Rating: 
Summary: The best "made-for-TV" movie I have seen
Review: Steven Rea is outstanding in his portrayal of a police forensic specialist who must piece together the clues as well as fight a system unwilling to admit it's own shortcomings. His ability to convey the complex emotions of his character through facial expression rather than dialogue is reason enough to watch the movie. A cameo by Max von Sydow as a psychologist willing to brave the criticism of his contemporaries in an attempt to develop an M.O. for the killer is most notable for it's keen insight into the mind of a serial madman. Donald Sutherland is actually quite entertaining as a communist aparatchik colonel who goes full circle with the changing climate. Jeffrey DeMunn, who has many supporting roles to his credit, is remarkable as the unassuming and pitiful murderer who manages to inspire revulsion as well as sympathy. Not action packed by today's standards; however, an excellent psychological thriller with deep and thought provoking glimpses behind an "Iron Curtain" few of us ever really understood. Had it been released in theaters rather than on HBO, it surely would have received praise akin to other notables such as "Silence of the Lambs." The story strictly focuses on character development. In allowing viewers the unique luxury of using their imaginations, it does not offend by relying on eye-candy and shock effects. It simply tells an interesting story. I couldn't wait for this one to come out on DVD!
Rating:
Summary: Disturbing Shocking Inspiring Terrifying Great
Review: In the Old Russia, bringing criminal charges against a member of the Communist Party were at best, difficult, and once you see this movie, you will understand just how difficult it really was. This is a true story about a serial killer in the former Soviet Union. Now, what made it even tougher on the investigator of this case was not just the fact that the person was a member of the Communist Party, but, also the Soviet's pride was a key issue in that they did not want to admit to the world that a Serial Killer might lurk in their country.
Stephen Rea plays Burakov, a man who is to be the detective in finding Citizen X, a violent serial killer who preys mostly on children. It's his dauntless task to seek out Citizen X with very few resources. Eventually, he has more aides to help him with this task, including a Russian Colonel played by Donald Sutherland.
In real life, 52 people were murdered in an 8 year span that ended in 1990. The murders were violent and gruesome. The movie coincides with this harsh reality in scenes that those with weak stomachs will have a hard time viewing. It's a film that is acted superbly and with Excellent writing and directing. It's an inspiring movie in that it shows determination on the part of the detective and his aides that eventually got them the person they had been looking for. There is no doubt that this is a 5 star movie.
Rating: 
Summary: Grim, gripping account of true-life serial killer
Review: CITIZEN X (USA 1995): Based on a true story. In 1980's Russia, a low-paid forensics expert (Stephen Rea) struggles against the paranoia and bureaucracy of his Communist bosses during the search for serial killer Andrei Chikatilo (Jeffrey DeMunn), who has tortured, killed and cannibalized dozens of young people and children over a period of eight years. Anchored by Rea's committed performance as the dogged pathologist-cum-detective who risked his reputation and livelihood in pursuit of Russia's most prolific mass murderer, CITIZEN X (a conflation of events outlined in Robert Cullen's book 'The Killer Department') points the finger of blame at an unyielding political system which allowed a monster to operate virtually unhindered for almost a decade. Veteran Brit actor Joss Ackland essays the role of a hardline Communist official whose allegiance to the State proves the single biggest obstacle to the apprehension of Chikatilo, while Donald Sutherland suffers manfully as the only high-ranking officer prepared to assist Rea's investigation, at great personal sacrifice. Writer-director Chris Gerolmo's bleak but compelling film marshals a wealth of information, conveyed for the most part through dialogue rather than action, as the body count rises and the authorities struggle to hide their secrets from the outside world. Crucially, Chikatilo is portrayed as a desperate man, trapped in appalling social conditions (he's regularly humiliated by workmates and lives with a shrewish, loveless wife), whose repressed emotions and psychopathic tendencies find expression in appalling acts of violence (depicted mostly in long shot, with the worst mutilations occurring off-screen). While the tone is generally grim, Gerolmo can't resist lightening the climax with typical Hollywood fripperies (cf. Rea's unlikely 'confrontation' with an angry crowd whose loved ones were murdered by Chikatilo), but that's a tiny lapse in an otherwise laudable production, which includes Max von Sydow in a small, but pivotal, cameo role. Technical credits are professional throughout, and performances are uniformly excellent. Viewers in search of quality drama shouldn't be deterred by HBO's no-frills DVD, which offers few significant extras, except for brief biographies of the principal players that don't really amount to very much. Picture quality is fine, and the soundtrack is entirely serviceable. 102m 57s
