Citizen X

1995 "You don't want to know what he does... You just want to know when he's caught."
7.5| 1h45m| R| en| More Info
Released: 25 February 1995 Released
Producted By: HBO
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website:
Synopsis

Based on the true story of a Russian serial killer who, over many years, claimed victim to over 50 people. His victims were mostly under the age of 17. In what was then a communists state, the police investigations were hampered by bureaucracy, incompetence and those in power. The story is told from the viewpoint of the detective in charge of the case.

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Reviews

ThiefHott Too much of everything
Catangro After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.
Arianna Moses Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.
Kaelan Mccaffrey Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.
maggiemaggamuff-69556 I won't give any spoilers for this amazing film, but I'll say that if you have never seen Stephen Rea before, you'll really appreciate him as an actor in this particular film. I've seen him in a few films in the past, and always appreciated his work but somehow this gem of a film slipped by me until just now. He's simply stellar, and that puts it mildly. His input truly allows the viewer to experience his character's empathy. He should be given more parts in other films, I'd personally like to see him a lot more often. Anyway.. HE is the reason this movie is so excellent as it is. The film it's self, I give 9 stars. It was well written and directed. If you like thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, this is one for you. My taste in films is rather scattered and eclectic, and there are a few that stand out as timeless and I want to watch them again and again. This is one of those films.
amesmonde A forensic specialist Burakov goes on a hunt for the serial killer responsible for the mutilation and murder of over 50 people, 35 of them children.Although Chris Gerolmo's Citizen X is a made-for-TV film, it doesn't feel like it. Based on a true story, it has plenty of atmosphere and chilling moments. Especially when children vanish from train platforms. As well as being a cat and mouse serial killer film, it interestingly depicts the killer played by Jeffrey DeMunn, who is eerily believable as unassuming Andrei Chikatilo in his home and work environment. In contrast it also illustrates the pressure of the investigator, Viktor Burakov, wonderfully played by Stephen Rea in both his home and work life setting. Burakov finds himself not only in the middle of murders but also tied up in Soviet propaganda and bureaucracy where he forms an unlikely association with Mikhail Fetisov, played memorably by Donald Sutherland. The acting is first rate and also includes Max von Sydow.Opening in 1982, shot in Hungary its captures that European Soviet feel perfectly and the changing political landscape over of the many years of the red tape hampered investigation. As well as the serial killer, under resourced agents, politics there's also another layer around forensics and corruption.Overall, it's a chilling must see riveting watch.
SnoopyStyle It's 1982 in Soviet Russia. A serial killer is on the loose but few people care when a dumping ground of 8 bodies is found in the woods. Col. Mikhail Fetisov (Donald Sutherland) puts Viktor Burakov (Stephen Rea) in charge of the investigation despite being only a forensics man. He discovers 7 more bodies in the records of the previous incompetent investigator. Secretary of Ideology Bondarchuk (Joss Ackland) claims that there are no serial killers in the Soviet state since it's a decadent western phenomenon. Burakov is opposed by entrenched ideology, corruption and incompetence. Bondarchuk brings in Gorbunov (John Wood) from Moscow to lead the investigation and hunt down homosexuals. The killer is actually a nobody Andrei Chikatilo (Jeffrey DeMunn) who hunts along the train lines. In 1984, Burakov catches him at a train station but the blood test comes back negative and Bondarchuk gets him out as a good party member. With unending support of his wife (Imelda Staunton), Fetisov, psychiatrist Dr. Alexandr Bukhanovsky (Max von Sydow) and finally Perestroika, Burakov is able to catch Chikatilo in 1990.This is made with superior actors and a fascinating story. It's a great different side of a police procedural. Things don't go their way. The killer isn't caught after a short investigation. The beauty of the movie is Burakov's relentless pursuit. He won't give up despite having little support. Stephen Rea is impressive with a human performance and great supporting actors. The FBI story is heart wrenching. This is a superior TV movie.
Frank Dux TV movie above average, where the performances are acceptably good (taking for granted that the casting is not Russian nor Slavic) and the relations between them are fine too. Slow but safe rhythm, good ambiance of the soviet times in, in this case, Rostov na Donu. It shows some problems of that time and situation, the secrets and the need for being close and be capable of show great competence and look to big men of the Party.I would have like they had dug deeper in the figure of Andrei Chikatilo, Rostov's Butcher, which is lightly represented in the film, how I said the film is more focus on relations between, Rea and Sutherland.Random fact, thrash band Slayer (poor Hannemann) wrote a song based on this disgusting man called "Psychopathy Red".