The 2017 film Murder on the Orient Express, directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh as the iconic Hercule Poirot, offers a visually stunning and star-studded adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic whodunnit. This article delves into the intricacies of the film, examining its faithfulness to the source material, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses, and exploring the performances of its ensemble cast. From the lavish set design to the intricate plot twists, we’ll unpack the key elements that make this adaptation a compelling, albeit sometimes uneven, cinematic experience.
Alt: The ensemble cast of the 2017 Murder on the Orient Express film adaptation, featuring prominent actors like Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot, Johnny Depp as Ratchett, and Michelle Pfeiffer.
The Luxurious Setting and Confined Space
The film beautifully captures the opulent atmosphere of the Orient Express, immersing the viewer in the luxurious world of 1930s train travel. The meticulous attention to detail in the set design, costumes, and makeup creates a sense of authenticity and period charm. This visual splendor is further enhanced by stunning scenery shots, emphasizing both the grandeur of the journey and the claustrophobic confines of the train. This confined setting plays a crucial role in the narrative, heightening the sense of suspicion and paranoia as Poirot investigates the murder.
From the novel by best selling author Agatha Christie, "Murder on the Orient Express" tells the tale of thirteen strangers stranded on a train, where everyone's a suspect. One man must race against time to solve the puzzle before the murderer strikes again.Alt: A promotional image for Murder on the Orient Express highlighting the film’s central premise: a murder mystery confined to a train, where everyone is a suspect.
Branagh’s Poirot: A Commanding Presence
Kenneth Branagh’s portrayal of Hercule Poirot is undeniably one of the film’s highlights. He embodies the detective’s brilliance and steely resolve, showcasing Poirot’s methodical approach to crime-solving with captivating precision. While Branagh effectively captures Poirot’s intellectual prowess, some might argue that his portrayal lacks some of the character’s more eccentric quirks and obsessive tendencies, which are more prominent in Agatha Christie’s novels.
A Star-Studded Ensemble with Varying Success
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Judi Dench, Michelle Pfeiffer, Willem Dafoe, Josh Gad, Daisy Ridley, Derek Jacobi, and Johnny Depp. While many of the performances are commendable, the limited screen time devoted to developing each character results in some feeling underdeveloped or even stereotypical. The standout performances belong to Dench, Pfeiffer, and Gad, who bring depth and nuance to their respective roles, despite the constrained narrative focus. Depp’s portrayal of Ratchett, however, falls somewhat flat, lacking the menacing presence that the character demands.
A Clever Mystery, But Lacking Tension
While the film remains largely faithful to Christie’s original plot, the execution of the central mystery lacks the suspense and tension that one might expect. The pacing, particularly in the beginning, feels somewhat slow and awkwardly staged. Furthermore, the film’s focus on Poirot, while understandable, comes at the expense of fully exploring the backstories and motivations of the other passengers. This ultimately diminishes the emotional impact of the film’s ingenious denouement, which, despite its cleverness, feels somewhat rushed and contrived in its cinematic translation.
Visuals and Music: A Mixed Bag
Visually, the film is undeniably impressive. Branagh’s direction creates a feast for the eyes, capturing the grandeur of the Orient Express and the beauty of its surrounding landscapes. However, the film’s score, composed by Patrick Doyle, feels somewhat underwhelming. While not inherently bad, it lacks the dramatic flair and thematic depth that could have elevated the film’s emotional impact.
From the novel by best selling author Agatha Christie, "Murder on the Orient Express" tells the tale of thirteen strangers stranded on a train, where everyone's a suspect. One man must race against time to solve the puzzle before the murderer strikes again.Alt: A screenshot from the official trailer of the 2017 Murder on the Orient Express movie, depicting a tense scene on the train.
Conclusion: A Worthy Adaptation, but Not Without Flaws
The 2017 Murder on the Orient Express offers a visually captivating and generally well-acted adaptation of Christie’s classic novel. While the film captures the essence of the story and boasts a strong central performance from Branagh, it falls short in fully realizing the suspense and emotional depth of the source material. The underdeveloped supporting characters and the somewhat rushed denouement prevent the film from achieving true greatness. However, for fans of Agatha Christie and those seeking a visually stunning period piece with a captivating mystery at its core, this adaptation remains a worthwhile cinematic experience. While not the definitive version of this timeless tale, it offers a fresh perspective and a visually compelling journey aboard the iconic Orient Express.
