An Officer and a Murderer (2012 TV Movie) User Reviews (17)

Effectively told true story

[OJT · 7/10 · 12 July 2014]

The title says it all. There's no mystery here in who's doing it, breaking into houses stealing underwear and dildos, at the same time as he is living a perfect life and is just appointed the main boss at an important military establishment.

The mystery is how a well respected man can be such an offender. Well, he's not the first, and will not be the last, seemingly living a perfect life, but not able to control his sick sexual urges.

This Canadian movie, directed by Norma Bailey has Gary Cole in the main role, and he is doing a great job as always. As is the rest of the cast, though that's not a shock, as Canadians are very good at making films with true and realistic acting.

Well worth a watch!

Low, How The Mighty Have Fallen.

[rmax304823 · 7/10 · 26 August 2012]

This is a pretty decent Lifetime Movie Network made-for-TV production. It's about a full colonel and base commander in the Canadian Air Force, Gary Cole, and how he begins sneaking about at night, burglarizing the houses of his neighbors, stealing women's panties first, then graduating to two rape/murders before finally being caught by the Provincial Police.

When his wife isn't around, he dresses up in brassieres and underpants and takes pictures of himself in the mirror. This is truly disgusting. The occasional use of fishnet stockings and stiletto heels, which I use in front of a mirror when I'm imitating Judy Garland belting out show tunes, is tasteful and requires skill. But this pig deserves the two life terms he winds up with.

What gets me is -- well, here is this apparently normal man in, say, his mid-40s, who has risen to the rank of full colonel, commands an entire Air Force base, has piloted around the Queen of England as well as other notables, yet carries about in his head this uncontrollable urge to commit these bizarre acts. How come nobody has found out about his trunk full of women's underwear that he's been schlepping around for years? Not even his wife seems to know about his quirks. It's almost unimaginable that this pathology should suddenly blossom out of nowhere, having left no tracks behind. How could no one notice? All right, he's a military man and shows a lot of self discipline. And indeed he does, cool under interrogation by the police, filled with concern about the impact of his exposure on the base personnel. And yet he's dumb enough to leave revealing tire tracks at the house of his last victim. And when he comes to the police station to be questioned, he removes his boots and leaves them in the hallway -- the boots that left prints at the victim's house. He may be a perfect pilot but he's a dumb perp who has never watched a cop show on TV.

Gary Cole is pretty good. He's cooperative and unemotional. He cares about people. When he leads the police to the decomposing corpse of his last victim, he remarks, with apparent sincerity, "She was a nice kid." The detective-in-charge, Laura Harris, does a professional job, and she's supported by Rossif Sutherland, Kiefer's half brother. He has a marvelous tone in his voice but its expression is flat. He sounds the same whether he's comfortable or angry. Of the victims, Micheline Marchildon is memorable as the French Canadian who becomes the first dead body. She's a mere corporal, by the way, and lives alone in a very nice house off the base. I was a non-commissioned officer, the equivalent of a sergeant, and outranked her, yet I consistently found myself in a bunk that left barely enough room to roll over at night.

There are an abundance of True Crime movies that are shot in Canada -- for reasons of economy, I presume -- and pretend to be located somewhere else. It's nice to see a Canadian movie that is shot in the same country in which the events took place. Many of these movies are fairly shoddy but this one doesn't waste much time on padding out the crime theme with casual meanders into dysfunctional families, fights between the colonel and his wife, excessive expressions of grief, and the like. It's better than that.

A good criminal investigation story.

[zutterjp48 · 7/10 · 20 November 2019]

This film is based on a real story that happened in Canada.I enjoyed very much the story: with a lot a patience the detectives try to make a profile of a man who began stealing lingerie then killing women.And the most interesting is that the main suspect is an very important officer , commander of the military base of Trenton. The performances of Gary Cole, Laura Harris and Rossif Sutherland are very good.

Better than average Made-For-TV movie...

