Citizen X
Being a fan of horror and movies about serial killers, I had to check out Citizen X.
This is based upon the search and capture of Russian serial killer Andrei
Chikatilo. Told from the viewpoint of the forensics expert tracking him, it
provides insight not only into the mind of the killer but into Soviet Russia
as well. The biggest antagonist in the movie isn't the killer but the
Soviet bureaucracy. Pride prevents the government from announcing a killer
in on the lose because serial killing is a "western" phenomena and something
that just does not occur in Russia.
The acting is superb in this film and the film quality truly conveys the
hardship of the country (I can't really explain what I mean by this but if
you watch it you'll understand). This movie gets you so vested in the agent
tracking the kiler that you share in his successes and feel his failure.
Most movies about serial killer told from the FBI or government point of
view bore me. I find myself thinking, "Ok, now show me some blood or some
dismemberment. Something to make me feel like there really is a killer
here." This movie however makes you feel the anxiety and frustration that
comes with an illusive killer and the lack of resources to catch him. It
had enough interaction between the police stuff and the killers techniques
to keep me intrigued and interested.
If you are interested in serial killers but don't typically like the
slasher-style way in which most of their stories are told, check out Citizen
X. Think CSI and Silence of the Lambs. I would give Citizen X an overall
grade of A.
Grade breakdown as follows:
Story: A. The story of this Russian killer is the stuff movies are made of,
glad to see it come to fruition.
Acting: A+. All the acting was superb.
Visuals: A. I felt the dirt, grime and disgust associated with the country
and story.
Originality/Innovation: A. Nothing too inventive but the filming conveyed
the story beautifully.
Enjoyability grade: A. If you are interested in the topic, this movie is well worth seeing.
Overall grade: A+. Kept my attention and my focus.
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