MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS
Director : Kenneth Branagh
Year : 2017
Genre : Mystery thriller
Rating : ***
There has been a lot of rather vitriolic criticism levelled towards Kenneth Branagh's star-studded adaptation of Agatha Christie's 1934 mystery classic but I must admit that, despite its many faults, I thoroughly enjoyed the film. It is a stylish, well-acted, beautifully shot, old fashioned piece of vintage entertainment whose icy surroundings, deceptively inviting interiors and dark themes prove to be a most welcome treat during these chilly pre-Christmas times.
Sporting an outrageously majestic handlebar moustache and with an accent to match, Branagh shines both behind the lens as director and in front of it as the celebrated Belgian detective Hercule Poirot who, while taking a well deserved vacation aboard the titular locomotive, is faced with the seemingly impossible task of solving the mystery behind the brutal homicide of a fellow passenger.
Boasting the most impressive ensemble cast since Wes Anderson's delightful screwball comedy 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' (2014), 'The Murder On The Orient Express' features supporting performances from some of cinema's finest including Dame Judi Dench, Michelle Pfeiffer, Johnny Depp and Willem Dafoe as well as a number of rising stars including Daisy Ridley, Josh Gad and Leslie Odam Jr. - all of whom fulfill their respective roles with a suitably coy and enigmatic fervour.
Unfortunately as is typical with large ensemble casts in movies, certain actors are given less screen time than others (poor Olivia Colman is barely given a look-in on the morbid proceedings). This means that many of the secondary characters so integral to the story are not gifted the necessary development to really feel like a part of the plot which is something of a problem when every character, bar Poirot, is a suspect in the unfolding investigation. Nevertheless, every actor delivers when needed, most notably 'Star Wars' alumnus Daisy Ridley and one-time Catwoman Michelle Pfeiffer who are both very good here.
Meanwhile the narrative, much like the train itself, does become hopelessly derailed at times; knocked off kilter by a lack of explanation and, conversely, far too much dialogue-heavy exposition. Character motives are quickly brushed over while entire set pieces do more to confuse the story rather than enhance it meaning that vitally important clues in the focal mystery appear to the audience as both bewilderingly vague and deceptively inconsequential. However things are kept steaming along at a brisk pace thanks to the typically fluid direction by Branagh as well as the awards-worthy work by Haris Zambarloukos (the same D.O.P who collaborated with Branagh on both 'Sleuth' (2007) and 'Thor' (2010)) whose sumptuous camera work and luscious cinematography effortlessly helps to sustain the tension throughout the duration of the movie and Michael Green's immersive yet witty screenplay which successfully boils down Christie's beloved novel into a manageable, albeit meandering, 2 hour long package.
'Murder On The Orient Express' is far from perfect but it is still a thoroughly entertaining chocolate box of a film that looks wonderful, is performed well and, like all good mystery thrillers, keeps its audience guessing right until the very end scene. I look forward to booking another journey aboard this most infamous of steam engines in the very near future.
Sporting an outrageously majestic handlebar moustache and with an accent to match, Branagh shines both behind the lens as director and in front of it as the celebrated Belgian detective Hercule Poirot who, while taking a well deserved vacation aboard the titular locomotive, is faced with the seemingly impossible task of solving the mystery behind the brutal homicide of a fellow passenger.
Boasting the most impressive ensemble cast since Wes Anderson's delightful screwball comedy 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' (2014), 'The Murder On The Orient Express' features supporting performances from some of cinema's finest including Dame Judi Dench, Michelle Pfeiffer, Johnny Depp and Willem Dafoe as well as a number of rising stars including Daisy Ridley, Josh Gad and Leslie Odam Jr. - all of whom fulfill their respective roles with a suitably coy and enigmatic fervour.
Unfortunately as is typical with large ensemble casts in movies, certain actors are given less screen time than others (poor Olivia Colman is barely given a look-in on the morbid proceedings). This means that many of the secondary characters so integral to the story are not gifted the necessary development to really feel like a part of the plot which is something of a problem when every character, bar Poirot, is a suspect in the unfolding investigation. Nevertheless, every actor delivers when needed, most notably 'Star Wars' alumnus Daisy Ridley and one-time Catwoman Michelle Pfeiffer who are both very good here.
Meanwhile the narrative, much like the train itself, does become hopelessly derailed at times; knocked off kilter by a lack of explanation and, conversely, far too much dialogue-heavy exposition. Character motives are quickly brushed over while entire set pieces do more to confuse the story rather than enhance it meaning that vitally important clues in the focal mystery appear to the audience as both bewilderingly vague and deceptively inconsequential. However things are kept steaming along at a brisk pace thanks to the typically fluid direction by Branagh as well as the awards-worthy work by Haris Zambarloukos (the same D.O.P who collaborated with Branagh on both 'Sleuth' (2007) and 'Thor' (2010)) whose sumptuous camera work and luscious cinematography effortlessly helps to sustain the tension throughout the duration of the movie and Michael Green's immersive yet witty screenplay which successfully boils down Christie's beloved novel into a manageable, albeit meandering, 2 hour long package.
'Murder On The Orient Express' is far from perfect but it is still a thoroughly entertaining chocolate box of a film that looks wonderful, is performed well and, like all good mystery thrillers, keeps its audience guessing right until the very end scene. I look forward to booking another journey aboard this most infamous of steam engines in the very near future.
No comments:
Post a Comment