We didn't hate this lushly produced mystery, taking place on a luxury train across the Eur-Asian continent, based on the 1934 Agatha Christie novel. The cinematography, costumes, and locations are spectacular. Sir Kenneth Branagh directs and stars as Belgian detective Hercule Poirot with a silly accent and an enormous double handlebar mustache. He was last blogged for acting for Dunkirk. The ensemble includes Michelle Pfeiffer, Johnny Depp, Judi Dench, Daisy Ridley, Willem Dafoe, Penelope Cruz, Derek Jacobi (most recently in these pages for The Family, Into the Woods, Victoria & Abdul, The Eagle Huntress, The Florida Project, The Brothers Grimsby, Hereafter, respectively) and, in his first film role since the original Broadway cast of Hamilton, Leslie Odom Jr.
Because I usually add a guttural sound to the end of his name, Jack researched the correct pronunciation of Branagh's (last blogged for directing for Cinderella) name. It's BRAN-uh. The screenplay, adapted by Michael Green (co-wrote Blade Runner 2049), has lots of goofs, including continuity, pronunciation/accents, anachronistic Godiva Chocolate product placement, and a plot hole or two.
But the pictures! Cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos (shot, among others, Enduring Love (2004), Sleuth (2007), Thor, Cinderella, Denial--the middle three were directed by Branagh) gives us magnificent photography including scenes in Valle d'Aosta, Italy (for the snow exteriors); Istanbul; Malta; and New Zealand.
The Costume Designers Guild nominations haven't been announced yet but Alexandra Byrne (won an Oscar for Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007), nominated for three others, including Elizabeth (1998) (both Elizabeths played by Cate Blanchett) and Finding Neverland (2004)) has been nominated for a Satellite Award and I expect she'll get more accolades as the season progresses. Jim Clay's (best known for The Crying Game (1992), Match Point (2005), Children of Men (2006) and Woman in Gold) Production Design team has so far been noted with a Critics Choice nomination so far.
Patrick Doyle's (last scored A United Kingdom) mysterious soundtrack can be streamed from this YouTube playlist, including, as track 23, his song Never Forget with lyrics by Branagh, sung by Pfeiffer.
The end of this movie sets up for the sequel, Death on the Nile, an undated release to be directed by Branagh with Green adapting another of Christie's novels.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics and audiences are understandable tepid on this, averaging 58 and 59%. The images are its most redeeming values.
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