Citizen X

Brrr, die eklig schauerliche Rekonstruktion vom Toben der Bestie von Rostow ist gelungen. Dabei hat sich der Film vor allem auf Fakten und Glaubwürdigkeit konzentriert. Er hat nicht versucht, eine düstere Thriller-Stimmung zu schaffen… Oder war es gerade diese dokumentarisch kalte Auffassung, die mich so beeindruckt hat? Stephen Rea und Jeffrey DeMunn sind ausgezeichnet, Donald Sutherland und Max von Sydow muss man auch bewundern. Im Film gibt es viele Szenen, die ich nie vergessen werde… Für mich persönlich ist Citizen X mit – sagen wir mal – The Boston Strangler oder Zodiac - Die Spur des Killers vergleichbar. Deshalb bekommt er von mir fünf Sterne. (17.03.2012)

Der anfängliche theatralische und statische Charakter des Erzählens verschwindet allmählich, die Schauspieler*innen hören mit dem Übertreiben auf, zwischen den Figuren entstehen Beziehungen und die Handlung steigert sich zügig und wirkungsvoll. Und am Ende atmet man nicht. Schade, dass es sich um einen TV-Film handelt, der sich zurückhalten muss und nicht den schlimmsten – kannibalischen – Teil von Tschikatilos Verhalten präsentiert. Eine hervorragende Rolle für Max von Sydow. (20.02.2015)

An excellent affair for a TV flick. Although the film did not offer a more detailed analysis of the case, procedures with which the investigators came up or any points on which to rely, the creators on the other hand perfectly presented the atmosphere in the Soviet Union of the time and the bullshit with which they fooled the whole nation. There are also perfect performances delivered by everyone who appeared in the film: Stephen Rea, Donald Sutherland, Max von Sydow and Jeffrey DeMunn (especially the last one). Given that this film was funded by American money, it is quite objective. It all makes sense from start to finish. As soon as the mass murderer Andrei Chikatilo appeared on the screen, the suspense made me bate my breath. Moreover, some shots are absolutely amazing. This is a well-made execution of a strong story that is worth seeing. (03.08.2013)

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%. (21.06.2006)

I caught up with this classic starring Donald Sutherland about the notorious Soviet serial killer Chikatilo, who murdered 52 people, most of them children. For a TV movie, Citizen X is a nice surprise. We follow the multi-year hunt for Chikatilo, who managed to terrorize the children of the Soviet Union for eight years. There may not be explicit violence, but there’s a chilling atmosphere throughout the film and those who like serial killer movies shouldn't hesitate regardless of the year. A high quality and engaging biographical thriller that will continue to captivate even today. Story****, Action>No, Humor>No, Violence*, Entertainment****, Music***, Visual****, Atmosphere****, Suspense****. 8/10. (18.09.2020)