IHR induction #47: "Citizen X" (1995, Chris Gerolmo)

Apart from the horror genre, the "serial killer" film is practically a genre unto itself. In the two decades since Anthony Hopkins slithered his way into our hearts as the lovable Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter, there have been scores of imitations/ripoffs depicting multiple murderers as quasi-heroes and/or inherently much more creative than your typical deviant psychopath. John Doe and Jigsaw are the two names that spring immediately to mind; heady, intelligent men who kill not because the addiction that real-life serial killers have, but rather because of some moral stance or revenge.

Of course, as facts go (and this is coming from somebody who has done quite a bit of research on the subject), this quite literally COMPLETELY untrue and unrepresentative. Most serial killers are of above average intelligence, not the genius level required to pull off some of the crazy contraptions that Tobin Bell rigs up in the Saw series. In addition to that, their motivation for killing is often sex-based; the compulsion burns inside during a "heating up" period as the individual begins fantasizing and dreaming about their next victim, eventually being overcome by the desire and exploding in a fury of violence. This is most definitely the profile for one Mr. Andrei Chikatilo, a.k.a. "The Rostov Ripper" and the focus of the film "Citizen X." In the annals of high crime, Chikatilo's acts - which included not only mass murder, but cannibalism and pedophilia - rank right up there with the luminaries (and if you ever want to really creep yourself out, google the name "Albert Fish").

This is definitely not a movie for everybody. The reason? This is one of the most FRUSTRATING and downright difficult films you're ever likely to see, and not in the "Saw" torture porn "OMG is this really happening?" way, but because of its ability to endear its characters to the viewer and truly make the audience feel for their plight. Due to circumstance, they are unable to do this for the vast duration of the movie. More on that later.

Flash back to the early '80s. Setting: Soviet Russia. A farmer is plowing his fields when he spots the image that you're seeing above staring back up at him. The body in question winds up in the possession of Victor Burakov (Stephen Rea, in one of my favorite performances ever - he is infinitely likable in this role, and is fantastic in dialing up the emotion and desperation that the part requires), the region's forensics investigator. On his command, several of his assistants comb the nearby forest for further evidence, and much to everyone's shock return to the morgue with seven more dead bodies - all of them children.

Word of warning - "Citizen X" is a slight message movie, although I don't think it will offend the sensibilities of anyone reading this review or watching the movie. It becomes apparent very early on that Burakov is not in for an easy investigation. Every one of his recommendations for the case are flat-out denied by the Soviet government, and the reason for this is because, according to strict Communist doctrine, serial murder is strictly a result of Western decadence and is impossible in a people's paradise. Time and time again throughout the course of the film (and throughout EIGHT YEARS in real-life, kids), Rea shows up before his superiors, begging for more manpower, more funds, more technology, and time and time again he is told that he is chasing a man who doesn't exist. All the while, the bodies continue to pile up...

While the movie is about the acts of Andrei Chikatilo, it's the investigators who really take top billing in "Citizen X." Still, the role of Chikatilo was absolutely crucial; some of his murders are shown in intimate detail, from the planning stage to the act of snaring an unsuspecting child to the actual act of killing, and the entire film hinges on having the correct individual play this psychopath. Jeffrey DeMunn, a character actor known as one of Frank Darabont's favorites and a horror veteran, devastates as the guy causing the immense headache for the Soviet bureaucracy. In fact, DeMunn does such a good job in the role that at times we feel sympathy for him; he is shown in some of his quieter life moments - through DeMunn's mannerisms and facial expressions, we can sense what a weak and troubled person he is. Then, in the next scene, he is cannibalizing a young girl. This is some movie, I tell ya.

Finally, on the character front, Donald Sutherland appears in an award-winning performance as Colonel Fetisov, a high-ranking member of the military who is concerned only with his standing in the Party at the beginning of the film. The film's true power "Citizen X" lies in the development of the relationship between Rea and Sutherland. As the years tick by, Fetisov undergoes a transformation, going from one of the staunchest critics of the investigation of the murders into the person who stands up most for Victor Burakov's pleas for more aid. It also doesn't hurt that the two actors have amazing chemistry together - every scene they share is a sight to behold.

As a movie that made its way into the public spotlight via HBO, this is a flick that is rarely talked about when the great serial killer and/or horror movies are discussed. Make no bones, this is a film that deserves to be in the conversation. You'll rarely see a movie with actors as perfectly matched to their counterparts (nonfictional as they are), with a script as underivative, and with a true-life story so brutally and honestly told. It's got more than its fair share of blood and guts to sate any horror fan, but "Citizen X" isn't a movie for the gore hound crowd. It will make you think, it will frustrate the hell out of you at times, and it will make you feel uneasy...but you won't be bored. Not by a long shot.