Focuses more on the decaying bureaucratic system in a crumbling Soviet Union then on the psychology behind one of history's most horrendous serial killers - "The Red Ripper" Andrei Chikatilo, who slaughtered over 80 young people during the 80's. It's very well acted and non sensationalist and rather scary as its all based on cold facts. Stephen Rea does an excellent job as does Donald Sutherland.

The film is overpowering in its ability to evoke the gloom and sadness that came with the discovery of each young victim. The one thing that stands out because of its awkwardness is that all the actors spout thick Russian accents though speak in English all the same.

I guess it couldn't have been any different as the film is an American production, but it is certainly weird watching supposed Russians speaking to each other in English, though with very theatrical eastern European accents.