An uneven but fascinating murder mystery.
Gorky Park (1983)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:22
Fresh:17
Rotten:5
Average Rating:6.6/10
Synopsis: When three faceless corpses are discovered in Moscow's Gorky Park, the Moscow militia's top investigator, Arkady Renko (William Hurt), is assigned to the case. An honest Soviet official, Renko... When three faceless corpses are discovered in Moscow's Gorky Park, the Moscow militia's top investigator, Arkady Renko (William Hurt), is assigned to the case. An honest Soviet official, Renko uncovers a murky and dangerous plot involving sinister KGB agents, the corrupt Soviet government, and a powerful American businessman. Although many of the Russians in the film speak with an English accent (all the dialogue is in English), GORKY PARK proves to be a provocative, fast-paced thriller that captures all of the intrigue and suspense in Martin Cruz Smith's best-selling novel of the same name. Director Michael Apted handled the thriller genre before in SQUEEZE and AGATHA, and the experience shows in GORKY PARK; there are so many twists and turns in the plot, viewers are constantly kept off balance. A supporting cast of Lee Marvin, Brian Dennehy, and Joanna Pacula (in her first starring role) back up Hurt with solid performances. [More]
Starring: William Hurt, Lee Marvin, Joanna Pacula, Brian Dennehy
Starring: William Hurt, Lee Marvin, Joanna Pacula, Brian Dennehy
Director: Michael Apted
Director: Michael Apted
Composer: James Horner
Screenwriter: Dennis Potter
Story: Martin Cruz Smith
Reviews for Gorky Park
William Hurt is superb as a Moscow militia detective caught between his desires to be simply a good cop and the unfathomable motives of the secret Soviet government, all complicated by an unexpected love for Joanna Pacula.
Neither Dennis Potter's screenplay nor the heavyweight cast can raise this adaptation of Martin Cruz Smith's best-selling spy novel above the ordinary.
Hopelessly dated and morose -- and much is lost from the bestselling novel.
By the end of Gorky Park, we realize that it's not the solution that matters, but what the case itself forced the people to discover about themselves.
It remains a taut, clever thriller throughout, with Mr. Apted's direction establishing its intensity immediately and sustaining it well.
Latest News for Gorky Park
June 20, 2007:
Director Change for "Narnia 3"
Andrew Adamson directed the first two "Narnia" chapters, and it looks like he's about to hand the reins for Part 3 to an old veteran. More...
November 23, 2005:
Three More Actors to "Grace" Apted's Period Drama
Michael Apted, veteran director of films like "Gorky Park," "Thunderheart," "Blink," "Nell," and "Enough," will soon step... More...
More Movies
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 70% 70% | Where the Wild Things Are | 03/12 |
| 83% 83% | Paranormal Activity | 03/12 |
| 89% 89% | Zombieland | 03/12 |
| 77% 77% | The Informant! | 03/12 |
| | The Strength of Water | 03/12 |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- Gorky Park at Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh Links
Featured

Tim Burton's costume designer talks to Movieline about her long collaboration with the filmmaker and Johnny Depp.

The director talks about puppetry perfection and his film, Fantastic Mr. Fox

We've got 20 copies of the hit TV series' Pilot Episode to giveaway.

Double passes up for grabs to the new comedy starring Paul Giamatti.

Get all the latest movie updates, reviews, interviews and features here.
Competitions

Enough Prequel, Original Trilogy and Family Guy DVDs to fill a space cruiser

Everything from Dr. No to Quantum of Solace could be yours.

We're giving away the 10th Anniversary Blu-ray, plus Braveheart and the Rocky collection



Top Critic

