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

The film spans twelve years, yet Lt. Viktor Burakov's children don't age.

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Quotes

Burakov: You handled him quite deftly.
Fetisov: I've had it. I will not suffer that stupidity anymore!
Burakov: He may be stupid, but he's in charge.

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Connections

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

User Reviews

One of the best movies I've ever seen about a serial killer

This has to be one the best movies about serial killers that I've ever seen, and this is coming from someone who absolutely loved Silence of the Lambs. HBO has hit the jackpot here. This film is compelling from the first moment until the last.

This film has so many underlying themes its hard to tell exactly what it is about. It chronicles the decade-long search for the Russian serial killer Andrea Chikatilo. Stephen Rea gives a brilliantly reserved performance as the inexperienced forensic expert who is put in charge of the investigation, and Donald Sutherland gives an even more involving performance as his cynical superior, and the only person in the Russian government willing to help him. Both of their performances are subtle masterpieces---Rea begins naive and unwilling to compromise, while Sutherland begins detached and almost amused by the situation. Towards the end, Rea becomes more world-weary and beaten by the system, while Sutherland finds himself more passionate and idealistic.

In any other movie, I would have said that Sutherland's performance stands out above the rest, but here even it is rivaled by Jeffrey DuMann, as the serial killer himself. DuMann brilliantly creates a character here who inspires empathy rather than the hatred we think we would find---he is a monster, but he doesn't want to be, and we get the idea that he is just as disgusted with what he does as we are. He is tortured, ashamed, but vicious as well.

If you can take the incredibly dark subject matter, (and it is *very* disturbing), then you should see this movie.