Introduction Murder by Death
'Murder by Death' is a 1976 American comedy-mystery film directed by Bob Clark and written by Neil Simon. The film is an homage to the classic whodunit mystery genre, with a nod to Agatha Christie's famous novels. The film takes place in New York City, where five wealthy and eccentric individuals are invited to a dinner party at the opulent mansion of the reclusive millionaire Lionel Grisbane. The guest list includes a retired detective, a lawyer, an actress, a scientist, and a psychic, all of whom have made a fortune from their respective careers. As the evening wears on, tensions rise as each guest becomes increasingly suspicious of one another's motives for being at the party. The night takes a deadly turn when Lionel Grisbane is found murdered in his study. With no apparent motive or evidence to go on, it's up to the guests themselves to unravel the mystery and uncover the killer. Throughout the film, 'Murder by Death' cleverly pokes fun at the conventions of the whodunit genre, subverting expectations and challenging the audience to keep up with the twists and turns. With its witty dialogue, colorful characters, and over-the-top plot, this cult classic is a must-see for fans of comedy, mystery, or both.
Plot and Themes Murder by Death
'Murder By Death' is a 1976 American black comedy film directed by Robert Moore. The plot follows a group of wealthy and eccentric individuals who are all suspects in the murder of a wealthy businessman named Richard Bright. The story begins with Richard's death, which occurs under mysterious circumstances. Soon after his passing, his will is read, revealing that he has left behind a large sum of money to be divided among the eight people who were present at his party on the night of his murder. As the investigation into Richard's death unfolds, it becomes clear that each of the suspects had a motive for the crime. The group of suspects includes a private detective named Sam Garson, a flamboyant actor named Dudley Smith, and a cold-blooded killer known only as "The Black Widow." Throughout the film, the characters engage in witty banter and clever plot twists as they try to figure out who killed Richard. Along the way, they also uncover secrets about each other's pasts that lead them closer to the truth. One of the main themes of 'Murder By Death' is the idea that people can never truly know one another, no matter how close they seem. This is reflected in the characters' complicated relationships with each other and their own dark pasts. Another theme present throughout the film is the idea that justice is not always served. The characters are all morally ambiguous, and it's clear that none of them are entirely innocent. As a result, it's difficult to determine who is truly responsible for Richard's death. The title 'Murder By Death' is also a play on words, referencing both the act of murder and the idea of people being killed by their own darker impulses. The film's use of black comedy adds another layer of depth to this theme, as it pokes fun at the idea that justice can sometimes be blind. Overall, 'Murder By Death' is a clever and entertaining film that explores complex themes through its witty dialogue and intricate plot.
Performance and Direction Murder by Death
"Murder by Death" is a 1976 comedy-mystery film that parodies Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None". The film features an ensemble cast, including David Niven, Maggie Smith, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Benjamin, James Coco, and Alan Arkin. Here's an evaluation of the performances and direction: Actors: - David Niven as Dick Charleston: He plays a parody of Agatha Christie herself, who is also one of the victims in the movie. His performance is quite good, capturing the wit and charm needed for the character. - Maggie Smith as Jessica Marbles: She brings her signature British aristocracy to the role of Jessica Marbles, but sometimes feels out of place among the other characters due to her more serious demeanor. - Elizabeth Taylor as Lauren Bacall: Her performance is somewhat wooden and over-the-top at times, which can be a bit off-putting for some viewers. However, she does bring a sense of glamour to the role of Lauren Bacall. - Richard Benjamin as Leo Karns: He plays a parody of Perry Mason, another famous detective character from literature. His performance is quite good, capturing the wit and charm needed for the character. - James Coco as Joey Carnstein: He plays a parody of Sweeney Todd, but his performance feels somewhat shallow compared to the other characters in the movie. However, he does bring some comedic relief with his over-the-top antics. - Alan Arkin as Sam Garbadoo: He plays a parody of Sherlock Holmes, and his performance is quite good, capturing the wit and intelligence needed for the character. Direction: The direction by Robert Moore is mostly effective in capturing the wacky and absurd tone of the movie. However, there are some moments where the pacing feels slow or confusing due to the sheer number of characters and plot twists. Overall, "Murder by Death" is a fun and entertaining parody that brings together an ensemble cast of actors from different genres of comedy. The direction could have been improved in terms of pacing and clarity, but it still manages to be enjoyable for fans of both mystery and comedy.