[vnssyndrome89 · 6/10 · 18 June 2023]

AN OFFICER AND A MURDERER

BASIC PLOT: A Canadian RAF Colonel Russell Williams (played by Gary Cole) is appointed base commander, reaching the pinnacle of his career. Mysteriously, he refuses to move into his base housing, convincing his wife (played by Nahanni Johnstone) to stay in the same small town, twenty minutes from the base. She agrees, even though there has been a spate of burglaries in their neighborhood, with nothing much being stolen, except women's panties and other personal items.

At the same time, a police officer exchange program is taking place. Officers from the big city are being sent to small towns, and vice versa. This is how city Detective Jennifer Dobson (played by Laura Harris) finds herself back in her small hometown, investigating these burglaries with Detective Nick Gallagher (played by Rossif Sutherland).

The burglaries quickly escalate to sexual assault, with each encounter becoming more violent. The detectives know he will eventually kill someone, can they stop him in time?

WHAT WORKS: All the actors do a good job. The plot is laid out in a believable manner, with good pacing. The supporting actors are believable, Catherine Disher, plays Captain Catherine Novak very well, as does Rossif Sutherland as Detective Nick Gallagher.

TO RECOMMEND OR NOT TO RECOMMEND, THAT IT THE QUESTION: I am a huge Gary Cole fan. I think he is highly underrated. I recommend clicking his nm0170550IMDB page to find other quality projects. I do recommend this movie. It can be hard to watch, the subject matter is disturbing, especially since this is a true story. I do not find it exploitative, but a well done character study.

CLOSING NOTES: *I don't believe in trigger warnings except in the case of rape or animal abuse. This movie does contain graphic depictions of sexual assault, so be forewarned.

*This is a Made-For-TV movie, please keep that in mind before you watch\rate it. TV movies have a much lower budget, and so your expectations should be adjusted.

*I have no connection to the film, or production in ANY way. I am just an honest viewer, who wishes for more straight forward reviews. Hope I helped you out.

This movie works without American self-righteous stances or clumsy mawkishness

[donrose-23896 · 8 February 2019]

The lead actors carry this movie well, all avoiding over-acting. Cole and Sutherland deliver excellent performances with Laura not too far behind. Harris is handicapped by her stunning scandi looks. She needs to allow a persona which overcomes her looks.

Good script which allows the story to evolve simply. No gun battles, no unneeded nudity and ne explosions. Just a story based on truth, told well.

We are not told if Harria has a love interest, a n d frankly don't care. The bit where one of the earlier cases involved a dildo is handled in a straightforward, non purient manNER.

Bland and Boring

[ninascott-37019 · 4/10 · 19 September 2015]

As a true crime aficionado (or is it afficionada?), I watched the true story and capture of Colonel Williams play out on one of the States' true crime networks. I was thrilled to find out that Lifetime had recreated the story, but I was very disappointed. Except for Gary Cole's performance, I found every other actor in this movie lacking any real depth. The performances by the leads- Laura Harris, Rossif Sutherland and the actress who portrayed Captain Novak-were so lackluster that I really didn't believe any of them could crack a case of this magnitude.

Gary Cole saves this movie from being completely horrible.

Very well done - terrifying and realistic

[phd_travel · 10/10 · 2 July 2013]

This is a very well paced and realistically made Lifetime movie about the true story of Canadian Air Force colonel Russ Williams. His gradual escalation from underwear theft to home invasion and murder is carefully and realistically portrayed here. Gary Cole gives a balanced and believable performance as the main character. The straightforward telling without flashbacks is good and the tension and fear of the victims is quite terrifying.

The police investigation is fascinating with the various mistakes and eventual breakthrough.

Looks like there are some crazy serial pervert killers up North too.

Worth a watch.

Drivel

[bganon-1 · 2/10 · 10 August 2012]

To be frank this movie doesn't really warrant a review so it will be a short one. The target audience for this 'straight to video' production is clearly not those that love quality movies, more likely bored stay at homes looking for some cheap thrills. The scenes involving the main actor and his victims are portrayed in a reveling manner, with the emphasis upon the suffering of the victim in the particular scene which invariably goes on too long. There is barely any character development to speak of. The relationships between characters are pretty much stereotypical - the loyal wife, the sad victim, the evil perpetrator, the honourable / incompetent policemen / women. In summary, avoid this film.

