momop1
This contains spoilers if you know nothing about John Wayne Gacy.From what I know the story is pretty well accurate, and the movie in general is a good piece of work, however it would be great if it were not for the portrayal of Gacy. I am not an expert on serial killers however I do know that John Wayne Gacy was a lovable and charming man until it came down to his actual act of murder. I can get passed the idea of the lone heroic cop who knows the truth because it is more entertaining, yet I feel Brian Dennehy's choice to react in such an angry way to this cop's investigations as completely out of character to Gacy. Gacy was a groomer, policeman who were watching him during his time under house arrest said that they "had to keep reminding themselves that he is a murder suspect". Anyone who knew him said he was the last person they could ever think to be a murderer.Gacy should have been portrayed as the most normal and lovely human being when it comes down to him in scenes with others who aren't his victims. That way seeing him switch off into his serial killer state of mind would have been more shocking to watch and in my opinion more entertaining. That was the real John Wayne Gacy.
slimebitch
This is one of my favorite serial killers. John Wayne Gaycy is one of the most evil serial killers who ever existed in my opinion and Brian Dennehy makes him Gacy look good. The story and acting is outstanding. To bad these kind of movies aren't made today, but this you don't want to miss so if you haven't seen "To catch a killer" already, please see it! It is hard to believe that Eric Till who directed this movie has also directed "Fraggle Rock" and "A Muppet Family Christmas". It's 2 different categories, but Eric did a great job directing "To catch a killer". I have always loved true stories about serial killers and this is absolutely one of the best movies, based on a true killer that I have ever seen. I would gladly give this 10/10, but probably because Brian does such a convincing job. I really wish there were new of these good old movies made. But today most of the movies are not all to good I am afraid. It was like watching "Dahmer" from 2002 after seeing "The Secret Life: Jeffrey Dahmer" from 1993. It's really quite a difference. Anyway, do see "To catch a killer". It is really one of the best movies ever made.
MarieGabrielle
Brian Dennehey BECOMES John Wayne Gacy, as you watch this film you can only imagine the horrible fate of the victims.The beginning starts out with Robert Piest, well portrayed, who is picked up by Gacy for construction work (this was his method of trolling for young boys). Gacy owned his own contracting company in Des Plaines, Illinois.The actress who is Piest's mother is heart-rending; as she pleads with the police to take her son's disappearance seriously. In the Chicago area a missing person is nothing new, but it was her birthday and Rob never showed up. ..." He would never run away from home... he is not that type of boy"..., she mentions, and Detective Joe Koczenczak (very well portrayed by Michael Riley) takes notice of the situation.Dennehey is superb, when the police first visit Gacy's house in Des Plaines, we can feel the menacing evil and rage simmering just below the surface. Gacy shows the police his pictures with Rosalynn Carter, his promotion as manager of Kentucky Fried Chicken, and his "commendations" for contributions to local police and firefighters (a fixation common among sociopaths; they are very high functioning, and socially enjoy manipulating authority figures).Gacy also apparently used drugs to lure young men to his house, there are several scenes where he uses Qualuudes, and the detectives are following him, realizing the extent of his social connections. What is so horrifying is that, on the surface, Gacy was a well-liked businessman who had many friends. He was not a reclusive psycho who stood out in the crowd.As Detective Koczenczack becomes more frustrated trying to mount evidence against Gacy he is thwarted many times by D.A. Meg Foster, who cannot make a case if Gacy's rights are violated. The case is interesting and disturbing all the more so because it is true. Margot Kidder also has a cameo as a psychic, who relays to Koczenzack that there are many, many more victims; this will not be an easy case.The soundtrack at the end, as they are searching for more victims, and pan out over the cemetery, is very haunting. So sad for any of the parents and young men who were affected by this monster, John Wayne Gacy, who was executed in 1994.
