He did it again! The perpetrator has struck once again which means it’s time for another Murder on the Orient Express.
43 years after the movie was released and 83 years after the book by Agatha Christie was published, we finally get the eagerly awaited sequel. But was it worth the wait? Is it equal to his prequel?
AGATHA CHRISTIE
With Murder on the Orient Express a series of movies based on Agatha Christie’s books starts in 1974.
Besides Murder on the Orient Express, the most popular movies of the series are “Death on the Nile” (1978), “Evil Under the Sun” (1982) and “Appointment with Death” (1988). The unforgettable Peter Ustinov shines in the role as Hercule Poirot in these masterpieces. He performed the Belgian private investigator also in many other film-and tv adaptations of Agatha Christie’s stories.
THE ORIGINAL
Murder on the Orient Express is packed with the Who-is-Who of American and British cinema.
Sean Connery, Ingrid Bergman and wonderful Lauren Bacall are in it. As well as the stunning Jacqueline Bisset, Anthony Perkins and Michael York. Richard Widmark, Albert Finney and Vanessa Redgrave complete this impressive ensemble. Unforgettable names and magnificent actors to this day.
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS 2017
The remake of Murder on the Orient Express shines also with many superstars. Among them are Johnny Depp, Willem Dafoe and Derek Jacobi. The charming Daisy Ridley, Penélope Cruz, Judi Dench, Olivia Colman and Michelle Pfeiffer represent the female gender.
Kenneth Branagh does not only play the role of Hercule Poirot, but the Shakespeare performer was also responsible for directing and producing. Ridley Scott supported him alongside.
And here is where the problem lies. Ridley Scott has been giving us stunning visuals since ‘Prometheus’ stunning visuals, which are so expressive and never lead to boredom and despondency. Murder on the Orient Express is not different.
THE PROBLEMS
Murder on the Orient Express focuses on overwhelming footage and Kenneth Branagh’s theatrical depiction. But nothing of the charm and wit of the originals obtains.
The interrogations and dialogues are monotonous and tiring, much like the sound of the wheels crossing through welding seams on the tracks. Linear as much as the movie.
No surprises and nothing is truly funny.
THE CHARACTERS
The presentation of the characters is weak, in contrast to the original from 1974.
Therefore, you can’t really sympathize with them, nor accept the ending. It reminds of a famous painting of Leonardo da Vinci, which is almost embarrassing and morally questionable.
Additionally, Branagh’s Shakespeare influences shape Murder on the Orient Express intensively. His special talent may be praised as brilliant in relevant film adaptations. However, it doesn’t fit into an easy, humorous, and suspenseful Agatha Christie thriller.
CONCLUSION
For all those who are not familiar with the original, Murder in the Orient Express is certainly an enjoyable and visually impressive movie.
For those who grew up with Peter Ustinov’s quibbles are probably going to stick to the original. His charm and wits stay unsurpassed. “Is it about sex?”, “No, it’s about 10:30.”
