TV Movie,Crime,Drama,History
United States of America
Citizen X is a 1995 HBO movie directed by Chris Gerolmo which tells the story of serial killer Andrei Chikatilo who was active in Soviet Russia during the 1980s. The movie is based on the book The Killer Department by Robert Cullen.
In the film, Stephen Rea plays Viktor Burakov, a detective in the Soviet Union who is tasked with finding the killer who has been murdering children and young women. While Burakov is dedicated to catching the killer, he faces resistance from his superiors who believe that there is no serial killer and that the murders are unrelated.
The investigation is further hampered by the political climate of the time, with Soviet authorities unwilling to acknowledge the existence of a serial killer due to the potential damage it could do to the country's reputation. Burakov is also hindered by a lack of resources and expertise in the field of criminology, having to rely on outdated methods and equipment to try and solve the case.
As the body count rises, Burakov begins to build a profile of the killer and uses DNA evidence to link the murders together. With the help of forensic expert Alexandr Bukhanovsky (played by Donald Sutherland), Burakov is finally able to identify and catch Chikatilo (played by Jeffrey DeMunn).
The movie is a tense and gripping portrayal of a fascinating true story. Citizen X highlights the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement in a totalitarian state, where political interests can often supersede justice. It also shows the dedication and perseverance of those who are committed to solving crimes against the most vulnerable members of society.