Technical Aspects Murder by Death
"Murder by Death" is a 1976 comedy film directed by Robert Moore that parodies classic whodunit mysteries. Here are some key technical aspects of the movie: Cinematography: The film was shot on 35mm color film using a combination of Technicolor and Eastmancolor stocks. The cinematographer, Jordan Cronenweth, employed a range of techniques to create a visually striking and humorous tone. He used high-contrast lighting to create deep shadows, which added to the overall sense of mystery and suspense. Cronenweth also made extensive use of camera movement, including dolly shots, pan shots, and crane shots, to enhance the comedic moments. Sound Design: The sound design in "Murder by Death" is notable for its use of diegetic and non-diegetic elements to create a playful and humorous atmosphere. The film features a range of sound effects, from the sound of doors slamming shut to the sound of characters' accents and mannerisms. The score, composed by Richard LaSalle, is a key element in setting the tone for each scene. The music is often comedic and over-the-top, with a focus on orchestral instruments like the harp, flute, and piano. Visual Effects: While "Murder by Death" doesn't rely heavily on visual effects, it does employ some notable techniques to enhance the overall comedic effect. One of the most memorable examples is the use of matte painting in the opening scene, where the film's title sequence features a miniature model of a mansion that is superimposed over a large background plate. Editing: The editing by Robert Swink and Michael Kahn helps to create the film's comedic tone through clever transitions between scenes. The editors employed a range of techniques, including jump cuts, fade-ins, and fade-outs, to create a sense of energy and chaos. They also made use of montage sequences to quickly convey information about each character. Set Design: The set design in "Murder by Death" is notable for its over-the-top representation of classic whodunit settings. The film features several lavish sets, including the mansion where most of the action takes place, which is filled with ornate furniture and decorative elements. The set designers also created a range of smaller settings, such as the characters' individual homes and offices, each with its own unique visual style. Costume Design: The costume design in "Murder by Death" is notable for its use of period-specific clothing and accessories to create a sense of authenticity for each character. The costumes are often exaggerated or comedic, reflecting the film's lighthearted tone. The characters' accents and mannerisms also play a key role in their overall appearance. In summary, "Murder by Death" is a technically impressive film that employs a range of creative techniques to create its humorous and satirical tone. From the cinematography to the sound design, visual effects, editing, set design, and costume design, each element contributes to the film's overall comedic effect.
More Details Murder by Death
'Murder by Death' is a 1976 American comedy-mystery film directed by Robert Moore. The story revolves around five detectives who are invited to a wealthy man's mansion to solve his murder. **Cast:** * Peter Falk as Sam Garson * David Niven as Dick Charleston * Alec Guinness as Milo Perrier * James Coco as Ralph Abernathy * Elsa Lanchester as Jessica Marbles * Susan Claussen as Jessie Halberstam **Production Companies:** * Lorimar Productions * Columbia Pictures **Interesting Trivia:** 1. The film was a parody of the classic whodunit genre, specifically Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express'. It even includes references to this famous novel throughout the movie. 2. The film's title is a play on words. "Murder by Death" sounds similar to "Murder on the Orient Express", but it adds a touch of black comedy and irreverence to the name. 3. 'Murder by Death' was written by Neil Simon, who also wrote several successful Broadway plays and films like 'The Odd Couple' and 'Barefoot in the Park'. 4. The film features an impressive cast of actors from various backgrounds. Peter Falk is a well-known detective actor from TV's 'Columbo', while David Niven is a British veteran of stage and screen. 5. Alec Guinness, who played Milo Perrier, was known for his roles in films like 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' and 'Doctor Zhivago'. 6. James Coco, who played Ralph Abernathy, was an American actor known for his work in TV shows like 'Cannon' and 'Hill Street Blues'. 7. Elsa Lanchester, who played Jessica Marbles, was a British actress and singer known for her iconic roles in films like 'Suspiria' and 'The Bride of Frankenstein'. 8. Susan Claussen, who played Jessie Halberstam, was an American actress known for her work in TV shows like 'Columbo' and 'Murder, She Wrote'. 9. The film's score was composed by Dave Grusin. 10. 'Murder by Death' received mixed reviews from critics at the time of its release but has since become a cult classic due to its witty humor and clever references to the whodunit genre.
Conclusion Murder by Death
"Murder by Death" is a film that is both a loving homage to classic whodunits of the past, as well as a clever subversion of those very same genre conventions. While it may not always succeed in balancing these two competing elements, it is undeniably a fascinating and entertaining watch. One of the strengths of "Murder by Death" is its razor-sharp wit and intelligence. The screenplay is full of clever wordplay, clever references to classic detective fiction, and even some sly commentary on the very nature of genre itself. The cast of characters is equally impressive, with each actor bringing their own unique brand of humor and charm to their respective roles. However, "Murder by Death" is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing can feel a bit slow and plodding, as if the filmmakers are so busy paying homage to their influences that they forget to tell a coherent story. Additionally, some of the jokes and references may fall flat for viewers who aren't familiar with the genre or the specific works being referenced. Ultimately, "Murder by Death" is a film that will appeal most strongly to fans of classic detective fiction and comedies of wit. It's a clever and entertaining watch that will keep you laughing and guessing until the very end. Even if it isn't always successful in balancing its various elements, it remains a fascinating and unique piece of genre cinema.