On C List of Movie Reviews
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Citizen X (1995)
Rate:
9
Viewed:
5/06, 2/17
5/06:
When I say this for Citizen X, it's a compliment: I've never seen a film that tackles a subject as macabre
while being so damned funny.
One of the best I've seen on serial killers, the dry humor works throughout. Impeccable acting is
evident, and the three who shine the most are Donald Sutherland, Stephen Rea, and Joss Ackland.
Having the first two together is like a match and kerosene combusting together, and they both ignite the screen.
The writing is excellent, too, giving everybody great lines.
All in all, Citizen X is a phenomenal picture about a real-life Russian serial killer.
2/17:
Shot on location in Hungary, Citizen X is the story of how an infamous serial killer was captured in the USSR which
took numerous years because of the bureaucrats and limitations in technology and manpower.
What's not mentioned is that by virtue of investigating 150,000 citizens, the authorities incidentally solved more than 1,000
unrelated crimes including 95 murder and 245 rape cases. I suppose it's what you call "looking at the bright side of a
negative situation."
I'm not a fan of Stephen Rea, but he gives the performance of his career. Donald Sutherland is special. Sustaining the quality
of the cast, Max von Sydow, Joss Ackland, and Jeffrey DeMunn round out the rest.
Director Chris Gerolmo has done a great job with the screenplay, keeping me interested despite the frustrating
bureaucracy while men try their earnest best to catch the serial killer. He also makes me care about the lead characters who
have become unlikely heroes based on the hardships they've gone through.
All in all, Citizen X is a serious, straightforward serial killer picture that's far better than
The Silence of the Lambs.