Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8517 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-05-19
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 124 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Martin Cruz Smith's bestselling mystery novel seemed ideal material for a movie version, but in Gorky Park director Michael Apted and the usually reliable writer Dennis Potter couldn't quite solve the problem of taking the story from page to screen. William Hurt plays Renko, a Cold War-era Moscow police detective who must cope with both crooks and Communist party protocol as he tries to solve a murder case in the middle of one of Moscow's public parks that leaves three faceless corpses. The strands of the mystery involve corruption, American money and the fur trade and, ultimately, take Renko to New York. But the tension is never all there, despite a deliciously menacing performance by Lee Marvin as the bad guy and Brian Dennehy as an American cop who becomes Renko's ally. --Marshall Fine

Special Features

• Original theatrical trailer
  
• Interactive menu screens and chapter selections

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 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.

Customer Reviews

Atmospheric
I loved this film. As previous reviews have said, it plods, but I feel it helps to create atmosphere. William Hurt is outstanding as Renko, a new type of hero, whose hands are tied by protocol and who is constantly at risk of stepping on the toes of the KGB. The film led me first to the audio book, which was excellent, and then to the novel itself. I have become a fan of Renko.
Reminding me of "The Odessa File", another favourite of mine, I have watched this film many times and am neither bored or disappointed.
Worthy of two hours duration, one and half would be too rushed.
Highly recommended.

yet to be discovered classic
Saw the movie, read the book. Bearing in mind that movies never seem to cover all aspects of the book, I think this movie is superb.
The tale is told via assorted skilled actors directed in a quirky way which rings my bells, and is supported throughout by a brilliant
James Horner score. This film will stand the test of time.
Hugely enjoyable. A Classic, trust me!!

Murder, mystery and mahem in communist Russia
Perhaps a little let down for avid fans of the book, this film fails to maintain either the intricit details or the suspense which attracted readers to Martin Cruz Smith's excellent novel. The story plods along at a sometimes painfully slow pace at times yet both Hurt and Marvin raise Gorky Park above any other run of the mill. drama/suspense.