Appointment With Agatha discussion

There are several adaptations of this particular mystery. Discuss here!

I've seen the BBC Poirot adaptation and the Branagh big budget movie from 2019.

I know that there is a lot of hostility to the Branagh version, and I agree that his Poirot is not great. Giving Poirot the romantic backstory annoyed me to no end, as it is completely inconsistent with his character (Poirot mentions at least once that romantic love has eluded him). The "action hero" Poirot is laughably bad. All of this leaves aside completely the terrible mustache. Yikes.

But what I do admire about it, and I enjoy it enough that I rewatch it regularly, is the filmography, the set design, the quality of acting, and the costumes. Oh, the costumes.

I am quite a fan of Daisy Ridley, and I really do like her Mary Debenham. Lucy Boynton as Countess Adrenyi is extravagantly beautiful. And Judy Dench is, as always, a treasure.

I'm planning to rewatch the BBC version this month, as well.

I rank it 1974 version (seriously blockbuster cast, despite Finney not being quite as good a Poirot as Suchet, though he's a good one), and then the Suchet version, and finally the Branagh, far in the rear.

I prefer the Suchet movie, because he is Poirot for me. Then I would rate the Finney movie number 2, even though he was louder and happier than I would expect Poirot to behave. Branagh seemed inconsistent with his accent, but what really bothered me was his walk. I was just watching the beginning and at some points he was actually striding around, taking big steps. I came across a description of Poirot’s walk, by Christie. But I don’t know where it came from. Anyway the quote is “Poirot crossed the lawn in his usual, rapid, mincing gait, his feet tightly and painfully enclosed within his patent leather boots.” And Suchet said he used to squeeze “his bottom together” to achieve the gait. So when I see Branagh walking around it just ruins it for me! I’m trying not to be so snobbish!

And Christine and Susanna, I completely agree with you. The acting, the costumes, the sets, and I guess the cinematography are outstanding in the Branagh (and the Finney) films! I watch all three movies over and over just to pretend that I’m riding on the train seeing all the people beautifully dressed!

So, I do appreciate all three and enjoy them!

Unfortunately I've never seen Suchet in this film and I just saw both the others on Christmas/Boxing day last week. I did fancy the 1974 one. The beginning was great.

There were things I didn't like about the 2018 one and some I simply ADORED, especially the laying of the tables, the napkins, the cooks, and all the gorgeous colours. I would really like to see Wes Anderson do this film. I didn't like the Hollywood treatment what? they had a struggle with a pistol? But I will say Branagh made a lovely Poirot.