Citizen X (TV 1995)

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 Communist state, ... See full summary »

Director:

Chris Gerolmo

Writers:

Robert Cullen (book), Chris Gerolmo (teleplay)

Stars:

Stephen Rea, Donald Sutherland, Max von Sydow

Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 9 wins & 11 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Stephen Rea	...	Lt. Viktor Burakov
Donald Sutherland	...	Col. Mikhail Fetisov
Max von Sydow	...	Dr. Alexandr Bukhanovsky
Jeffrey DeMunn	...	Andrei Chikatilo
Joss Ackland	...	Bondarchuk
John Wood	...	Gorbunov
Radu Amzulescu	...	Federenko
Imelda Staunton	...	Mrs. Burakova
András Bálint	...	Ignatiev
Géza Balkay	...	Procurator
László Váradi Balogh	...	Peasant
Zsolt Biro	...	Older Gay Man
Ion Caramitru	...	Tatevsky
Balázs Csapo	...	Gayy Partner
Imre Csuja	...	Front Detective

Storyline

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 Communist 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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Plot Keywords:

serial killer | bureaucracy | detective | investigation | train | 

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Taglines:

8 years. 52 victims. 1 killer.

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Genres:

Biography | Crime | Drama | History | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong, graphic violence and related language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 February 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ciudadano X

Filming Locations:

Budapest, Hungary

Company Credits

Production Co:

Asylum Films, Citadel Entertainment, Home Box Office (HBO)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (DeLuxe) Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

Near the beginning of the film, Burakov, a forensic scientist, is peering through a microscope. The mirror for reflecting light is under his chest, blocking the light. The microscope is always used with the mirror away from the body, so light reflected from the mirror can illuminate the specimen from underneath.

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Quotes

Bondarchuk: There is no serial killer in the Soviet state.

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Connections

Featured in The 47th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (1995)

User Reviews

Together with Silence of the Lambs, this is the best movie about a serial killer.

Citizen X tells the story of Andrei Chikatilo, The Ripper of Rostov, who killed 52 people in 8 years time, mainly women and children. It shows how the investigation was obstructed by Soviet bureaucracy, how hard it was to investigate the crimes. It does the job in such a brilliant way that it will leave no-one untouched. In the beginning it's perhaps a little bit slow of pace, but it really grabs you as the story unfolds. I can only say that, next to "The Silence of the Lambs", this is by far the best movie about a serial killer I've ever seen.

It is very hard to say which actor's performance stands out above the rest in this movie. Stephen Rea is really brilliant as the inexperienced forensic expert who is put in charge of the investigation. Donald Sutherland's performance as his cynical superior, and the only person in the Russian government willing to help him, is as outstanding as Rea's. And what to say about Jeffrey DuMann, playing the serial killer? DuMann brilliantly created a character who inspires empathy rather than hatred. Yes, he is a monster, but he is also a sad figure, oppressed and ridiculed by his wife, his boss, his co-workers... He is tortured, ashamed, as well as extremely vicious.

I can only recommend this movie to everybody who's interested in a well-made docu-drama, where the actors are still more important than the special effects. It deserves at least a 9/10, perhaps even more if you ask me.