Back on the cinematic track
> The release of Murder on the Orient Express breathes new life on the big screen for Agatha Christie’s books
AGATHA CHRISTIE, the author dubbed the ‘Queen of Crime’, has once again returned to the big screen’s limelight after a decades-long absence with this year’s adaptation of her iconic Murder on the Orient Express, acted and directed by Kenneth Branagh.
Starring Branagh as eccentric detective Hercule Poirot ( far right and top), the film, which premiered in London in early November, also features a starstudded cast, including Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Daisy Ridley.
At the film’s premiere, Branagh told Reuters: “Previous film versions have been romps and they’ve been wonderful, but it felt like with this group of actors, it could get a little more dark and a little more emotional, and surprise and divert in a different way,”
A ‘whodunit’ tale, the film follows Branagh’s detective as he seeks to unmask a murderer among the passengers on board the glamorous train, trapped by an avalanche in mountainous terrain in southern Europe.
Christie, who died in 1976 aged 85, is cited by the Guinness Book of World Records as the bestselling novelist of all time.
Over 30 feature films have been made based on her work, including a 1974 version of Murder on the Orient Express, that saw Ingrid Bergman win an Academy Award for her performance.
Despite a rich pedigree in print, film and television, Branagh’s film represents notice her.
Principal Mr Tushman (Mandy Patinkin) tries to ease Auggie into school life by getting three of his classmates to give him a tour.
Here is where Auggie gets the first taste of what is in store for him.
While most of his classmates treat him like an outcast due to his appearance, rich kid Julian (Bryce Gheisar) resents his presence and enjoys taunting him at every opportunity.
Auggie manages to make friend with some of children such as Jack (Noah Jupe), but later suffers a betrayal.
However, the ending will make you shed a tear or two when you realise that children, while sometimes mean, are also more accepting of others than adults.
The film’s narrative is something of a cinematic resurrection for Christie’s work, with the most recent previous cinematic adaptation being 1985’s Ordeal by Innocence.
“It’s been 30 years, I guess, since we’ve had a proper cinema film,” said James Prichard, Christie’s great grandson and CEO of Agatha Christie Ltd, the company which manages the rights to her works.
“I’d love to say that it was a strategy, that we held it back and refused to allow it, but actually, we kind of went out of fashion for a bit, certainly on the big screen.”
Murder on the Orient Express, is the first in an upcoming slew of new film and television divided into chapters, each for one of the characters, giving us a more in-depth look into the life of Auggie and those close to him.
The actors all bring much warmth to their roles and this, in turn, makes this movie not only ideal for children but for adults as well.
The director uses simple things to convey Auggie’s journey, such as the numerous hospital bracelets pinned to his wall, Auggie’s love of Star Wars (some popular characters appear in the film as part of his imagination), and space travel.
Tremblay is perfectly cast, and despite wearing prosthetic makeup, his eyes convey all of the little boy’s emotions.
Undoubtedly, this is one of the best films to be released this year. – S. Indra Sathiabalan Cast: Jacob Tremblay, Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson Director: Stephen Chbosky E-Value: 8 Acting: 9 Plot: 9 adaptations of Agatha Christie properties, which include a production of Witness for the Prosecution, directed by and starring Oscar-winner Ben Affleck.
So, will Christie’s Poirot go the way of modern-day cinematic heavyweight superheroes like Spider-Man or Iron Man, and spawn a franchise?
“I think [Branagh]’s been fantastic, and I think the idea of this being a one-off Ken Poirot would be sad, so I’d love to see him do Daddy’s Home 2, Daddy’s Home, more,” Prichard said. – Reuters
Daddy’s Home 2 is good, but it doesn’t warrant a tripto-the-cinema good.
It is great that the movie highlights non-traditional family dynamics, proving that blended families are not only possible, but actually a reality for many.
Heartwarming as it is, this film is better enjoyed when watching at home with family, after ripping open presents from under the tree, as opposed to a cold and quiet cinema hall.
Ferell’s efforts at continuing to make people laugh through painful slapstick comedy might raise a chuckle or two, but it is Lithgow’s character who stands out more, as if this role was specifically written for the actor.
A drawback in the film would be the use of tired tropes like the ‘friendzone’ (which does not exist), and the typical alpha-male traits portrayed by Gibson’s character.
Also, Ambrosio’s part in the film feels a bit detached and poorly written, and the film should have utilised her star power more to add punch to the storyline.
In the spirit of Christmas, the movie deserves a watch, but it wouldn’t hurt to wait until it’s available online. – Marion Fernando Cast: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, John Lithgow and Mel Gibson Director: Sean Anders E-Value: 6 Acting: 6 Plot: 6