The camera focuses on her as she walks away, stops, and takes a second look at Poirot. This shows us that the detective s presence is of particular interest to the lady. The second purpose of the opening scene is to introduce the Orient Express to those who are not familiar with it. The train is certainly an upper class mode of transportation. We see by the passenger s actions and appearances that not everyone can afford to ride on it.
Music also plays a role in telling the story.
The contrast between the local residents and the passengers of the train is made more apparent through the use of music. The diajetic music that we hear seems like a style that the passengers aren t accustomed to hearing. It is interesting to actually view scenes that we have read about. It gives us another perspective on the author s arguments. Chapter 10 of Lumet described the use of music during the train s departure.