Gorky Park Review

MPAA Rating: R
Released: 1983

Gorky Park is a well-crafted film that serves as an intelligent crime-thriller as well as a pretty authentic glimpse into the U.S.S.R. before its collapse. When three Americans are viciously murdered in the midst of Moscow, an earnest Russian detective attempts to solve the mystery. But as his investigation gains momentum, he discovers all is not what it seems, and the perpetrators might even involve members within the KGB.

Arkady Renko (William Hurt), a soft-spoken and fiercely honorable detective, is called to the scene of a horrible crime. Three unknown victims have been found buried under some snow in the midst of Gorky Park, having been shot execution style. But there's more… the killer scraped the faces and fingertips off the victims to prevent any means of identification.

From the very start of the investigation Renko butts heads with Major Pribluda (Rikki Fulton), a KGB agent that harbors an old grudge. But with time Pribluda becomes more than just an obstacle… he becomes a suspect. Much to Renko's discomfort, he finds leads that suggest at least partial KGB involvement in the assassinations.

As the investigation continues the plot thickens when two American visitors are found to have had ties with the victims: Jack Osborne (Lee Marvin), a rich businessman, and William Kirwill (Brian Dennehy), a hard-nosed Chicago cop. Also involved in the mix is Irina Asanova (Joanna Pacula), a young Russian whose life might be in danger, but whose motives are unknown.

Gorky Park is a richly detailed movie that runs for just over two hours; it's not a popcorn flick that's meant to be enjoyed on a surface level. If you do not pay close attention to the happenings, chances are you will quickly become lost in the murder mystery.

Although I cannot deny the film's inherent quality and clever story, I do feel that the pacing suffered somewhat in the first half. Gorky Park has such a thick story that it takes a lot of time laying down the foundation, and while I can understand the need to introduce the audience to the characters I still found my patience tested. Luckily the second half of Gorky Park more than made up for the slightly sluggish first hour.

Solid and absorbing acting is a requirement for story and character-driven movies such as this one to succeed, and on this aspect Gorky Park more than delivers. William Hurt portrays a determined Russian cop that is quite clearly human. Renko can commit errors, he can find himself on the losing end of a brawl, and he balances his desire to see justice done with his fear for his life while uncovering a far-reaching conspiracy.

Lee Marvin was well into the twilight of his acting career during the 1980's, but that doesn't stop him from proving once again why he was one of acting's best tough guys. You won't see him dish out some two-fisted punishment or gun down countless bad guys here, but he laces his lines with arrogance and the occasional flash of menace.

Brian Dennehy is an extremely prolific actor with a long list of performances ranging from all-time cinematic classics to made-for-TV flicks. Personally I've always enjoyed his work, so his participation in Gorky Park was very welcome.

The rest of the cast consisted largely of British actors, but although most of their names would not be instantly recognizable to an American audience they also put forth intense and believable performances.

Gorky Park also benefits from solid direction, cinematography and atmosphere – few times has Russia appeared so cold, dark and harsh as in this film. Oppression and corruption run thick throughout each scene.

If you enjoy near-convoluted murder mysteries and can forgive the deliberate pace of the first hour, chances are good you will walk away from Gorky Park thoroughly satisfied.

Movie rating: 7 stars

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