'Murder on the Orient Express' Review

16:05


Directed by Kenneth Branagh
Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Johnny Depp, Daisy Ridley, Michelle Pfeiffer, Josh Gad

I'd be very surprised if nobody knows of Agatha Christie's most famous story, Murder on the Orient Express, which has been adapted many times through the medium of film and television since the novel was wrote. Kenneth Branagh comes to the novel with something truly different this time round. Not entirely different, as the roots are there and continue to bloom, what makes this adaptation stand out from the rest really does come under his direction. Straight off, this is an entertaining ride, and it'll have you gripped from start to finish, whether you know the entire story or not. 

The world's greatest detective, Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) boards the famous Orient Express alongside a group of seemingly normal group of people as the train journeys across Europe. When an avalanche disrupts the train, a murder is committed prompting Poirot to come to action and discover the culprit among the passengers, before the murderer can strike again.


There's something you'll notice with this iteration that makes it quite unique, and that goes to it's excellent visuals. From the colourful costumes and set designs, to the interior of the train, and the vastly impressive cinematography, Branagh strikes this with some interesting ideas of presentation and a very striking look. I felt a very apparent sense of Wes Anderson stylings here, which isn't bad at all, it makes it a lot more exciting and exuberant. There's some very strong tracking shots that take place in and outside the train that really give you a good look at the characters and showing off of the train, which helps establish elements right off the bat. I will admit that some of the CG and green screen is a little off-putting, but there isn't too much of this so it's not all bad.

The cast, Branagh in particular, is great. Kudos to Branagh from directing and starring in this, and for pulling off such a great job in both roles. His take on Poirot is astoundingly great, his accent on point, his quirks are well respected and put into play - and he is so unbelievably funny. Bits of his performance feel quite exaggerated, yet quaint. There's a great balance to the character and his dynamic is superb, easily one of the best parts. The supporting cast all get give great shows, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley, Josh Gad and Johnny Depp stand out here, really putting their all in and playing very suspicious yet desirable characters. Some are overshadowed however, with Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench and Willem Dafoe not getting enough screen time in my opinion, and other smaller characters being quite forgettable, and I wish they had a bit more screen time to let them stand out.


The music is a treat as well, a great composition that earns itself in the revelation scene towards the end, which is immensely intense and powerful, thanks to some great direction and acting from everyone. A lot of people have been complaining on how unneeded this film is since most people know about the ending and such, yet I still feel that even if you know the resolution you'll still enjoy this film, maybe not so much on repeat viewings but it is still overwhelmingly entertaining. Branagh certainly pulls out all the stops here, and it's an absolute treat to indulge in.

8/10

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