Acting!

[doknyx-357-92394 · 9/10 · 31 August 2013]

Gary Cole's understated portrayal of a psychopathic alter-ego taking control of the daily ego is relentless, disturbing, and masterful. This (along with the fact that it's based on actual events) makes this movie worth viewing. Cole does not go all dramatic and tear up the scenery. In fact his *persona* (his personality mask) remains the same throughout his changes -- meticulous, thorough, rigid, controlling, polite. It's his soul that darkens and falls into this demonic abyss. Cole somehow communicates this transformation and makes us believe him (to our horror).

It should be noted that the the police characters are all fictional, and they even seem fictional in the way they are portrayed. But for those of us who wondered how a "Base Commander" on a Canadian Armed Forces base could possible lead such a double life and be one person, Cole makes us see -- not comprehend but accept.

never saw this but lived through it somewhat

[john_merritt2011 · 1/10 · 18 April 2014]

This in my opinion is very disturbing and disgusting on how someone is allowed to create and publicize this sort of garbage just so that people will see what someone is capable of. I resided and worked on the specific base when all of this took place and it was a very dark time and this should be banned everywhere. Imagine just how you would feel if someone close to you had this sort of events happen to them. Would you want this publicized. All for the mode of the almighty dollar hey he who makes the most money still passes on. I hope that the author and publicist and all those involved in thinking this is a fascinating story for all to see get a hand of fate dealt to them.. Think I am being harsh why not contact the families whose lives will never be the same ever. Feel free to contact my email anytime and I am more than wiling to elaborate for you.

so so

[geoffox-766-418467 · 30 November 2012]

Gary Cole walks off with the acting honors in this silly movie. Add the poker face Rossif Sutherland as a detective and a bland female, also with one look on her face of Duh, played by Laura Harris. Cole at least gives some depth to his character and manages to keep things going in an inane script for LMN of course. The channel that rarely presents any worthwhile project. And who knows where they keep coming up with these female leads that are more attentive to their hair, tight clothes and looks of boredom. Harris is a typical LMN female lead that goes nowhere with this film and gives nothing as an actress. Sutherland does a little better, but Cole takes over the movie and does a splendid job of a sexual deviate. I give this 1 star for Cole's work.

nothing to see here...

[mugwumpcylinder · 1/10 · 31 May 2023]

Amateurish student-type production with one competent actor - Gary Cole. Story by numbers and lame dialogue, no attempt to build tension or suspense. IOW: A Canadian production.

You can always tell a Canadian production because they needlessly insert a bunch of female characters to crack the case that didn't exist in real life. Never fails. IF you truly have nothing better to do with your time like de-worm the cat, and you're unfamiliar with this story, then I suppose it's worth a watch.

Dateline or Fifth Estate or the actual Police interview are much more interesting - telling of the true events do not require embellishment. Take a pass on this.

Straight forward crime story of creepy Canadian Commander

[djderka · 8/10 · 22 July 2012]

This is a the story of the Canadian Base Commander, Colonel Russel William in Southern Ontario, who first started collecting panties and bras in home break-ins, then advancing to holding woman hostage for his amusement, and then graduating to rape and finally murder. And yes, Lifetime presents us with yet another white male gone bad movie of the week.

The main point of the story is that Commander Williams, is beyond reproach or even consideration as an unsub. He is even enlisted to help in the search and of course blames the crimes on some wood chucker (tree trimmer) who is a blue collar guy and the cops love him as a suspect because he looks like a suspect. They do not even consider the ramrod "correct" military commander as he is beyond suspicion. Ah, but those blue collar guys...they must have done it.

Frankly, the movie showed how cops usually pick the wrong suspect but in this case luck out by finding tire tracks. One of the lady cops,from Toronto, checks on a possible victim, Jessica, only to miss the SUV parked nearby and is remorse she didn't get the plate number. Why should she? The tree trimmer is safely locked up. Lucky tho the Commander screws up and leaves some tire tracks, which almost did not get reported because he is the Canadian Base "commander". Respect his au THOR EH Tee.

