Up until now we have been discussing the topic of alchemy, and Jungian concepts such as the shadow and the anima, mainly within the context of The Silence of the Lambs. However, it can be observed that these topics apply to Manhunter also; in this post, we will see how these concepts are applicable to Will Graham.
Let us begin with the processes of alchemy. Will's nigredo occurs at the end of his meeting with Lecktor, at the institution in Baltimore, and for a short while thereafter: Recall that once the interview ends, Will runs down and out of the prison building frantically, as if he's in a state of extreme anxiety, and his vision is blurred for a short time once he's outside. The chaos of the event signifies the nigredo.
Above left and right: After his meeting with Hannibal Lecktor, Will Graham runs frantically out of the prison building, and is then shown in a state of anxiety once he reaches the outside. The overall experience of the meeting and its 'aftermath', comprise Will's nigredo.
Graham's shadow is represented by Hannibal Lecktor, since Will experiences his nigredo during the ending of his meeting with Lecktor (and for a short while after), as described above; recall that in alchemy, the nigredo is associated with the encounter with the shadow. Will's anima is represented by his wife, Molly.