1.33:1 [original TV ratio]
Dolby Surround 2.0
Dolby Stereo [original sound mix]
Optional English subtitles and closed captions
Region 1
Rating:
Summary: As Good A Thriller As Any In Theaters Near You
Review: This is the best film never released to the general public. Produced for HBO, this movie tracks the true story of the hunt for the most prolific serial killer in Soviet/Russian history. The story focuses on the "detective", Burakov, (played by Stephen Rea) who dedicates himself to finding the killer that is stalking young children in the Soviet Union. Rea does an excellent job of bringing to life the character, who faces road blocks everywhere he turns from the Soviet government who refuse to admit they have a serial killer in their nation. Donald Sutherland plays the sympathetic superior to Rea's detective. As Rea fights an uphill battle to cut through bueracratic red-tape, Sutherland queitly works behind the scenes to smooth the waters for his less polically astute subordinate. Toghether, the two make headway in their increasingly tense search for the killer. The true depth of the friendship and respect they have developed is revealed late in the film, in a scene immediately after the Soviet government is replaced and Sutherland reveals the new resources available to them. One of the most poignant scenes in recent films, this moment defines the toll that this type of investigation takes on the investigator who undertakes to seek justice against all odds. Without saying a word, Rea manages to convey the deep emotions his character is feeling as his superior finally reveals the true admiration he has for the work his subordinate has done. Rea and Sutherland play their roles masterfully throughout this drama. The supporting cast is also excellent. Jeffrey DeMunn, Max Von Sydow, Mike Navrides and John Wood lead a group of actors who most will know by face but not by name and who provide excellent support throughout. DeMunn in particular is impressive as Chikatilo. It is a shame this film is seen in some circles as a "made for t.v. movie". If this movie had been released in the theaters, it would have earned similar praise to such thrillers as Silence of the Lambs or Seven. The story is first rate and keeps the viewer enthralled until the very end. Well acted, written and directed, Citizen X is a first rate thriller. If you missed it on HBO, don't miss it now.
Rating:
Summary: Citizen X is a masterful film experience....
Review: Unlike other reviewers, I don't believe that "Citizen X" would have been a major film hit in the USA, had it been released on the big screen instead of HBO. The tale, gleaned from the true crime novel, "The Killer Department" by Robert Cullen, translates beautifully to the small screen, and on the small screen, superior actors are given the roles that might have been played with less skill by big screen movie names. HBO original films live up to their reputation with this tale from 1995 that was just translated to DVD last year. The special features of the DVD are nothing spectacular, but this true life tale of a serial killer who raged in the Soviet Union for more than eight years is tragic and spellbinding. Director Chris Gerolmo plays the film not for its brutality, but for its tragedy and senselessness. Good investigators are stymied in the search for a monster (who kills mainly children) by the bureaucracy of the Soviet Union and the unwillingness of the Communist party to come to terms with the fact that this type of horror can exist outside the decadent west. While they are turning a blind eye, the death count mounts to nearly 50... Gerolmo is blessed with the chemistry between Donald Sutherland and Stephen Rea. Sutherland, here an urbane colonel charged with manning the forensics effort needed to find the killer,... Stephen Rea, best known for "The Crying Game", but a brilliant actor who chooses non-commercial roles, turns in the performance of his career as Burakov. His portrayal of the forensic scientist who, through instinct and determination nearly breaks the case,... A third brilliant performance is attained by Jeffrey DeMunn, as Chikatilo. His character was better outlined in the novel, which featured his trial, but DeMunn capitalizes on the portrait of a man who hates himself and his existence... DeMunn is a fabulous character actor who has spent much of his career in television... and who has recently won acclaim in small roles in quality films (Shawshank, Phenomenon, and as Harry Terwilliger in The Green Mile). You will feel entirely vindicated by the shocking and brutal way with which the Soviet Union deals with DeMunn's character once the crimes are proven. Citizen X is jarring, unsettling, and bleak in its tale of the evil that men do and the evil that is indifference and apathy. It has a permanent place on my DVD shelf.
Rating:
Summary: Superlative Thriller based on real-life events.
