Year: 2017
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Country: US
Language: English
Agatha Christie's detective novel Murder on the Orient Express was first published in the United Kingdom in 1934. It made quite an impact upon that era's readers, particularly due to its thought-provoking ending, and its popularity meant many adaptations for stage, radio, television and film. It was first adapted for the big screen in 1974 by director Sidney Lumet. That version found great critical and commercial success.
When a murder occurs on the train he's travelling on, celebrated detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) is recruited to solve the case.
Director and star Kenneth Branagh assembles an all-star cast for this enticing murder-mystery. Branagh reserves the juiciest role for himself: Hercule Poirot. This character was first introduced in 1920’s The Mysterious Affair at Styles, and has been played by over 20 legendary actors including Orson Welles and Charles Laughton. Branagh gives the character a playful and comical edge, which makes his audience drawn to Poirot.
The visual approach to the story is less successful, as much of the film looks like a digital mess of cartoon-ish CGI landscapes that waste potentially beautiful shots of Istanbul.The mountains and skies painted in pastel brushstrokes meant to imitate magic hour lighting have a lot left to be desired. Thankfully the main set-piece, the train designed by Jim Clay, looks of the period and doesn't distract from the well-crafted story appearing in front of us.
Despite the distracting fifth-grader cinematography, Murder on the Orient Express is a charming picture that feels elegant in its storytelling. Perhaps the ending may not satisfy many people, but the journey ought to impress anybody with classical sensibilities.
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