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.
Syl
I'm sure Brian Dennehy must have hated doing this role portraying sadistic, cruel serial killer, John Wayne Gacy. In this film version of the events that led to his capture and the revelations of the thirty plus lives that he tortured and murdered and kept as souvenirs to remember. Dennehy gives a performance that is both riveting and frightening and yet we can't wait to see what he does next. Especially when he's trapped by the law and being followed everywhere, still trapped in the closet, he refuses to describe himself as homosexual. Gacy was truly a hated individual who nobody missed now or ever. Dennehy deserves an Emmy for his portrayal because he tries to bring a heart to a heartless villain of a character. In reality, Gacy was the bogeyman that we children feared. Margot Kidder is memorable as the psychic who sees the horror at the home. THe mini-series is worth watching to see a great American actor like Dennehy turn this role into a winner.
valiumplease
This movie stunk almost as bad as I imagine Gacy's crawlspace did. It was just so pathetic and I have a hard time believing half of the things that happened were true, who was that Ted guy with Gacy all the time, was that character made up or what? The scene with the psychic was so bad it had me rolling around laughing. Did Gacy really invite a kid around and cuff him while the police were watching his house? The part that was supposed to be the most entertaining bit (the discovery of the bodies in the crawlspace) was cut out completely. It was just a terrible movie I don't know why it gets good reviews on here? I rate it: 1/10
Bud_Sturguess
In a fine made-for-TV effort, "To Catch A Killer" profiles notorious murderer John Wayne Gacy (played chillingly by Brian Dennehy), his mask of a respected public citizen, the awful secret he kept, and the relentless attempt to expose him. Dennehy's work with the supporting characters is darkly magical and the story reminds you that it's real with every chance. Highly recommended for fans of Dennehy and of good psychological thrillers.
AD
