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Murder on the Orient Express (1974)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 1/06, 1/14, 3/19, 10/20

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1/06: Murder on the Orient Express is an adroitly made film by Sidney Lumet that consists of an all-star cast.

Albert Finney is the bona fide maestro of the show. How he plays Hercule Poirot so well. I thought I would hate him because of his hubris. But watching him, I was won over.

All in all, Murder on the Orient Express is a superb yarn of murder mystery intrigue.

1/14: Murder on the Orient Express is a lovely atmospheric murder mystery train picture.

The best acting job of the show goes to Albert Finney for his masterful portrayal of Hercule Poirot, a fastidious detective with Asperger's syndrome. Speaking of performances, how about the overrated Oscar win for Ingrid Bergman? It's shocking how her looks had gone downhill since Casablanca.

All in all, Murder on the Orient Express is a satisfying picture.

3/19: Albert Finney recently passed away, and the first thing I could think of was Murder on the Orient Express.

It's the best performance of his career. The movie is star-studded (twenty-nine Oscar nominations and nine wins including one honorary award), but nobody tops Albert Finney.

A lot of people don't understand how Poirot figured it out, but what he did is merely fact-checking to see if the people knew their stuff, especially in matters concerning Europe. They all flunked the test. That's why he couldn't contain his glee toward the end. I admit Lauren Bacall isn't bad, playing a fake actress only because she's no thespian.

This is the only film adaptation that satisfied Agatha Christie. She was pleased with Albert Finney's portayal of the famed detective but didn't like his mustache. But Ingrid Bergman winning the Oscar? Puh-lease! Her looks had certainly disappeared by 1974.

All in all, Murder on the Orient Express is a celebration of Albert Finney's acting greatness.

10/20: I finally read the book for the first time before seeing the film version of Murder on the Orient Express.

There are slight differences between these two but nothing major. The book is better dialogue-wise and takes its time while the film deserves credit for making the show happen. What I like about the latter is the nostalgia through the rich cinematography. The mystery is easy to figure out in the book, but trying to through Poirot's eyes in the film is a waste of time, hence the need for a longer running time.

With the exception of John Gielgud as Beddoes who doesn't exist in the book and is rather superfluous (really he's a split of MacQueen in two), the cast is absolutely perfect; they're whom I envisioned in the book. Whoever thought of the thespians for the characters should be commended. It's who's who of major American and British stars of the time, adding glamour to the film in the likes of Grand Hotel.

The best part is the characters walking through the platform before aboarding the Orient Express. The train ready to depart from the station is a remarkable sight. However, things are routine afterwards except for Albert Finney's virtuoso performance as Hercule Poirot. His proposal of two solutions at the end is spectacular, earning him an Academy Award nomination.

I can't say that Ingrid Bergman deserved the Oscar for what...five minutes of screen time. It's safe to say the voters were more shocked to see how much her looks had gone away since Casablanca. She's as good as everybody else while Albert Finney is the only one who stands out. Interestingly, Vanessa Redgrave will go on to play Agatha Christie in Agatha with Dustin Hoffman.

All in all, Murder on the Orient Express is always a treat to watch.