Murder On The Orient Express Review: 6 Ups & 6 Downs

3. The Mediocre Visual Effects

Murder On The Orient Express Kenneth Branagh
Fox

While the majority of the movie is set inside the train, there is extensive use of visual effects when depicting the exterior of the train.

Almost every single shot showing the train's journey is awash in awkwardly noticeable CGI, namely weather elements intended to expand the scope of the locale beyond what was available during shooting.

Unfortunately it's painfully apparent, and becomes even worse when Branagh decides to zoom in close, and especially when Poirot himself even ends up standing on top of the train, the green screen becoming howlingly obvious.

It also feels totally at odds with the director's decision to shoot on 65mm film, which is a fantastic choice for capturing gorgeous vistas, but what's the point when they're mostly digital anyway?

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.