Screenwriter Scott Frank shares a story about meeting Kenneth Branagh while working on the film “Dead Again” back in 1991. He was puzzled why Branagh, an actor with such a serious background, would want to direct a quirky film noir like his. It turns out, Branagh just seems driven by the desire to do it all. Fast forward a few decades, and Branagh’s love for diverse projects hasn’t faded. His 20th directorial film, “A Haunting in Venice,” is now hitting Australian theaters. In this film, Branagh revisits Agatha Christie’s detective, Hercule Poirot, but this time adapting a lesser-known Christie story.
Branagh’s career has always been marked by a willingness to explore various genres and breathe new life into established narratives. In his early career, he garnered attention for his Shakespearean works, treading the path once walked by icons like Laurence Olivier and Orson Welles. Like them, Branagh has a slate of Shakespeare adaptations, with films like “Henry V” and “Hamlet” to his credit. But beyond those, he’s shown versatility by diving into thrillers, dramas, and even adapting fairytales for Disney.
His choice of roles and films suggests more than just a pursuit of commercial success. Branagh seems genuinely eager to try his hand at everything, much like Frank observed. He doesn’t just align himself with greats like Olivier by portraying similar roles; he actively works with notable actors such as Judi Dench and Derek Jacobi, cementing his status in the world of British cinema.
Critics and fans admire Branagh for his ability to navigate both high culture and mainstream entertainment. His Shakespeare adaptations feel classic, yet his broader filmography, including “Thor” and “Cinderella,” rounds him out as a fan of pop culture. He’s been likened to filmmakers like Ken Russell and Richard Lester – directors known for putting unique spins on traditional stories.
As Branagh continues to pop up with an ever-changing array of projects, one can’t help but admire his passion for storytelling. His works span a range of genres with Rotten Tomatoes scores reflecting this variety, with ratings as low as 8% for “Artemis Fowl” and as high as 98% for “Henry V.” This mixed bag of results just underscores his fearless commitment to experiment with storytelling in unexpected ways. Branagh’s journey through Hollywood makes him a fascinating figure in the entertainment industry—a man who truly wants to try it all.