This necessitated constant casting efforts to ensure emotional payoffs and audience investment in a wide array of characters. Weather conditions also posed significant obstacles. The series was filmed in Savannah, Georgia, during hurricane season, leading to multiple weather-related delays. This added an extra layer of complexity to the already ambitious project, impacting the production schedule and logistics. Furthermore, filming took place on historically relevant sites to add to the authenticity. For instance, the assassination scene at Ford’s Theatre was shot on location at the Miller Theater, a historic venue in Philadelphia. This required meticulous planning and coordination to ensure historical accuracy while managing the practicalities of filming on location.
Public and Critical Reception
The television show “Manhunt” (2024) has garnered significant attention and diverse reviews from both the public and critics. Following its release, British newspapers were quick to praise the series. The Guardian highlighted the exceptional scripting and commended Clunes’s performance for its “fine work…fleetness and lightness of touch”. The Sunday Times lauded the series, emphasizing its expert storytelling: “The art of telling true stories without resorting to sensation or cliché was expertly showcased by Manhunt, a deftly constructed three-part dramatisation of the 2004 police pursuit of London serial killer Levi Bellfield”. A month later, the U.S. media reviewed the series more comprehensively. The Hollywood Reporter appreciated the meticulous depiction of investigative work, noting that “In Manhunt, there’s something likably precise in the old-school focus on how much boring paperwork, staff-wide effort and luck goes into piecing together a complex case,” and described the series as “keenly British”. The New York Times dubbed it “The hit of the year in Britain so far”. On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the show received an 87% approval rating with an average rating of 7.3/10 based on 46 critic reviews. The website’s critics consensus reads, “Dramatizing a flashpoint in American history with hot-blooded performances and contemporary resonance, Manhunt transcends the trappings of wax museum recreation to deliver addicting entertainment”. Metacritic assigned the series a score of 65 out of 100 based on 22 critics, indicating “generally favorable reviews”. Critic Angie Han specifically praised the series for its themes and the performances of the cast, contributing to the overall favorable reception.
