Tuesday, December 18, 2007

"Murder", She Wrote: Revisiting Poirot in "Murder on the Orient Express"


The novel, Murder on the Orient Express, is one of the most famous detective stories of all time and its main character, pompous Belgian Hercule Poirot, is the quirkiest and most original detective since Sherlock Holmes. The novel is smooth on its tracks and amusing. Christie, now recognized as the Queen of Crime. She has sold millions of books and remains one of the best mystery writers of all time. One of the greatest of Agatha Christie's novels is brought to the screen with a fantastic story line, a glorious all-star cast, and beautiful scenery. When famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is on his way to London on the famous Orient Express, he meets a man named Ratchett who hires him as a bodyguard, because of getting threatening letters, Poirot turns the job down. The next day, he turns up dead in his compartment with twelve stab wounds. Inspired by the real life "Lindbergh kidnapping case", Christie's novel flows smoothly without hitting a bump. Ratchett turns out to be involved with the "Armstrong kidnapping case". The film is extremely accurate. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat, and has you guessing who the killer is. Albert Finney was a great Poirot. Ingrid Bergman took home an Oscar for her role in the film. Sean Connery shines as Colonel Arbuthnot. The rest of the cast shines throughout the film. But my favorite of the cast, other than Finney, is Lauren Bacall as the American woman, who talks non-stop, Mrs. Hubbard. Both are truly works of art. Book: A+
Movie: A

No comments: