MovieChat Forums > Manhunter (1986) Discussion > Willy/Kevin Book/Movie

Willy/Kevin Book/Movie

posted 10 years ago by adamjgallant
3 replies | jump to latest

I just finished reading the novel Red Dragon. A great book which I highly recommend to fans of this franchise who may not have yet got around to reading it.

In the novel, Graham's son is named Willy and is also not his biological son, but Molly's from a previous marriage. This was never something I picked up on in this film, or Red Dragon (although it has been awhile since I have seen that one). I am pretty sure as they do not reference Kevin (name change in Manhunter) having another father he was meant to be Graham's in this adaptation. I would be interested to know if anyone feels differently.

[–] Mickyfinn 10 years ago

In MH, its never said either way - which I say implies that Kevin is his biological son. If the intent is to show he is not, there has to be some sort of indication which there is not. In other words, 'biological' is the 'default' unless we are shown otherwise - which we are not.

It wouldn't come to mind to anyone who didn't read the novel (which I did).

You just have to be resigned-
You're crashing by design

[–] KrowbOy 10 years ago

The kid's name is changed from Willy to Kevin but Willy would sound so corny, can u imagine the scene where Kim Griest says "stay here with me...me and Kevin" being "stay here with me...me and Willy" you wouldn't be thinking of the scene itself u would be thinking "who the hell would name there child Willy".

[–] PoppyTransfusion 10 years ago

In Manhunter I think it's implied that Kevin is Will's son by virtue of their conversation in the supermarket. But it's never made explicit that he is the biological son.

A bird sings and the mountain's silence deepens.