About Citizen X (HBO)

"Citizen X" is an American made-for-television film released by HBO in 1995, which was directed by Chris Gerolmo. It offers a fictionalized account of the true story of a Russian forensic and investigative specialist, Viktor Burakov, in his long quest to capture the notorious serial killer, Andrei Chikatilo, also referred to as "The Rostov Ripper" or "Citizen X". Ranging over eight years from 1982 to 1990, the film explores the breadth of Burakov's relentless pursuit under the oppressive Soviet regime.

Making / Production

Based on the non-fiction book "The Killer Department" by Robert Cullen, "Citizen X" was a co-production between HBO and Cinemax. It was well directed by Chris Gerolmo and was shot in Hungary, standing in for the erstwhile USSR. The movie was praised for its realistic portrayal of the Soviet system and the obstacles Burakov had to face during his investigation.

Actors

• Stephen Rea as Viktor Burakov - Rea offers a remarkable performance as the persistent and devoted forensic specialist struggling against not just a serial killer, but also institutional bureaucracy.
• Donald Sutherland as Colonel Mikhail Fetisov - Sutherland plays the hardened but supportive superior officer who becomes Burakov's ally, masterfully portraying a complex character.
• Max von Sydow as Dr. Alexandr Bukhanovsky - Lends credible weight to the role of a psychiatrist who aids in building the psychological profile of the killer.
• Jeffrey DeMunn as Andrei Chikatilo - DeMunn's chilling portrayal of the real-life Soviet serial killer brings an eerie realism to the narrative.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie was based on real-life events, chronicling the longest and most prolific serial killing spree in Soviet history, perpetrated by Andrei Chikatilo.
• "Citizen X" was shot in Hungary as it was felt that it best replicated the Russian environment of the 1980s.
• Andrei Chikatilo, the real "Citizen X", was convicted for 53 murders, although he confessed to murdering 56 people.

Awards

The movie won several awards, including the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Made for Television Movie, and Donald Sutherland picked up the Best Supporting Actor award at the Golden Globes.

Quotes

• "A society that can't defend its children has no tomorrow." - Viktor Burakov
• "Killers always blink at the act of aggression. Always." - Dr. Alexandr Bukhanovsky
• "Politics make strange bedfellows, but justice turns a blind eye." - Colonel Fetisov

Music and Soundtrack

• The score for "Citizen X" was composed by Randy Edelman, who effectively created a haunting and atmospheric soundscape that added depth to the film's narrative.
• Edelman's score combines traditional Russian motifs with modern cinematic music elements for a unique and effective soundtrack.