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)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)
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 real treat! I literally fell in love with the film after the first viewing. I've seen it many times since and it still holds its charm. Not only is it a great thriller, but it also shows the living conditions in the Soviet Union, a place I really wouldn't have liked to visit. But I love films about it (Burnt by the Sun, East/West). Stephen Rea as the totally overworked head of investigation is brilliant, but everyone is overshadowed by Donald Sutherland. You can tell he is really enjoying the role. Jeffrey DeMunn was also excellent and disgustingly convincing as Chikatilo. I can’t go below 5 stars.
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I really can’t believe I only stumbled upon this HBO film now, twenty-six years after its release! Citizen X delves deeply into a sensitive topic that plagued the Soviet Union in the 1980s and 1990s: the crimes of the serial killer known as "The Rostov Ripper," whose real name was Andrei Chikatilo. Few quality films have been made about him, and since I only knew his name, I welcomed this film with open arms. Technically, I have no complaints; HBO always delivers solid work, and that’s evident in every frame of Citizen X. The acting is captivating; while Jeffrey DeMunn's role is somewhat sidelined by the stellar performances of Stephen Rea and Donald Sutherland, it’s still impressive. The second half of the film picks up pace, offering both tense moments and emotionally charged scenes. My only gripe with a perfect rating is that, at times, it felt too Americanized and less authentic, but that’s something that can’t be helped. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed it. 8/10
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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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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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