A low-budget British film combines murder mystery and musical genres, but falls short of its full potential.
In the midst of a resurgence in murder mystery movies, thanks in part to the success of Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out,” “The Mystery of Mr E” arrives on the scene as a low-budget British whodunnit with a musical twist. While it claims to be the first murder mystery musical movie, it’s not entirely accurate, as predecessors like François Ozon’s “8 Women” and Stephen Sondheim’s unproduced screenplay “The Chorus Girl Murder Case” have explored similar concepts. Nevertheless, the combination of murder mysteries and musicals offers a unique blend of formalized genres that intrigue audiences.
The Intriguing Plot:
“The Mystery of Mr E” keeps viewers on their toes with unexpected twists and turns. The film opens with the dastardly Mr E (Kevin Dixon) arriving at the residence of twins George (James N Knight) and John Danes (Harry W Knight) to announce that he is a killer. He also reveals that the twins are about to embark on a mission to Idlewyld House. As “generalists,” the Danes brothers take on various odd jobs, and they have been hired by Peter Landrigan (Martyn Spendlove) to rid his country manor of unwanted guests. Peter is the son of renowned romantic novelist Harriet Landrigan (Nicola Wright), who met a mysterious demise after declaring she would never publish again.
A Stage Play Adaptation:
Originally conceived as a school play by bestselling crime novelist Sophie Hannah and composer Annette Armitage, “The Mystery of Mr E” retains some of its stage origins in the film adaptation. However, it is evident that the creators have a deep love and understanding of both the murder mystery and musical genres. The songs in the film are a standout feature, with clever and witty lyrics reminiscent of Gilbert and Sullivan, offering delightful characterizations of the film’s rogues’ gallery. From a sycophantic translator to a detective with an acute sense of smell, the songs bring the characters to life.
Missed Cinematic Opportunities:
Despite its strengths, “The Mystery of Mr E” struggles to fully embrace a cinematic or choreographic language that complements its musical elements. The film relies heavily on exposition-heavy scenes, leading to a somewhat contrived conclusion. Surprisingly, there is little active detective work by the fresh-faced generalists, leaving viewers craving more suspense and investigation. Additionally, while the performances are appropriately mannered for a theatrical production, they often lack depth, leaving the overall experience feeling somewhat flat.
Unleashing the Potential:
“The Mystery of Mr E” maintains a constant awareness of the fourth wall, with its quirky and offbeat style. However, one can’t help but wonder what this eccentric material could have become in the hands of a more disciplined stylist, such as Wes Anderson. The film’s limited budget and lack of a strong visual language hinder its ability to fully realize its potential as a captivating murder mystery musical.
Conclusion:
“The Mystery of Mr E” offers an intriguing blend of murder mystery and musical genres, but falls short of its promise. While the songs and characterizations are delightful, the film struggles to find its cinematic footing. The reliance on exposition-heavy scenes and the lack of active detective work dampen the overall experience. With a more refined approach, this quirky whodunnit musical could have been a standout in the genre. Nonetheless, it serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of murder mysteries and the potential for unique storytelling through musicals.
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