The
content of Kenneth Branagh’s latest production is drastically different from the
other comedies and dramas currently in the theatre. Choosing to take on an old
Agatha Christie mystery feels like a bold choice considering modern taste. However,
his version of “Murder on the Orient Express” was undoubtedly well-done. The
all-star cast proved their career with captivating acting, and the filming showed
the beautiful scenery of the Orient’s route from Istanbul to Paris, perhaps
itching those with some wanderlust in the audience. The portrayal of Christie’s
colorful characters come to life in gorgeous costume and Branagh himself was
humorous and precise in his role of the famous detective Hercule Poirot, not in
the least offensive to those accustomed to David Suchet’s previous portrayal of
the character. The plot is one classically simple and effective. Twelve
passengers stuck upon a train with a murder to solve. The outline of a confined
space and a mystery to solve has captivated audiences for centuries and
Christie’s unique story-line is no less thrilling and mind-boggling. Through the
wonderful storytelling, this plot has one theme that is wrestled with
throughout. In tales of detectives and law enforcement the issue of justice is
always at hand. While seemingly straightforward, our characters show that mixed
with human empathy, finding and executing justice can be much more complicated.
Sometimes, solving the mystery is not as difficult as the choices one must make
afterwards. Take your friends and loved ones to watch “Murder on the Orient Express” and then ask yourself, do you agree with the
greatest detective in the world, Hercule Poirot?
No comments:
Post a Comment