To Catch a Killer
- Director: Eric Till
- Writer: Jud Kinberg
- Producer: Peter Filion; Richard O. Lowry
CGiii Comment
If you know the story then this is a long, drawn out affair.
The only reason to watch this is for Dennehy and, even then his characterisation is a little brash to fully appreciate how sinister Gacy really was.
Gacy's charm and likeability were factors that protected him for so long - in this film, Gacy is a thuggish bully - which was not the case.
Since it is such a well-known case - little in the film keeps this from being dull.
Obviously, the restraints it has due to being a TV movie forbids any grotesque scenes from being shown therefore it gives the director the opportunity to really get inside such a character.
Unfortunately, Till only scratches at the surface and is most definitely not helped by a flat and uninspired script.
The voice-over at the end is a ridiculous addition to a thoroughly dismal film.
Don't waste 3 hours of your life.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
"To Catch a Killer" tells the true gruesome story of John Wayne Gacy - a good friend and helpful neighbour, a great child entertainer, a respectful businessman, and a violent serial killer who raped and murdered over 30 young boys.
Cast & Characters
Brian Dennehy as John Wayne Gacy;
Michael Riley as Lieutenant Joseph 'Joe / Polock' Kozenczak;
Margot Kidder as Rachel Grayson;
Meg Foster as City Attorney Linda Carlson;
Martin Julien as Theodore 'Ted' Koslo;
Scott Hylands as Delta Squad Sergeant Mike Paxton;
David Eisner as Detective Terry Williams;
John Boylan as Detective Gary Atkins;
Tony De Santis as Delta Squad Detective Craig DeMarco;
Mark Humphrey as Delta Squad Detective King;
Gary Reineke as Delta Squad Detective Leonard 'Lenny' Petrie;
Tim Progosh as Delta Squad Detective Jack Morris;
Danny Pawlick as Patrolman Tony Santori;
Bruce Ramsay as Forensic Officer Edward 'Ed' Bragg;
Brenda Bazinet as Alice Pearson