Well planned out with details on camera walk, settings, and mise en scene

Rating: 8/10 (20 June 2020)

1. Camera walking is very original. For example, the way the camera was set up above the heads of Poirot, Bouc, and the doctor, observing the murder scene without actually showing it is effective to bring out more curiosity from audience and to amplify the violence behind it. One more, I love how the camera captures each suspect's face so it looks like Poirot observes and reads into each one's expression as he walks by.
2. The director takes advantages of the fact the murder happened on the train. It's limited, secluded and close-to-each-other space. Audience can only see a part of what's happening because the camera zooms in, implying there are so many other things going on outside of this frame and keeping the suspense. The train, the table, the dining area, and many props are pleasure to look at.
3. It is a joy to find hidden message behind mise en scene. At the ending, the train heads into sunset in contrast with the snowing station where Poirot got off. While the station is gray, sunset is warm orange; audience can expect brighter future for the passengers. When Poirot boarded the train, it was one long-take so audience can expect hectic chaos the detective runs into, and the director can tell the audience 'follow him with this journey of mystery'. Last but not least, THE MIRROR!!! It was brilliant idea to show two or more faces using mirrors.
4. Deduction point on storytelling. I did not watch older version of the "Murder on the Orient Express", so I'm not sure how it managed to tell complex story more efficiently. However, newer version incorporated too much of a story, and it was a little bit everywhere