As soon as words – “Manhunter” and “Bomber” hits our ears, we automatically presume a man-hunting story where they chase a bomber and gun him down. But that sort of thing is almost too predictable and not per the standards of Discovery Channel Productions.
So what makes the storytelling gripping other than the fact that it is based on true events?
It’s sheer neutrality.
It is probably one of the few miniseries without a single black and white line between good and bad. The truth surpasses the fact that Theodore John Kaczynski, a mathematical prodigy with IQ 168 was a bomber. It sheds light on the dark history of Henry Murray, a Harvard psychologist involved in the ethically questionable activities within Harvard premises with Ted as one of his experiments.
It is a story of real human empathy and the sufferings of a brilliant and sensitive mind. It shows the picture of a real world, real dreams, real aspirations and real betrayal. It points out, almost subtly, the sense of entitlement among intellectuals and how an expected raise or a promotion is more important than getting the job done, which in this case is to narrow down the Unabomber suspect list. Rats!
Above all, it is an attempt to understand human nature and things that shape our cores; somethings as taken for granted as language.
It would be incomplete if I don’t mention Paul Bettany who clearly shines out! He has embodied Ted Kaczynski, his ideals, his work, his way of living! Seldom do actors dive this deep into a character.
I hate to give out a story while writing a review but in this case it is pretty difficult to describe the story withour slightly lifting the curtain. A small peak, perhaps into our lives?
Originally posted on Blogger on Feb 05, 2018
