Serial killers are often viewed as a phenomenon that sets the USA apart from other countries in the world. The sad truth is that human depravity knows no national boundaries, and serial killers can be found in every corner of the world. The only difference lies in how the media handles these issues - someone who kills a few housewives in an average American neighborhood is more likely to be the subject of a TV film than someone who butchers hundreds of children in some remote Third World country. It takes a particular set of circumstances for a non-American serial killer to become the subject of an American film. One rare example is the title character of Citizen X, a 1995 HBO docudrama written and directed by Chris Gerolmo.
Based on the book Killer Department by Robert Cullen, the plot revolves around a man who was believed to be the world's most prolific serial killer. Set in early 1980s Rostov, Southern Russia, the film follows Lieutenant Burakov (played by Stephen Rea), a forensic pathologist within the Soviet Militia, as he tries to solve a series of gruesome murders. When Burakov concludes that the murders are the work of a serial killer and requests additional resources, his superiors dismiss his claims, believing that serial killers only exist in capitalist countries like the USA. Meanwhile, Andrei Chikatilo (played by Jeffrey De Munn), a seemingly mild-mannered man, continues his heinous crimes. As the body count rises, Burakov becomes increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress and the ineptitude of the Soviet bureaucracy. His superior, Colonel Fetisov (played by Donald Sutherland), encourages him to persist in his investigation.
Unlike many American films saturated with Cold War stereotypes, Citizen X offers a compelling case against Communism through a police procedural lens. The film challenges the notion that Soviet citizens traded personal freedom for security, exposing the system's failures in confronting new challenges. The cast delivers strong performances, with Stephen Rea's portrayal of Lieutenant Burakov standing out as a career highlight. Donald Sutherland shines as Colonel Fetisov, showcasing a character arc from bureaucratic villain to a fighter against the system. Max von Sydow and Jeffrey De Munn also deliver noteworthy performances.
While the film's direction may have some shortcomings, Citizen X remains a hidden gem from the 1990s, offering an intelligent and thought-provoking take on a familiar subject. The film's depiction of Soviet reality, coupled with stellar performances, makes it a compelling watch.
Rating: 7/10 (+++)
(Original text posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on February 1st, 2003)
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