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This 3-Year-Old Sam Rockwell Movie Shares a Mind-Blowing Connection to a 1976 Mystery Classic!

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There’s nothing more enjoyable than sinking into a captivating murder mystery. These stories, filled with intrigue and deceit, can make time fly by effortlessly. From Agatha Christie’s timeless classics like “Murder on the Orient Express” and “Death on the Nile,” to contemporary hits such as Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” series, or standalone films like “Rear Window,” “Memories of Murder,” and “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” each murder mystery offers a unique twist. As the sub-genre gains traction, it’s inevitable that some creators will play with familiar tropes to their advantage, leading to an abundance of parodies and spoofs.

When discussing murder mystery parody films, it’s crucial to differentiate between those with comedic elements and full-blown parodies. For instance, movies like “The Nice Guys”, “Manhattan Murder Mystery”, and the “Knives Out” series, although they contain humor, primarily focus on solving mysteries, albeit with comical moments. On the other hand, films such as 2022’s “See How They Run” and 1976’s “Murder by Death”, aim to satirize the murder mystery genre by exaggerating its familiar cliches. Although they may seem alike at first glance, these two types of films possess numerous differences that make each one a must-watch.

What is See How They Run About?

Regardless of boasting a stellar cast featuring Hollywood heavyweights like Saoirse Ronan and Sam Rockwell, the movie “See How They Run” has managed to evade the notice of many dedicated cinema enthusiasts. In this production, Ronan plays the role of the astute sleuth inspector while Rockwell portrays the ambitious constable eager to make an impression. However, there’s a long list of suspects that includes Ruth Wilson, Harris Dickinson, Reece Shearsmith, and David Oyelowo, all of whom are under suspicion for the murder of two-time Oscar winner Adrien Brody. The film marks the first feature film directorial venture by TV director Tom George, and he certainly delivered an impressive performance.

This movie is a comical murder mystery set in 1953 London, where Agatha Christie’s successful play, “The Mousetrap,” is being transformed into a film by director Leo Köpernick (Adrien Brody). After the final performance of the show, Leo, known for his impolite and domineering nature, is found dead backstage, with no apparent suspect. The investigation falls on the hands of Inspector Stoppard and Constable Stalker, a mismatched duo who discover that each cast member has a plausible motive for the crime. As they delve deeper into the case, they unravel a greater mystery that may also implicate them, placing their lives in jeopardy.

Similar to the mentioned comedic murder mysteries, this film incorporates traditional whodunit aspects, but takes comedy to new levels by satirizing the genre. The movie employs various tactics such as witty narration, ironic jokes, and even spelling out the ending an hour prior, only for it to actually unfold later. Characters played by Rockwell’s Stoppard and Ronan’s Stalker pursue clues, leading them to a conclusion that, despite being foreseen, remains unexpected. The murderer’s identity is ultimately revealed in a twist reminiscent of an Agatha Christie play on which the movie is based.

What is Murder by Death About?

Murder by Death is a humorous take on a murder mystery movie. This film was written by renowned playwright Neil Simon (known for works like The Heartbreak Kid, Barefoot in the Park, The Odd Couple). With his prestigious reputation and Rastar Productions’ steady guidance, Murder by Death boasts an impressive cast. Stars such as Peter Falk, Peter Sellers, David Niven, Alec Guinness, and the late Maggie Smith all give exceptional performances. The film also includes a quirky appearance from acclaimed author Truman Capote, who plays a crucial role in leading the story to its thrilling conclusion.

As a passionate moviegoer, I find myself captivated by the plot that unfolds as millionaire and private investigator Lionel Twain (portrayed by Truman Capote) extends an exclusive invitation to five of the world’s sharpest detectives to dine at his secluded manor. Before the meal commences, Twain drops a shocking bombshell – someone in the dining room will be brutally murdered at midnight, and the one who solves the mystery will walk away with $1 million.

As the evening progresses, it swiftly becomes evident that Twain’s dinner party is a meticulously orchestrated game of intrigue. Traps lethal enough to strike fear in the bravest hearts are set off, bodies mysteriously vanish, and Twain himself falls victim to the very crime he had instigated. Each guest at the table harbors a compelling motive for wanting Twain dead. The detectives engage in heated debates, tirelessly attempting to discredit one another while skillfully navigating through seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

The tale reaches its climax with a tangled web of twists and turns, as secrets are unveiled, alliances shift, and the line between friend and foe becomes increasingly blurred.

Every moment in the movie “Murder by Death” lasts a second, and each one is a witty tribute. The characters in this film, who are all potential suspects in the unfolding mystery, are spoofs of iconic detective figures. From Hercule Poirot to Charlie Chan, Sam Spade, and Nick and Nora Charles, no one, not even Agatha Christie herself, escapes the sharp wit of Neil Simon’s writing.

How Do See How They Run and Murder By Death Compare?

At a glance, these two movies appear remarkably alike. They are murder mystery comedies that ingeniously parody the genre like never before, while maintaining a suspenseful core plot to engage viewers. The comedic acting in both is exceptional, arguably among the best of the last ten years. Furthermore, they draw heavily on Agatha Christie’s work for significant characters. However, the distinctiveness between “See How They Run” and “Murder by Death” lies not in their subject matter but in the tone they adopt when mocking their source material.

As previously stated, “See How They Run” showcases its self-awareness and sharp observation skills quite openly. Critics have noted similarities to Wes Anderson’s style, a comparison that underscores the film’s meticulous attention to detail, thanks to director Tom George. Despite its somewhat arrogant demeanor, the movie gracefully and skillfully mirrors earlier works in the genre. “See How They Run” is both a witty parody and an affectionate tribute to classic murder mystery films, without ever disparaging other productions in the same vein. The film’s setting in 1952 London, filled with Agatha Christie references, further solidifies its dual role as both a satire and a homage.

Speaking as a film enthusiast, “Murder By Death” doesn’t pay tribute to its murder-mystery predecessors; instead, it takes a sledgehammer approach to them. Neil Simon’s film isn’t about reverence—it’s about exposing and obliterating the worn-out devices and plot twists that plague the genre. He doesn’t pull any punches when taking aim at the likes of Agatha Christie, Dashiell Hammett, Earl Der Biggers, and many more. Without a doubt, “Murder by Death” flips the bird to the murder-mystery world, and the final scene leaves no room for debate on this point.

In the closing scenes of “Murder by Death”, Twain’s murder is revealed, only to be solved successively by one detective, then two, and so forth. However, as the movie nears its end, the detectives’ elaborate deductions are repeatedly undermined by new twists, rendering their solutions useless. Instead of a playful jab, the film delivers a harsh blow, exposing the tendency of mystery stories to create overly intricate conclusions that leave viewers bewildered. The ending of “Murder by Death” is blunt and unrepentant, leaving both contemporary viewers and those watching the film today just as puzzled as they were at the beginning.

Although they take distinct paths in storytelling, both “See How They Run” and “Murder by Death” are standout films that have earned widespread acclaim. Critics and audiences alike adore the 1976 film’s audacious approach as well as the 2022 adaptation’s comedic spin on classic whodunits. The critically-acclaimed “See How They Run,” led by Sam Rockwell, holds a 75% fresh rating from critics and a solid 69% from fans on Rotten Tomatoes. On the other hand, “Murder By Death” is slightly more favored by fans, boasting an impressive 82% rating from them, compared to a still-fresh 63% from critics. Both films offer uproarious humor and insightful commentary through the stellar performances of prominent Hollywood actors. Without a doubt, these films are worthy of lasting recognition.

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2025-04-27 20:08

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