Syria, 1937. Lord Boynton is a famous English archaeologist who is searching for the buried skull of John the Baptist. He has invited a large group of people to visit his camp, including his unpleasant, domineering wife and her three adopted children. When Mrs. Boynton is found murdered, there is certainly no shortage of suspects, as everyone except her husband hated her. However, Hercule Poirot also happens to be visiting the same area....
With its majestic landscapes (it was actually shot in Morocco), dazzling cinematography and fluid, cinematic directing style, "Appointment With Death" is one of the most visually beautiful "Poirot" episodes so far - and given the high standards of this long-running series, that's saying something. There are a few shots that you just have to pause the DVD and admire - they look like paintings. The music, loud, sweeping, and with just the right amount of Middle Eastern flavor, compliments the visuals.
I haven't read Agatha Christie's book, but going by the Peter Ustinov 1988 adaptation (assuming it was fairly faithful), the script of this version has taken quite a few liberties with it. But let's be honest here: the original AC story was not one of her best; it was too simple. By sticking closely to it, the Ustinov film was also one of his weakest Poirot outings. The screenwriter of this version has changed and complicated the basic story in a way that is, to quote the film itself, "ingenious and commendably grotesque". Besides, I feel that most of the changes, from the method of the killing to the ultimate fate of the killer(s), are very much within the Agatha Christie spirit and use gimmicks that she herself had used in some of her other books. Kudos, also, to the chilling sequence that "explains" the title.
The acting is, typically for this series, very fine, though this is more of an ensemble piece and there are no truly outstanding performances (it must be said that Zoe Boyle is just lovely beyond words; please Zoe, make more movies!). Suchet himself is, of course, exceptional - he has found the PERFECT balance between the funny and the serious Poirot.
Bottom line: for a (more) accurate version of the book, stick with the Peter Ustinov version. For a movie that is a feast for the eyes, ears and yes, the brain as well, watch this one. (***)
With its majestic landscapes (it was actually shot in Morocco), dazzling cinematography and fluid, cinematic directing style, "Appointment With Death" is one of the most visually beautiful "Poirot" episodes so far - and given the high standards of this long-running series, that's saying something. There are a few shots that you just have to pause the DVD and admire - they look like paintings. The music, loud, sweeping, and with just the right amount of Middle Eastern flavor, compliments the visuals.
I haven't read Agatha Christie's book, but going by the Peter Ustinov 1988 adaptation (assuming it was fairly faithful), the script of this version has taken quite a few liberties with it. But let's be honest here: the original AC story was not one of her best; it was too simple. By sticking closely to it, the Ustinov film was also one of his weakest Poirot outings. The screenwriter of this version has changed and complicated the basic story in a way that is, to quote the film itself, "ingenious and commendably grotesque". Besides, I feel that most of the changes, from the method of the killing to the ultimate fate of the killer(s), are very much within the Agatha Christie spirit and use gimmicks that she herself had used in some of her other books. Kudos, also, to the chilling sequence that "explains" the title.
The acting is, typically for this series, very fine, though this is more of an ensemble piece and there are no truly outstanding performances (it must be said that Zoe Boyle is just lovely beyond words; please Zoe, make more movies!). Suchet himself is, of course, exceptional - he has found the PERFECT balance between the funny and the serious Poirot.
Bottom line: for a (more) accurate version of the book, stick with the Peter Ustinov version. For a movie that is a feast for the eyes, ears and yes, the brain as well, watch this one. (***)