The luxurious Orient Express, a snowstorm, and a murder! What more could you want? Agatha Christie's classic tale has been adapted numerous times, but the 2017 film Murder on the Orient Express boasts a star-studded cast and stunning visuals, promising a thrilling ride for both newcomers and seasoned fans. Dive into our Murder on the Orient Express movie review: Passengers with Secrets . We explore the twists, the performances, and whether this adaptation does justice to Agatha Christie's iconic mystery. Let's unpack the secrets hidden within those opulent train carriages and see if this cinematic journey is worth taking.
This movie isn't just about solving a crime; it’s about delving into the complex motivations and hidden pasts of a group of strangers trapped together. The opulent setting of the Orient Express becomes a character in itself, a gilded cage trapping secrets and resentments. The film explores themes of justice, revenge, and the burden of the past, offering a thought-provoking examination of human nature under pressure. As Hercule Poirot meticulously pieces together the clues, we are forced to confront the moral ambiguities at the heart of the crime.
Who is this movie for ? Well, if you're a fan of classic whodunits, intricate plots, and ensemble casts, then this movie is definitely up your alley. It's also great for people who appreciate visually stunning films with a touch of old-world glamour. However, if you're expecting a fast-paced action thriller, you might be disappointed. This movie is more about the slow burn of suspense and the unraveling of secrets, so patience is key. Ultimately, it caters to those who enjoy a good mystery with a strong emphasis on character development and psychological depth.
In short, the 2017 adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express delivers a visually appealing and engaging take on Agatha Christie's masterpiece. While it may not be perfect, the strong performances, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre. The film successfully captures the essence of the original story while adding its own unique flair. Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty details, shall we?
A Journey Through Intrigue: Unpacking the Plot
The film follows the renowned detective Hercule Poirot as he embarks on a journey aboard the luxurious Orient Express. Little does he know, his vacation will be cut short by a shocking murder. A wealthy businessman, Samuel Ratchett, is found dead in his compartment, and with a snowdrift blocking the train's path, everyone on board becomes a suspect.
The Passengers: A Collection of Suspects
Each passenger harbors their own secrets and potential motives, making Poirot's investigation a complex and challenging puzzle. From a Russian princess to a Hungarian countess, the diverse cast of characters adds layers of intrigue to the story.
Key Players and Their Potential Motives
Princess Dragomiroff: A formidable and wealthy woman with a connection to the victim. Hildegarde Schmidt: The Princess's maid, observant and seemingly innocent. Greta Ohlsson: A Swedish missionary with a troubled past. Count and Countess Andrenyi: A married couple with secrets to hide. Colonel Arbuthnot: A war hero with a strong sense of justice. Miss Mary Debenham: A governess with a mysterious air. Hector MacQueen: Ratchett's personal secretary, harboring resentment towards his employer.
Kenneth Branagh's Poirot: A New Take on a Classic
Kenneth Branagh not only directs the film but also takes on the iconic role of Hercule Poirot. His portrayal is both faithful to the source material and adds a fresh perspective to the character.
Branagh's Directorial Choices: Visual Storytelling
Branagh's direction is visually stunning, utilizing sweeping camera movements and dramatic lighting to create a sense of grandeur and suspense. The film's production design is impeccable, recreating the opulent atmosphere of the Orient Express with meticulous detail.
The Use of Color and Light
The film's color palette is rich and vibrant, reflecting the luxurious setting and the characters' complex emotions. The use of light and shadow adds depth and drama to the scenes, enhancing the sense of mystery and intrigue.
The Performances: A Star-Studded Cast
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, each delivering memorable performances.
Standout Performances: Who Shined the Brightest?
Michelle Pfeiffer as Caroline Hubbard: Pfeiffer delivers a captivating performance as the flamboyant and grieving Mrs. Hubbard. Johnny Depp as Samuel Ratchett: Depp portrays the menacing and unlikeable Ratchett with chilling effectiveness. Daisy Ridley as Mary Debenham: Ridley brings a subtle intensity to her role as the enigmatic Miss Debenham. Judi Dench as Princess Dragomiroff: Dench embodies the regal and powerful Princess Dragomiroff with effortless grace.
The Chemistry Between the Actors
The actors' chemistry is palpable, creating a believable sense of camaraderie and tension among the passengers. The interactions between Poirot and the suspects are particularly engaging, as he probes their secrets and unravels their lies.
Did the Movie Do Justice to the Book? Comparing Adaptations
Adapting a beloved novel like Murder on the Orient Express is no easy task. How does this version compare to previous adaptations and the source material?
Strengths and Weaknesses: What Worked and What Didn't
Strengths: Visually stunning and immersive. Strong performances from the ensemble cast. Faithful to the core plot of the novel.
Weaknesses: Some liberties taken with the characters and their backstories. The pacing can feel slow at times. Branagh's Poirot might not appeal to everyone.
Changes from the Book: What Was Added or Removed?
The film makes some minor changes to the characters and their relationships, as well as adding some visual flourishes that are not present in the book. These changes are mostly cosmetic and do not significantly alter the overall story.
A Moral Quandary: Justice vs. Revenge
At its heart, Murder on the Orient Express explores the complex themes of justice and revenge.
The Dilemma of Poirot: Law vs. Morality
Poirot is faced with a difficult moral dilemma: should he uphold the law or allow the passengers to escape justice? His decision reflects the film's exploration of the gray areas of morality and the complexities of human nature.
The Passengers' Justification: Was Revenge Justified?
The passengers believe that their actions were justified, as they were seeking revenge for a terrible crime. The film asks us to consider whether revenge is ever a valid form of justice.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Still have questions about Murder on the Orient Express ? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions:
General Questions
Is Murder on the Orient Express scary?
Not really. It's more of a suspenseful mystery than a horror film. There are some tense moments, but nothing too graphic or frightening.
Is Murder on the Orient Express based on a true story?
No, it's a work of fiction by Agatha Christie, although it was partially inspired by the Lindbergh kidnapping case.
How long is Murder on the Orient Express (2017)?
The movie is approximately 1 hour and 54 minutes long.
Plot-Related Questions
Who committed the murder in Murder on the Orient Express ?
That's the big question, isn't it? All of the passengers were involved in the murder of Samuel Ratchett.
Why did they kill Ratchett?
Ratchett was responsible for the kidnapping and murder of a young girl, Daisy Armstrong. The passengers were all connected to Daisy and sought revenge for her death.
What was Poirot's final decision?
Poirot ultimately decides to present a false solution to the authorities, allowing the passengers to escape justice.
Character-Related Questions
Who is Hercule Poirot?
Hercule Poirot is a world-renowned Belgian detective known for his meticulous attention to detail and his "little grey cells."
Who is Princess Dragomiroff in relation to Daisy Armstrong?
Princess Dragomiroff was Daisy Armstrong's godmother and a close friend of her family.
What is Mary Debenham's secret?
Mary Debenham was Daisy Armstrong's governess and had a close bond with the little girl.
Conclusion: A Satisfying Mystery?
Overall, Murder on the Orient Express (2017) is a visually stunning and engaging adaptation of Agatha Christie's classic novel. While it may not be perfect, the strong performances, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre. It successfully captures the essence of the original story while adding its own unique flair. If you're looking for a captivating mystery with a touch of old-world glamour, then hop aboard the Orient Express and prepare for a thrilling ride. This Murder on the Orient Express movie review: Passengers with Secrets highlights the film's strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it's the right movie for you. Remember to pay close attention to the passengers with secrets , as they all play a crucial role in this intricate whodunit.