Wednesday, Film4, 11:05pm
Kenneth Branagh’s 2017 adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express brought Agatha Christie’s classic whodunit back to the screen in sumptuous style. With a moustache more elaborate than the film’s many plot twists, Branagh starred as the legendary detective Hercule Poirot, leading an all-star cast trapped aboard the titular luxury train. The cinematography indulges in sweeping vistas of snowbound Europe and the train’s art deco opulence, but it’s the music that truly drives this locomotive of suspense and moral dilemmas.
The soundtrack, composed by the brilliant Patrick Doyle, is a masterclass in orchestral storytelling. Doyle, a frequent Branagh collaborator, crafts a score that feels both timeless and deeply atmospheric. The main theme is a delicate, melancholy waltz, evoking both the romance and tragedy of a bygone era. Strings swell dramatically during moments of revelation, while quiet piano and harp passages underscore Poirot’s introspective moments. The use of ethnic instruments adds a touch of the exotic, reminding the listener of the train’s pan-European journey and the rich cultural tapestry of its passengers. Doyle’s score does not shout its presence but lingers, like the distant echo of a train whistle—haunting and unforgettable.
Soundtrack collectors, take note: the album is a lush treat, with Doyle's compositions performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. The CD release includes a booklet with notes from Doyle himself, and for vinyl aficionados, there’s a stunning limited-edition pressing in icy blue—a nod to the film’s wintry setting. While Murder on the Orient Expressdidn’t sweep the awards circuit, the score deservedly garnered acclaim for its meticulous craftsmanship. If you’re a fan of mysteries or a connoisseur of cinematic scores, Doyle’s work here is a ticket worth punching.
- Paul Allen