I’ve seen three versions of this story now and this was my favorite.
I thought it was beautifully filmed and acted. For anyone familiar with the story–you’ll like what Branagh did with it. For those who are not–don’t spoil it–just see it.
The film is getting a 59 percent on Rotten Tomatoes right now but I couldn’t disagree with the criticism more. The main problem seems to be that the film focuses too much on Poirot and not enough on the suspects. First of all–I didn’t get that impression at all. Secondly–do you want a four hour film? There are a lot of suspects. Third–this film IS about Poirot. More than the crime and the suspects–this particular Agatha Christie has a great deal to do with Poirot and moral choices. Is everything always black and white?
It raises that interesting question and tells a wonderful story to focus on that very idea.
I not only loved what they did–but I believe that Branagh and Michelle Pfeiffer should get Oscar consideration for their performances. There is just enough humor in the story and the film moves along and is presented in such a way that it is not just one long interrogation. Yes–he added some “action” scenes but it’s hardly an action film. It’s more of an old TCM style film where story is everything.
Anyway–I loved the film and highly recommend it.
"Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. " Philip K. Dick