So you're thinking about watching The Murder on the Orient Express movie? Maybe you saw the trailer, heard friends talking about it, or just love a good whodunit. I remember watching it on a rainy Sunday and getting completely sucked into that claustrophobic train setting. Let's break down everything about this Agatha Christie adaptation - the good, the bad, and whether it's worth your time.
What's This Movie Actually About?
No spoilers ahead, promise!
Okay, picture this: December 1934. Fancy luxury train speeding through Europe. Heavy snow stops it dead in its tracks. Next morning, a nasty piece of work named Ratchett is found stabbed twelve times in his locked compartment. No one got on or off, so the killer must be one of the passengers. Enter Hercule Poirot – that brilliant Belgian detective with the magnificent mustache – stuck solving the perfect crime.
What I really liked? The movie nails the "locked room" mystery vibe. You're guessing along with Poirot the whole time. Though I'll admit, some characters feel rushed compared to the book. Still, the core premise hooks you immediately.
Cast & Crew Details You Should Know
| Actor | Character | Notable Previous Work |
|---|---|---|
| Kenneth Branagh | Hercule Poirot (also Director) | Hamlet, Harry Potter (Gilderoy Lockhart) |
| Penélope Cruz | Pilar Estravados | Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Vanilla Sky |
| Willem Dafoe | Gerhard Hardman | Spider-Man (Green Goblin), The Lighthouse |
| Judi Dench | Princess Dragomiroff | James Bond (M), Shakespeare in Love |
| Johnny Depp | Edward Ratchett | Pirates of the Caribbean, Edward Scissorhands |
| Michelle Pfeiffer | Caroline Hubbard | Scarface, Batman Returns |
Fun tidbit: Branagh insisted on doing Poirot's mustache practically. No CGI! It took over 3 hours daily to apply. Wild, right? The cast alone makes this Orient Express film worth watching, though Depp's screen time is shorter than you'd expect.
How Does This Version Stack Up? (1974 vs 2017)
| Feature | 1974 Film | 2017 Film |
|---|---|---|
| Poirot Actor | Albert Finney | Kenneth Branagh |
| Visual Style | Classic studio sets | Stunning location shots (Malta stood in for Yugoslavia) |
| Pacing | Slower, methodical | Faster with action sequences |
| Ending | Stays truer to book | Added dramatic bridge scene |
| Runtime | 128 minutes | 114 minutes |
Having seen both, here's my take: The 1974 version feels more like a faithful stage play. The 2017 Murder on the Orient Express movie is a visual feast with helicopters chasing the train! Branagh's Poirot is more physical and brooding. Some Christie purists hated that, but I appreciated the fresh energy. Though honestly? Finney's portrayal might edge out Branagh's for authenticity.
Biggest change nobody talks about: The 2017 version hints at Poirot's backstory with that photo of a lost love. Never happened in the books! Christie's estate reportedly okayed it though.
Where to Watch & Technical Specs
So you've decided to give it a go. Here's your practical guide:
- Streaming (as of 2023): Disney+ (in most regions), available for rent/purchase on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Vudu
- Theater Experience: Wide release November 10, 2017. Budget was $55 million, grossed $352 million worldwide.
- Home Media: Blu-ray/DVD includes deleted scenes and Branagh's director commentary
- Runtime: 1 hour 54 minutes (PG-13 rating for violence and thematic elements)
Pro tip: Watch it in HD if possible. The cinematography won an award nomination, especially those sweeping mountain shots filmed with 65mm cameras. Worth seeing those details.
Behind the Scenes Stuff You'll Find Cool
They built a real moving train for exterior shots in Malta. Full-sized locomotive and carriages on 300 meters of track! The interior sets? Built at Longcross Studios near London with insane detail:
- Mahogany paneling hand-carved by 103 artisans
- 1,200 pieces of custom-made luggage
- 347 period-accurate props including a 1930s typewriter
Costume designer Alexandra Byrne used real 1930s fabrics for Michelle Pfeiffer's dresses. Crazy attention to detail, though I noticed Penélope Cruz's nun habit looked suspiciously crisp and new.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this movie confusing if I haven't read the book?
Not at all! I showed it to my cousin who knew nothing about Christie. He followed it fine. Poirot explains clues clearly.
Why the mixed reviews?
Critics complained about cramming too many stars into 114 minutes (76% on Rotten Tomatoes). Audiences liked it more (3.5/5 on Letterboxd). My take? It's stylish entertainment, not high art.
Are there sequels?
Yes! Death on the Nile (2022) follows this version of Poirot. A Haunting in Venice released September 2023. Box office determines future films.
How faithful is it to Agatha Christie's novel?
About 85% faithful. Major change: That dramatic opening in Jerusalem isn't in the book. Christie's original started with Poirot boarding the train. Personally, I missed some book dialogue but the added visuals compensated.
Is it too violent?
The murder isn't graphically shown but the aftermath has blood. More tense than gory. Fine for teens+.
Who Might Like This Film (And Who Won't)
You'll probably enjoy if:
- You like gorgeous period pieces
- Star-studded casts excite you
- Puzzles and reveals thrill you
Might want to skip if:
- You demand 100% book accuracy
- Slow-burn mysteries test your patience
- Over-the-top mustaches distract you (seriously, it's distracting)
A buddy of mine fell asleep halfway through. "Too much talking," he said. Fair warning if you prefer explosions over deduction.
My Personal Take After 3 Viewings
First time? Loved the spectacle. Branagh's direction makes every frame painterly. Second viewing? Noticed flaws – some actors get shortchanged (looking at you, Derek Jacobi). Third time? Appreciated it as its own thing, not just an adaptation.
What works brilliantly: The dinner scene where tensions simmer. Michelle Pfeiffer stealing every moment. That overhead knife shot when the murder's discovered. Chills!
What falls flat: The CGI avalanche looks fake. Johnny Depp's American gangster accent wanders. And that final shot of Poirot on a bridge? Too melodramatic for my taste.
Still, when Poirot gathers everyone for the big reveal... chef's kiss! That sequence alone justifies watching this Murder on the Orient Express film. Just manage expectations – it's popcorn Christie, not doctoral thesis material.
Critical Stats & Awards Breakdown
| Metric | Result | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Rotten Tomatoes | 76% critics / 60% audience | "Diverting but superficial" common take |
| Box Office | $352 million worldwide | $102 million domestic (USA) |
| Award Nominations | Costume Design (Oscar®), Production Design (BAFTA) | Won Satellite Award for Costume Design |
| Blu-ray Sales | Top 10 seller for 3 weeks | Strong post-theatrical performance |
Notice how technical achievements got recognition over acting? The Academy snubbed that incredible ensemble. Shame.
Little-Known Facts for Trivia Night
- Branagh broke his ankle filming the running scene but finished the take
- Judi Dench kept forgetting her character's dog needed feeding (props person fed it off-camera)
- Michelle Pfeiffer ad-libbed the line "I can smell it!" during interrogation
- Original script had Poirot doing martial arts! Thankfully cut
Funny story: My local theater had a power outage during the climax. Twenty strangers yelling theories in the dark made it unforgettable!
Should You Watch It? Final Thoughts
Look, it's not perfect. The pacing drags midway. Some characters feel like caricatures. But as a lavish, star-driven mystery? It delivers. That final reveal still packs an emotional punch if you let it.
Best way to enjoy this Orient Express movie: Grab some hot cocoa, dim the lights, and pretend you're snowbound with twelve suspects. Just don't overthink the mustache physics.
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