Review: I'm a big Jeff DeMunn fan, so where he goes so go I. Accordingly as HBO began to tease their upcoming made-for movie, Citizen X, I know nothing of a Russian serial killer, Andre Chikatilo (brilliantly played by DeMunn) nor filmmaker Chris Gerolmo who adapted and directed this tale under the made-for-HBO banner. I only know that if Jeff DeMunn is in it, it will be worth the watch. And it was...even more so. The story is true, of a dangerous Russian serial killer and molester of children, who's apprehension is delayed by a defensive Russian government. A government afraid to admit to themselves and to their people that such an animal can exist in Soviet Russia.(Chikatilo murdered 52 people) A brilliant cast: DeMunn, Stephen Rea, Donald Sutherland, and Max Von Sydow are supported by stark and stunning Eastern European landscapes, and a nail-biter of a story that will not turn you loose. Get out the popcorn and the pickles.
Rating:
Summary: work of art, truly amazing
Review: This film is amazing. Mainly because it is based on a true story about a real killer. I guess this keeps you on the edge of your seat most of the time. It also leaves you with a weird/sad feeling because you know all of it really happened. It's not just some fake movie made up to scare people and earn money. Over all the movie is made perfectly and flawlessly. With a cast of great actors too. This also helps to give the film a kind of realizm that you can only get from quailty actors. The movie is graphic and violent but very interesting at the same time. It really tells a indepth story of a everyday man living a seperate life as a serial killer. The movie is very impressive, not for the faint of heart of youngesters. With that said enjoy the film.
Rating:
Summary: Two of my favorite actors
Review: I have always loved both Donald Sutherland and Stephen Rea so it was a dream come true to see them together in such a great film. The movie is about how the ex U.S.S.R.'s soviet government couldn't admit that the perfect Russian society they had created could produce such a thing as a serial killer and was therefore quite unable to catch him - how can you find a solution when you are not allowed to acknowledge that the problem exists? But a relatively unimportant man, through mind boggling perseverance and patience, never gives up on catching the murderer. Superbly done.
Rating:
Summary: Super Movie.
Review: I dont know why this never made it on prime time tv, I seen it late night on 2 occasions. It kept me riveted both times.
Far better than any US movie of its kind.
Rating:
Summary: NOT JUST OUR PROBLEM
Review: Two things induced me to watch this film. One was that it intrigued me how serial killers can get away with it for so long. Britain's own most steadfast practitioner, the final count of whose victims, correct to the nearest hundred, has still to be determined, was the chairman of the parent/teacher association at the school my children attended, stepping down from his post the year before my elder first went there, so the issue was to that extent rather close to home. Britain, I thought, was one thing - we have been short of police for quite a while. The Soviet Union, I thought, was surely quite another. Whatever its shortcomings, I never heard of lack of police being one of them. My other motivator was to try to get a feel for how the investigation and prosecution was conducted in a totalitarian state. My belief in democracy is unwavering, but where public interest is aroused it is getting more and more difficult to understand how an impartial jury can be assembled. Less of a problem where news is subject to official control, I imagined. The first thing I commend about this film is that it does not try to keep fighting the cold war. There are no heavy lessons in the virtues of Freedom and Democracy. The parties involved, even regrettably the killer Chikitilo himself, were ordinary sorts of people behaving much as one might expect in any stable society. We get a reminder of where all this is going on when Stephen Rea as the reluctant but dogged investigator expresses anxiety to his wife that he could be called for in the small hours, but the film sticks to its brief of telling a story rather than preaching or philosophising. The story is horrific indeed, but there are no gratuitous cheap tricks or effects, not even in my opinion the memorable shot of Chikitilo after the murder of the child by the railway line. Chikitilo is a very unremarkable shabby balding little man with glasses carrying a brown bag around. The inclusion of Donald Sutherland (as the senior army officer) always recommends any film to me, but it is Joss Acland as the fanatical-eyed party boss who steals the show. Now having seen the film, I don't think I'm really a lot clearer how the offender managed to continue offending for so long. He had been arrested on suspicion, questioned and released years before he was finally nailed. One scientist has advanced a theory that he had blood and semen of different types, a theory I have never heard of since. The film ends with the killer's execution, and the unresolved puzzles are briefly summarised in a text footnote before the final credits. This does not purport to be any 'great' film, but it is admirably clear about what it is trying to do, which is to tell a story of obvious interest in its own right, but also, sadly, a story of a type that is far too familiar and that leaves too many questions unanswered. Rating it simply for what it sets out to be and do, I would call it a 5-star product.
| 
