Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
I have mixed feelings about this film. I am a huge fan of the works of Agatha Christie. I have read every Hercule Poirot story and seen the TV and film adaptations. I had to give this one a whirl. I accepted from the start that, like all films, it wouldn’t be accurate to the book.
There were a few minor changes to the story and characters, but essentially everything was there and worked well. The actors did a good job. You’d expect so for an ‘all-star’ cast, but that doesn’t always guarantee success. I enjoyed the film. The back story and themes of the film were faithful to the source material.
My main gripes were with the depiction of Hercule Poirot. Firstly, the moustache. It is terrible. And Poirot would never have that weird soul patch thing that Brannagh’s sporting. Secondly, Poirot’s actions. Poirot would never walk across the roof of a train carriage. It’s too high, too physical and something for much younger men. The same for physical struggles. Distasteful.
In terms of Poirot’s numerous idiosyncrasies, they did include an example or two. Most notably, his two boiled eggs being exactly the same size. Unfortunately, that scene seemed to be a separate, added extra rather than an integral part of the story. An idiosyncrasy for an idiosyncrasy’s sake.
Over all, it was an enjoyable film. Just not for the Poirot purist. David Suchet is still the best ever Poirot. No contest.
