Directed by:
Chris GerolmoScreenplay:
Chris GerolmoCinematography:
Robert FraisseComposer:
Randy EdelmanCast:
Stephen Rea, Donald Sutherland, Max von Sydow, Jeffrey DeMunn, Joss Ackland, John Wood, Radu Amzulescu, Imelda Staunton, Géza Balkay, László Váradi Balogh (more)VOD (4)
Plots(1)
Based on the true story of the hunt for the most savage and elusive serial killer on record. It started with eight bodies found murdered, raped and mutilated. A brilliant Soviet forensics expert (Stephen Rae) is put in charge of the case by his colonel (Donald Sutherland). But the investigation is buried under government red tape until a psychiatrist (Max von Sydow) is called in to create a psychological profile of the murder. With fifty-two victims to his name, the killer they call Citizen X finally takes shape before their eyes. (official distributor synopsis)
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Reviews (8)
The initial theatricality and static nature of the narrative gradually disappear, the actors stop overacting, bonds are formed between their characters, and the plot begins to step up smoothly and efficiently. And at the end of the film, you are holding your breath. It is just a pity that it’s a TV movie that cannot go too wild and, in an effort to protect the viewer’s sensibilities, omits the worst – cannibalistic – part of Chikatilo’s killing spree. A great role for Max von Sydow.
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An excellent affair for a TV flick. Although the film did not offer a more detailed analysis of the case, procedures with which the investigators came up or any points on which to rely, the creators on the other hand perfectly presented the atmosphere in the Soviet Union of the time and the bullshit with which they fooled the whole nation. There are also perfect performances delivered by everyone who appeared in the film: Stephen Rea, Donald Sutherland, Max von Sydow and Jeffrey DeMunn (especially the last one). Given that this film was funded by American money, it is quite objective. It all makes sense from start to finish. As soon as the mass murderer Andrei Chikatilo appeared on the screen, the suspense made me bate my breath. Moreover, some shots are absolutely amazing. This is a well-made execution of a strong story that is worth seeing.
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A topic as powerful as the pursuit and capture of one of history's most feared mass murderers understandably makes the acceptance of the film much easier, but it wouldn't be enough on its own if the film had a poor script and direction. Surprisingly, the creators restrain themselves from indulging in cheap depictions of horror in the American production, instead focusing on the psychology of the main characters and the slow progression of the investigation. Of course, the portrayal of Soviet reality in the film is not entirely authentic, and connoisseurs of the era may smirk a few times, but this won't bother the vast majority of viewers. Decent acting performances, quality direction, and good atmosphere. Overall impression: 75%.
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A film full of conflicts. On the one hand, its quite gripping, intellectually rich and brilliantly cast and acted, but also uneven and fragmented among potentially strong motifs that all deserve more attention. The film is carried by the premise itself, and the criticism of the Soviet state authorities also deserves praise, but it still leaves the aftertaste of the unexploited potential of the story about the worst mass murderer in Russian history, whose rage and personality the made-for-TV Citizen X fails to fully portray. 70%
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This chillingly gruesome recreation of the Rostov killer's rampage has succeeded. And yet the film concentrated mainly on facts and credibility and did not try to evoke a dark thriller atmosphere.... Or could it be that I was so impressed by this almost documentary-like coldness in the end? Stephen Rea and Jeffrey DeMunn are both excellent, Donald Sutherland and Max von Sydow are equally admirable, lots of scenes I'll never forget... For me, Citizen X is comparable to, say, The Boston Strangler or Zodiac. Five stars.
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