Where was murder on orient express filmed?

Where was Murder on the Orient Express Filmed?

The 2017 film adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic novel Murder on the Orient Express has captivated audiences worldwide with its grandeur, mystery, and stunning visuals. But, have you ever wondered where this luxurious train journey unfolded? Let’s embark on a journey to explore the filming locations of this masterpiece.

Introduction

Before we dive into the details, let’s set the scene. Murder on the Orient Express, directed by Kenneth Branagh, is a whodunit mystery that takes place in the 1930s. The story follows renowned detective Hercule Poirot as he unravels the mystery of a murder that takes place on the luxurious Orient Express train. With a star-studded cast, including Branagh, Johnny Depp, and Michelle Pfeiffer, this film is a visual treat, and its filming locations did not disappoint.

Locations

The film’s primary location is the Budapest Studios in Hungary, where the production team built a massive 1,000-meter-long set to replicate the fabled Orient Express train. This set was designed by Wolfgang Hanak, who worked on the sets of Gone with the Wind and Ben-Hur. The Budapest Studios provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s iconic train scenes.

Train Stands

In addition to the Budapest Studios, several train stands were used during filming. These stands allowed the production team to quickly switch between different parts of the train, making filming more efficient. The Csepel Railway Factory in Budapest was another location used for train shots.

External Scenes

While the train scenes took place primarily in the studios, external scenes were filmed on location. Vienna, Austria was used as the backdrop for the film’s opening scenes, showcasing the city’s stunning architecture.

Hotel Scenes

When the train arrives at a station, the film moves to Budapest’s West Railway Station. This historic station doubled as the film’s arrival and departure point for the Orient Express. The team also used Hotel Ritz in Budapest, which provided a luxurious and elegant setting for the character’s stays.

Production Design

The film’s production design was led by Dominic Watkins, who worked closely with Wolfgang Hanak to create an opulent and immersive environment. The design team used period-specific props to add authenticity to the set, including vintage luggage, antique furniture, and meticulously crafted costumes.

Stunning Visuals

Murder on the Orient Express is a visual feast, with stunning vistas of Hungarian landscapes providing a breathtaking backdrop for the film’s action. Lake Balaton, Europe’s largest lake, was used as a filming location, offering breathtaking views for the film’s climax.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the filming locations for Murder on the Orient Express were an integral part of the film’s success. From the Budapest Studios to the Viennese streets, and from the train stands to the hotel scenes, the production team carefully selected each location to transport audiences back to the opulent era of the 1930s. With its intricate production design, stunning visuals, and talented cast, Murder on the Orient Express is a must-see film.

Additional Information

Bibliography

• Murder on the Orient Express (2017) – Filming locations and production details
• Wikipedia – Murder on the Orient Express (2017 film) – General information about the film
• IMDB – Murder on the Orient Express (2017) – Cast, crew, and production information