The base commander, played by Gary Cole and the cop played by Rossif Sutherland really have great nuanced performances. And the interrogation is more realistic than the "badgering cop" style so often depicted on TV.

Where is the psychologist talking about fetish clothing and personification of the victim through clothing while acting out erotic fantasies? Guess he/she was on vacation.

The pacing was good and the story told in a straight forward manner, and hard to believe it is an American film as it has "Made in Canada" stamped all over it as there is little action. Where are the police waving guns around, guns pointed at people, guns being fired, CSI special effects, more gun totting, cops yelling "get down on the ground" at the top of their lungs after they have consumed a dozen cans of Red Bull. Where is David Caruso pointing a gun at the suspect? Not here.

This movie does take an analytic how-it-happened approach which simply tells the story. It reminds me more of Columbo or Monk episodes than police "action" dramas.

Lifetime follows the movie up with a documentary, which is pretty much the movie without actors. An easy 3 hrs for Lifetime programming, but worth a view. When the ads say 'based on a true story' there will be little action, but a re-telling of events, hopefully as interesting as this movie. Thumbs up. It kept me home on a Saturdy night.

Brutal and disturbing

[patriotpridet · 9/10 · 19 April 2018]

To John_Merritt2011

Just the fact that your very first statement tells us you did not even see this film, your critique of this video is nonsensical, uneducated, and flat out stupid! Your assertion that it should not have been made due to the brutality of it and insulting to the victims families, is ridiculous! By your way of thinking movies like: Full Metal Jacket (RIP Gunny), JFK, Goodfellas, Glory, and every other movie based on Actual Events. Gimme a break!

No Meaning to Sexual Pycho-Officer & Murderer ***

[edwagreen · 8/10 · 4 August 2012]

This base commander had it all. Deeply respected by all and a favorite of the Queen, he had some career ahead of him. Go know that he was a sexual predator whose escapades became more and more violent and eventually would lead up to a double murder.

Go know that the tires on his car would eventually do him in. What dastardly acts he committed. Dressing up as a woman was part of the act as well.

Interesting to see how the case was cracked. You'd think this commander would have been beyond reproach. However, when the evidence started pointing to him, they had no other alternative but to pursue him.

An Officer Disgraced!

[lavatch · 8/10 · 13 June 2020]

At the beginning of "An Officer and a Murderer," Colonel Russell ("Russ") Williams is appointed the new commander of the base, and everyone seems to like the mild-mannered officer. When Russ's wife Elizabeth suggests that they move to the base, Russ insists that they continue to reside in the friendly community of Tweed. Russ has a good reason for staying that he does not convey to his wife: he is a pervert and predator.

The film starts off with a deceptively light ambience with several panty raids in the homes of the residents of Tweed. But as the narrative progresses, the colonel's behavior grows more violent, culminating in the deaths of two women. The surface level of the colonel's conduct leads people to consider him a role model. He is thus able to slip under the radar with his predatory ways.

Two of the most interesting characters are the two detectives, Jennifer Dobson and Nick Gallagher. The former is a dedicated local official, and the latter is a forensic specialist from Toronto. They form an effective team to narrow down the suspects in the terrorized community.

Gary Cole was outstanding in the role of Colonel Williams. The pathology came across especially clearly in the interrogation scene when the noose tightened and the Colonel finally cracked. He should have been an officer and a gentleman. Instead, through his own depravity, he became an officer disgraced.

Gritty crime drama!

[Chartreuse1 · 8/10 · 15 October 2021]

Russell Williams is a decorated officer in the RAF who has some troubling problems; one being he likes women other than his wife! This movie was quite good for Lifetime standards and the dramatic irony really helps a lot. It is based on a true story. Glad we caught it tonight and definitely recommended. Good acting by Gary Cole and Laura Harris with a very supportive Canadian cast!!!