The film's premise infers an interesting question: could the murder of three presumably innocent young people be connected in some way to the secrets of the Russian KGB? A high-level Russian policeman named Renko (William Hurt) sets out to answer that question. Plotted as a semi-police procedural, "Gorky Park" belongs in the murder mystery genre, yet it's also something of a political thriller. Interestingly, the underlying theme relates to freedom, political and otherwise.Probably the best element is the overall production. What a well-made film, with attention to detail in costumes, production design, sound quality, and editing. Color cinematography is professionally done, as well. Consistent with Western perception of Moscow, colors trend a grayish, low-contrast look. The background music gives viewers a murder mystery feel at the outset, which continues intermittently throughout the film.The big problem is the script. Though the premise is intriguing, the plot is rambling and confusing. Part of the confusion for me was the difficulty in understanding the significance of all the Russian characters. They all seemed to blend in together; as an American, I found that their names did not help differentiate them.Further, all the characters were as cold as the ice the three victims were initially skating on at Gorky Park. Even Renko came across as aloof and emotionally cold most of the time.I suspect a European audience would like this film a lot better than Americans. Since most of the story was set in Moscow, the entire film seemed cold and bleak, not just the characters, but also the weather, the outdoor scenes, and the mostly drab interiors. Overall, "Gorky Park" conveys a good premise but a weak script. And the cold, aloof look and feel was a bit much for me.

„Gorky Park " is a crime thriller set in Soviet Union . The main hero is Russian police officer who tries to solve a mystery involving three dead people , who were murdered in Moscow's Gorky Park . The film is set during the twilight years of the old Soviet Union, the brief interlude between the death of Leonid Brezhnev (an event referred to in the script) and the rise of the liberal, reforming Mikhail Gorbachev. The atmosphere of Soviet Union is a one full of cynicism and corruption. I won't spoil the movie by saying that Renko's ( main hero of the movie played by William Hurt ) investigation will lead him to people at the top of Soviet Establishment.The movie may have a Russian hero , but is far from being pro-Soviet. The Soviet system here is soulless and ruthless . It's a hell on Earth for decent people . The movie couldn't been made in Soviet Union , so Helsinki play the part of Moscow. Director Michael Apted and cinematographer Ralf Bode were still able to give us a cold, bleak atmosphere of the USRR."Gorky Park " is a example of 80's neo-noir movie . This genre is obviously inspired by Humprey Bogart movies. It includes several common features that must appear in this kind of movie :-a lonely hero who is outwardly unemotional , but inwardly feels everything very deeply.He acts like a cynical asshole , but he believes in justice . He will risk his life for the cause he believes in. -a femme fatale who is also main hero's love interest . A woman who isn't either good or bad . -a corrupted system -a powerful villain who is connected to the Establishment -bittersweet conclusionWilliam Hurt is a great choice for the main hero , because he knows how to play men who find it difficult to express their feelings . Everything you need to know is written on his face. He doesn't have to shout or gesticulate to show the audience the true depths of his soul. Equally great is Joanna Pacula who plays the main female character in the movie. She was nominated for Golden Globe for her performance. It isn't surprising , because she really makes the audience care for Irina – a woman trying desperately to get out of USRR. Too bad that after this something went wrong and she started to appear in rather bad movies ( with the exception of "Escape from Sobibor" ).The rest of the cast is also solid , especially Bryan Dennehy ( "Rambo : First blood" ) and Lee Marvin ( " Dirty dozen") . The screenplay from Dennis Potter is intelligent. The music made by James Horner is great , even if a little too loud and a rip-off "48 hours". The movie doesn't try to shock you withviolence or plot twists , but rather allows you to enjoy watching as all the puzzles start to make sense.This is one of the better thrillers of the 80's. If you're looking for neo-noir movie you should also watch "Body heat "(also with William Hurt) and "No mercy" (with Richard Gere and Kim Basinger). "Gorky Park " is a solid thriller that made me cry at the end of the movie . It holds up even better on re-watch . I give it 8/10.

It has been a long time since I last viewed this film, but it was a welcome revisit, and a chance to see a great performance by William Hurt (Kiss of the Spider Woman, A History of Violence, The Proposition). After about a dozen of his films, I never tire of watching him act.The cast also included Lee Marvin in a very good performance, and the ever-lovable Brian Dennehy. This was also the American debut of Joanna Pacula, who got a Golden Globe nomination for her outstanding performance. And, we also got to see her golden globes in a skintastic moment, right before she gets Hurt! This was her finest film in a career spanning 30 years.Do not miss this fine police procedural with a surprise ending. The motive is brilliant.

Arkady (William Hurt) is a police officer in the former Soviet Union, in the early 1980's. One day, he is sent to Gorky Park, a popular outdoor site in Moscow, where three bodies, two male and one female, have been found. Curiously, their faces and fingertips have been "cut off", making identification very difficult. What horror. When the KGB arrives, very shortly, Arkady insists he wants to be removed from the case and let the secret police takeover, for he is merely a militia man. They say no and assign him the case. Tough luck. Working carefully, Arkady surmises that the three had been skating at the park, then led to a more secluded area and shot. One of them is, remarkably, an American, from the dental evidence, quite a shock. But, why were they disfigured? The skates of the woman lead to another lady, Irina (Joanna Pacula), for they are registered in her name. When Arkady meets Irina, she declares that she reported her skates stolen some time ago. But, digging further, the militia man learns that she was expelled from the university for political reasons. Soon, Arkady also discoveries the identities of the dead trio. Two were from Siberia and knew Irina and the American man was friends to all. Also connected to these four persons is a wealthy American furrier, Jack Osbourne (Lee Marvin), who deals in precious Russian sable pelts. As Arkady delves deeper and deeper into the killings, it becomes apparent that Osbourne might be a suspect and that the higher echelons of the Soviet government may be protecting him. But, why? Helping Arkady in the process is the American's brother (Brian Dennehy), a New York police officer who is of Russian ancestry and who arrives when he learns his brother is deceased. What a tangled web! Will Arkady live to secure justice, if the KGB is shielding Osbourne from investigation? This is still a fascinating film, made before the fall of the USSR. Its main elements of wintry weather, KGB, beautiful-but-fierce Siberian sables, dissidents, and murder provide a storyline that few can resist. Hurt, in one of his finest roles, is great as the Soviet police officer while Marvin makes a compelling villain. Pacula, a Polish actress making her American film debut, is lovely and touching. The rest of the cast, from Dennehy on down, is likewise most wonderful. The setting, in and around Moscow, is also worth a view, for it provides a glimpse into a Russia that is harshly beautiful. Costumes, gorgeous cinematography, an interesting score and a sure direction complete the makings of a fine, fine film. Why settle for dull television repeats when you can get your hands on this intriguing bit of semi-forgotten cinema? Why, indeed.