Gorky Park

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. The discovery of three faceless bodies in Moscow's Gorky Park sets Soviet policeman Hurt's investigation in motion, but while subsequent interference by KGB man Dennehy hints at espionage, the involvement of fur-coated businessman Marvin suggests more mercenary motives. Hurt and Dennehy are excellent, as ever, but Marvin is badly miscast as a ruthless smoothie; and the film as a whole, while never less than involving, seldom generates any real suspense as it moves towards a curiously muffled showdown.