Is Murder on the Orient Express a Remake of Knives Out?
The world of crime fiction has given us some unforgettable detectives and mysteries, with two of the most popular being Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot and Rian Johnson’s detective Benoit Blanc. With the recent release of two films, Murder on the Orient Express (2017) and Knives Out (2019), fans are left wondering if the two movies share any similarities.
A Direct Answer to the Question
In an interview, Rian Johnson, the director of Knives Out, explicitly stated that Murder on the Orient Express was not the inspiration for his film. Johnson mentioned that he wanted to create a modern twist on the classic whodunit genre, drawing from his own experiences and inspiration from various sources, including And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie.
Similarities and Differences
Despite not being a direct remake, Knives Out shares some striking similarities with Murder on the Orient Express. Both films feature:
- A famous detective: Hercule Poirot in Murder on the Orient Express and Benoit Blanc in Knives Out
- A complex plot with multiple suspects and red herrings
- A grand, isolated setting: the Orient Express train in Murder on the Orient Express and the Thrombey family’s mansion in Knives Out
- A focus on relationships and character development
Table: Similarities Between Murder on the Orient Express and Knives Out
| Feature | Murder on the Orient Express | Knives Out |
|---|---|---|
| Famous Detective | Hercule Poirot | Benoit Blanc |
| Complex Plot | Multiple suspects and red herrings | Multi-layered mystery |
| Isolated Setting | Train journey | Family mansion |
| Focus | Relationships and character development | Relationships and character development |
Other Notable Similarities
Both films also feature a sense of nostalgia and paying homage to the classic whodunit genre. Murder on the Orient Express is an adaptation of Agatha Christie’s beloved novel, while Knives Out is often compared to the classic noir films of the 1930s and 40s.
Key Differences
Despite the similarities, Knives Out is a distinct film that sets itself apart from Murder on the Orient Express in several key ways:
- Tone: Knives Out has a more modern and satirical tone, tackling themes of class, identity, and social inequality
- Detective: Benoit Blanc is a more humorous and laid-back detective compared to the more serious and analytical Hercule Poirot
- Plot twists: Knives Out features more unexpected plot twists and surprises, while Murder on the Orient Express is more faithful to the original novel and features a more predictable narrative
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Knives Out may not be a direct remake of Murder on the Orient Express, it certainly draws inspiration from the classic whodunit genre. With its complex plot, memorable characters, and winking nods to the detectives of old, Knives Out is a unique and engaging film that stands on its own two feet.
