All Aboard the Orient Express!
Welcome to this movie review of the 2017 film 'Murder on the Orient Express' directed by Kenneth Branagh. A film that gives Agatha Christie's timeless tale a fresh coat of cinematic paint within the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller. With a dazzling ensemble cast featuring Paapa Essiedu, Yassine Zeroual, Asan N'Jie, Michael Rouse, and the multifaceted Branagh himself, this is one train journey you don’t want to miss.
Poirot and the Art of Deduction
When a murder takes place during a luxurious ride on the Orient Express, celebrated Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is suddenly on his third coffee, pondering clues with the meticulous precision of an artist. This film critique dives deep into the heart of Poirot's brilliant mind as Kenneth Branagh dons his director's hat and, quite literally, Poirot's legendary moustache. The film explores classic whodunit themes of guilt, innocence, and the complex nature of justice, wrapped in a beautifully art-deco visual package that transports you back to an era of sophistication and intrigue.
Theatrical Flair Meets Visual Elegance
Branagh’s direction brings a theatrical flair that some might liken to a stage performance captured on film. The acting ensemble delivers stellar performances, each character harboring secrets as elusive as a code in a Dan Brown novel. Particularly noteworthy is Branagh's portrayal of Poirot, nuanced and larger-than-life, making you feel that the character's quirks and deductions are more than skin-deep. Meanwhile, the cinematography is nothing short of a visual feast. Haris Zambarloukos, the film's cinematographer, masters the art of capturing the claustrophobic intimacy of the train and contrasts it beautifully with breathtaking alpine panoramas—a visual metaphor for the complexity and layers of the crime set against the vast expansiveness of human morality.
Comparisons and Inspirations
This isn't the first time the famous murder mystery has graced our screens, but Branagh adds a touch of whit alongside philosophical pondering similar to the way Wes Anderson adds humor to his frames. If you've ever found yourself immersed in the stylish mystery of films like 'Knives Out' or classics such as 'Clue', you'll find yourself at home aboard the Orient Express. And, if you are a Christie purist, you might spot some artistic liberties taken with character backgrounds and motivations that render the story even more engaging for contemporary audiences. Some of the changes invite speculation—what if Poirot suddenly decided to swap his moustache for a disguise à la Mission Impossible? Imagine the possibilities!
Hop On and Hold On!
If there's a suspense-filled evening curated for mystery lovers, a viewing of 'Murder on the Orient Express' is the ticket to punch. From the haunting score to the adrenaline-pumping final act, I can't help but urge you to secure a seat. In a world craving mysteries that challenge our gray matter, this film stands out as a beacon. Kenneth Branagh's take on this classic is a must-watch for fans of thrilling crime dramas and those who yearn for a more cerebral form of entertainment. So, if you enjoy such masterpieces, don't skip this one. Trust me, the reveal is worth every second of this dazzling cinematic journey!