Kenneth Branagh's 'Murder on the Orient Express' brings star-studded remake to cinemas

Kenneth Branagh directs and stars as Hercule Poirot in a new adaptation of Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express,' released in 2017. The film features an ensemble cast including Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, and Michelle Pfeiffer, replacing the 1974 version's stars like Sean Connery and Ingrid Bergman. The story, set in 1934 when Christie wrote the novel at Istanbul's Père Palas Hotel, follows Poirot investigating a murder on the snowbound train. Branagh's portrayal emphasizes Poirot's obsessive perfectionism and intuitive detective work. The film includes a visual reference to Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper.' Screenwriter Michael Green is confirmed to write the sequel 'Death on the Nile,' with Branagh expected to return as director and star. The 1974 film by Sidney Lumet is noted for its 'luxurious detective' genre. The article also promotes Artribune's newsletters on art market, urban regeneration, and cultural tourism.