Murder on the Orient Express (1974) - Review

Murder on the Orient Express (1974) - Review

(Spoiler-Free)

Look, nowadays the predominant conversation regarding the title of Murder ot the Orient Express, seems to be that one one 2016 movie, which i have not yet watched because it looks like a boring celebrity vanity vehicle, the kind of movie that will chicken around the things that make this IP so fascinating. Maybe i will prove myself extremely wrong once i watch the film. But from what ive seen of it, and the reactions surrounding it, i think that's highly unlikely… 

So let me go ahead and add some variety to the conversation by introducing you, if you dont know about it already, to a film that ive actually watched, and that i can confidently hand it over my certified fresh classic seal ✅

Yes im talking about 1974's Sidney Lumet-directed Murder on the Orient Express adaptation… which i will only judge as a film since i havent read the novel.

Just let me point out that, the most common things that i, or others get upset at adaptations for since they usually get butchered, like the complex layered characterization, and the intricate mature storytelling, are both very prominent elements in this movie. And that's basically why i loved it so much.

The unapologetic maturity of this film is certainly what gave me the presumption that, were i judge it also as an adaptation, i would still find it very satisfying… But still, havent read the novel so who knows. 

Out of cap for real for real, if you are a cinophile such as myself, let me tell you that this film features as its main characters, one of the most instantaneous literally me type characters ive ever watched. Like its instantly icon material. Totally worthy of being up there in the hall of fame among all the other gigachads worshiped by incels and media iliterate individuals. And since nobody has watched this film ever since it came out, i am proud to be one who rediscovered it, because now i be the first one to say that he is literally me, and nobody can object. 

Yes i'm talking about Hungarian detective Hercules Poirot, this film’s version of him, as brilliantly played by Albert finney. A raspy, extremely keen eyed, devilishly smart detective. One of those characters that are so brilliantly written into the story that i can only wonder at the level of experience and intelligence required of whoever envisioned him in order to pull it off this amazingly well. He is just a really great example of characterization, as he is got amazing writing, that then was brought to life by an amazing performance, so the result is something that is a joy to watch. 

Speaking of entertaining performances, Albert finney stole the show, but everyone delivers that pretty much everyone gave a great entertaing performance really, i dont think this movie had a single weak one. As someone who really enjoys some well defined characterizations, even if they border on the theatrhical or the over the top sometimes, this film was just like a fan service to me. Just great character after interesting character. Even if some had límited time or interaction, they are all so well defined and understandable at pretty much each moment. 

The rhythm of the film is pretty great. Its a well made set up for the characters, flows well, doesnt add useless information, presents everything well. with plenty of interesting shots and visual sequences, the characterization is deep and heavily textured. Even at it slowest, there is still interesting details to pay attention to. The director has such a steady rithm, feels like everyone knows exactly what they are doing. 

The only big complaint i have would be that the set up is a bit slow and overly long, maybe some could have been trimmed down, or maybe i'll appreciate it more on a second watch. 

But once the “incident” actually happens holy fuck is it entertaining to watch. 

I have watched only a límited amount of mystery genre media, but this is probably the most memorable one ive seen. There is a variety of facts, clues and just information to deal with being thrown at you at all times and its riveting to watch them unravel the case, the nature of these kinds of mystery movies  its pretty participative and its unlikely to leave anybody feeling cold. You are presented with clashing postures of what might have gone down. 

And holy shit are the payoffs incredible. 

The breakdown of the case is honestly amazing. Its everything a massive reveal payoff should be, amazing, surprising, smart, emotionally charged, thought prokoving. No exageration some sequences in this film set themselves as istantaneous brilliance in the genre, and in my loving memories. 

The sheer comolexity of the mystery from a writers perspective is nothing short of astonishing. It is truly incredible someone could juggle all the incredible amounts of detail, character and psychology into this incredibly polished story. 

The film also deals with questions of morality and justice, a very participative movie overall. 

I do have minor complaints on the aspect of some things:

The green screen at the train was noticiable and distracting. 

That discovered dead guy with strawberry siroup leaking from his mouth as blood looked unconvincing.

But otherwise production value is pretty grear. The locations are practical and they were beautifully shot. The sets look elaborate real and very decorated. There is a heatlhy sense of population to the world since they cared to add interesting extras and a ton of noise, the costume departament was also great. It really made Istanbul look like a hell to live in and that's great. 

The photography is really pretty. I appreciate how they inserted a bunch of location exterior shots of the train. 

Conclusion 

May not be for everyone. 

If you are an autistic person that likes to obssess with seemingly unsignificant yet relevant details, you are gonna love the shit out of this movie. I like how true this stayed to the genre since murder figure out basically composes more than two thirds of the movie. 

Do not under any circumstances look up anything about the plot before you watch this, believe me, the blinder you get into this the better its gonna be. 

Its a great mystery story, with its slow set up i was caught so off guard by how much i ended up loving this movie. 

7.5/10

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