Have you ever wondered what truly captivates a master storyteller like Rian Johnson when it comes to the intricate world of mystery? In the video above, Johnson shares his top picks, delving into the nuances of what makes a whodunit truly exceptional. His selections provide a fascinating roadmap, not just for fans of the genre, but for anyone appreciating the subtle artistry behind a perfectly crafted puzzle. Let’s unpack these choices and explore the deep cuts and enduring classics that inform one of modern cinema’s most celebrated mystery architects.
The Enduring Allure of Agatha Christie: Poirot’s Grand Stage
Rian Johnson’s affection for Peter Ustinov’s portrayal of Hercule Poirot is palpable, leading him to highlight two iconic adaptations: Death on the Nile and Evil Under the Sun. These films stand as monumental pillars of the classic whodunit, defining many of the genre’s most beloved tropes.
Imagine a lavish cruise ship gliding down the Nile or a secluded island resort bathed in Mediterranean sun. These exotic, confined settings are hallmarks of Agatha Christie’s genius, effectively trapping a diverse cast of suspects together. This geographical isolation amplifies the tension, ensuring no one can escape the detective’s penetrating gaze, or the audience’s suspicious scrutiny.
Ustinov’s Poirot brings a distinct blend of intellectual arrogance and endearing eccentricity to the screen. His meticulous nature, his “little grey cells,” and his theatrical reveal of the culprit resonate deeply. These films exemplify the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, where the pleasure lies in the intricate plot, the parade of red herrings, and the ultimate satisfaction of a seemingly impossible crime logically unraveled.
Deconstructing the Classic Whodunit Formula
The brilliance of Christie’s stories, as brought to life in these Ustinov vehicles, lies in their adherence to a structured narrative. First, a shocking crime disrupts an otherwise serene environment. Then, the introduction of a brilliant, often quirky, detective. Finally, a series of interviews, revelations, and misdirections lead to a grand denouement where Poirot gathers all the suspects to present his infallible deductive reasoning.
These films don’t merely present a puzzle; they invite the audience to play along, to spot the overlooked clue or the telling glance. This interactive quality, combined with lavish period detail and a star-studded ensemble, ensures their lasting appeal. Johnson’s appreciation for this classic structure undoubtedly informs his own work, such as the meticulous plotting seen in Knives Out.
The Underappreciated Gem: The Last of Sheila
Johnson’s mention of The Last of Sheila as an “incredibly underappreciated, amazing 70s who done it” speaks volumes. This film, co-written by the legendary Stephen Sondheim and actor Anthony Perkins, is a far cry from the genteel world of Christie. It injects a darker, more cynical edge into the whodunit framework.
Set among a group of Hollywood insiders on a yacht in the French Riviera, the film explores psychological gamesmanship. One year after the tragic death of a glamorous socialite, Sheila, the host invites friends to a macabre scavenger hunt that slowly reveals its true, dangerous purpose. The game itself becomes a brilliant meta-narrative device, blurring the lines between play and reality.
A Shift in Tone and Psychological Depth
Unlike Christie’s often cozy mysteries, The Last of Sheila delves into the uglier side of human nature, exploring envy, ambition, and suppressed secrets within a cutthroat industry. The film’s 70s sensibility allows for more moral ambiguity and a grittier portrayal of its characters. Sondheim’s background in complex musical narratives is evident in the film’s intricate plotting, where every character harbors secrets and every piece of information is a potential clue or a clever misdirection.
This film challenges the audience not just to solve a puzzle, but to understand the psychological motivations behind the characters’ actions. It’s a masterclass in weaving character study into a suspenseful narrative, proving that the whodunit could evolve beyond its traditional boundaries while maintaining its core intellectual engagement.
Whodunit Adjacent: The Theatrical Brilliance of Sleuth
Johnson’s final pick, Sleuth, is characterized as “not really a who done it, but is a more of like a three-person theatrical thriller sort of, but it has who done it elements.” This distinction is crucial for understanding the broader appeal of mystery and suspense. It highlights how the mechanics of a whodunit—the unraveling of secrets, the shifting power dynamics, the elaborate games—can be applied to other genres.
Consider a chess match played out with lives and reputations at stake. Sleuth, originally a stage play, features only two main characters (with a third, crucial role often played by a detective figure in various guises), an eccentric crime novelist and his wife’s lover, engaged in a escalating series of mind games. The film masterfully uses its confined setting—a grand English country estate filled with automatons and puzzles—to create an atmosphere of psychological warfare.
The Art of Psychological Suspense and Character Play
While a body does appear, the central mystery isn’t necessarily “who did it” but “what exactly is happening?” and “who is truly in control?” The film is a thrilling exploration of class, ego, and the human capacity for cruelty and manipulation. It’s a game within a game, where the audience, like the characters, is constantly questioning reality.
The power of Sleuth lies in its performances and its tightly wound script, which constantly subverts expectations. It’s a testament to how character-driven drama, elevated by brilliant writing and acting, can create suspense as potent as any traditional crime. This “whodunit adjacent” quality likely appeals to Johnson’s own penchant for subverting genre expectations while honoring their foundations, much like he did with his modern take on the whodunit in Knives Out.
The Evolving Landscape of Mystery Films
Rian Johnson’s selections underscore a deep appreciation for the craft of the mystery genre, from its classic Golden Age roots to its more experimental, psychologically-charged manifestations. His own work, particularly Knives Out, showcases how a filmmaker can pay homage to these traditions while injecting fresh perspectives and contemporary social commentary.
The best whodunits, whether grand theatrical productions or intimate psychological battles, always challenge the audience. They demand attention, reward careful observation, and provide the unique satisfaction of seeing chaos resolved into order, or at least into a compelling, logical explanation. These films are more than just puzzles; they are explorations of character, motive, and the often-deceptive nature of reality itself. They remind us why the unraveling of a clever mystery remains one of cinema’s most enduring pleasures.
Interrogation Room: Your Whodunit Questions for Rian Johnson
What is a ‘whodunit’ movie?
A ‘whodunit’ movie is a type of mystery film focused on solving a crime, typically a murder, by figuring out who committed it. They often involve a clever detective, a group of suspects, and various clues and false leads.
Who is Rian Johnson?
Rian Johnson is a respected filmmaker and storyteller, known for directing popular mystery movies like *Knives Out*. He is celebrated for his unique approach to the mystery genre.
What kind of classic mystery movies does Rian Johnson like?
Rian Johnson has a strong affection for classic Agatha Christie adaptations, especially those featuring Peter Ustinov as the detective Hercule Poirot, such as *Death on the Nile* and *Evil Under the Sun*.
How do these classic mysteries influence Rian Johnson’s own films?
Johnson’s love for the intricate plots and structured narratives of traditional whodunits, like those by Agatha Christie, significantly informs his own work, including the meticulous storytelling seen in *Knives Out*.
