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Writer's pictureJames Rutherford

'Gosford Park': A Darkly Comedic Whodunit About a 1930's-Era Murder Investigation on a Luxurious English Country Estate

Movie poster for Gosford Park (2001)

Gosford Park (2001) is a darkly comedic mystery film set in 1932 at the English country estate of wealthy industrialist Sir William McCordle (Michael Gambon). When McCordle and his wife Lady Sylvia (Kristin Scott Thomas) host a weekend shooting party for a group of aristocrats and their servants, tensions rise among both the privileged guests and the hardworking staff.


After Sir William's stunning murder, Inspector Thompson (Stephen Fry) from Scotland Yard arrives to investigate. However, his incompetence forces the guests and servants to take matters into their own hands, as they navigate a series of tangled revelations within an increasingly labyrinthine plot. The servants, in particular, prove instrumental in unraveling the complex mystery, offering unique insights into the enigmatic lives of their employers.


Directed by Robert Altman (M*A*S*H, The Long Goodbye), Gosford Park is a masterclass in ensemble acting, featuring a stellar cast that brings a rich tapestry of characters to life. Altman's direction skillfully blends the suspense of a whodunit with a wry exploration of class dynamics, capturing the intricate interplay between the privileged and the servants. With its meticulous attention to historical detail, Altman's film transcends genre to become a timeless reflection on power, morality and human nature.


 

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