Although the works of mystery writer Agatha Christie have
been adapted for TV for decades, movie versions of her books have been
rare. The latest version of ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ is the first English
language film based on her books for over twenty years. Maybe her novels
are more suited for the small screen even if several Christie films in the 70’s
and 80’s proved popular. ‘Orient Express’ may rectify that with its
sumptuous cast having a grand time figuring out whodunit.
Belgian detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) is
looking forward to a relaxing journey on the famed Orient Express train.
Filled with guests including Princess Dragomiroff (Judi Dench), Samuel Ratchett
(Johnny Depp) and Mrs Hubbard (Michelle Pfeiffer), the esteemed company enjoys
the ride. Unfortunately their trip is rudely interrupted when one of the
passengers is killed. Tasked with finding the culprit, Poirot questions
each guest before time runs out at the train’s final destination. The
interviews lead Poirot to a conclusion of murder.
Calling ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ old-fashioned isn’t
necessarily a bad thing. Whilst occasionally creaking under its genteel
antiquity, it commands attention due to a great cast. Each has their
moment to shine and seem to enjoy partaking in Christie’s murderous parlour
game. Branagh, Dench and others are at the top of their game with
well-rounded performances. Letting them down are leaden pacing and the lack
of genuine thrills that make Christie’s books great reading.
Although initial scenes in Malta are full of nice humour and
action, once the train stops and the murder occurs the momentum halts.
What follows is a series of interviews with suspects that gradually bores more than
excites. Branagh does what he can as director, as well as actor, to keep
things moving and his technical skills are superb. It’s that the
screenplay suffers from lack of genuine movement – it needed more life to make
it memorable. The cinematography does what it can to compensate and
successfully provides the glossy colour crucial in building the overall 1930’s
atmosphere.
‘Murder on the Orient Express’ is a generally fine
adaptation of one of Christie’s most famous works. Despite not really grabbing
attention as it should, the cast and direction do their best to jazz up a
rather static script. It will be interesting seeing if this is a hit with
modern audiences with a gap between further Christie movies hopefully not as
long.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 7
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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