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Gorky Park
1983 128 min United States of America R 16+
★6.7
Thriller, Crime, Drama, Mystery
Director: Michael Apted
🎭 Based on
«Gorky Park»
byMartin Cruz Smith
Trailers
Description
Police Inspector Renko tries to solve the case of three bodies found in Moscow's Gorky Park but finds his attempts to solve the crime impeded by his superiors. Working on his own, Renko seeks out more information and stumbles across a conspiracy involving the highest levels of the government.
US Gross:
$15.86M
Worldwide:
$15.86M
Starring
William Hurt
Actor
Lee Marvin
Actor
Brian Dennehy
Actor
Awards
BAFTA 1985
— Best Supporting Actor
Golden Globe 1984
— Best Supporting Actress
Key opinion
Gorky Park is a moody, atmospheric thriller that effectively evokes a Cold War aesthetic despite being filmed in Helsinki rather than Moscow. While the performances from its lead ensemble are generally respected, the film is hampered by a convoluted narrative and a slow, occasionally dull pace.
| Acting | Lee Marvin commands the screen with a charismatic and memorable performance that often overshadows his co-stars. | |
| Production | The production design successfully crafts an immersive, icy Cold War atmosphere using period-accurate props and vehicles, even if the geographic and architectural details of Moscow are inaccurate. | |
| Screenplay | The narrative suffers from a cluttered cast and a convoluted plot that often becomes difficult to follow. | |
| Acting | William Hurt's performance is polarizing: some appreciate his portrayal of a stoic, honest detective, while others find him underwhelmed and lacking in charisma. | |
| Pacing | The film's pacing is a subject of debate, with some finding the slow, deliberate tempo to be a dull experience, while others appreciate the contemplative approach to the procedural. | |
| Score | The score by James Horner draws divided reactions, as some find his blend of 80s synth and Russian motifs evocative, while others feel the style is a poor fit for the material. |