Appointment with Death1988

I’m rating this one a little higher than the other Ustinov Poirot films as I think it’s my favorite but it’s hard to say. Much like the tv movies the theatrical films are all on a similar level of enjoyment. Perhaps this one just felt fresh after watching three contemporary adaptations. Or maybe this one really is the best.  I will say that much like all the other adaptations thus far (including the tv films) the final motive still rings a little hollow. With the reasoning being something the audience doesn’t know but could surmise I find myself once again dissatisfied at the end. Much like other films as well the killer is in a way the most obvious choice. Maybe these stories worked better a century or half century ago or perhaps I’m just a genius. Or perhaps it is a flaw in these specific adaptations themselves. I did find myself puzzling over who the murderer could be for a decent amount of time but the film reveals the solution well before it verbally announces it making the ending quite stagnant.  Aside from the mystery this film is excellent. The score is very 80s but with classic elements. I feel it might have been better suited for the tv adaptations with their own timeless feeling. It doesnt always quite work here but it is interesting in its own right. The thing that really stood out to me was the framing and blocking. So many artistic shots that it’s a shame the coloring is so generic. I think with better lighting this could be a true masterpiece. But much of this film takes place outdoors with natural lighting which leads to a flat look that ruins the depth of the frames.  Poirot is on top form and is clearly much more suited to a classic setting than a contemporary one. I think for a modern adaptation it needs a complete reworking of the character which is what we see in the show Monk. But Poirot himself belongs to a different time. I am somewhat saddened to be at the end of the Ustinov films as his take on the character was uniquely charming. There’s a reason why he even got six films. But I would love more.  From here on out we move to the definitive take on the character and I am uncertain on how to proceed. Should I take the time to add each entry here on Letterboxd or should I finally get a serializd account? Would any of you follow me over there? Either way it’s a bit of an effort for you or for me. So leave a like or a comment if you think I should start a serializd account to review the Poirot show.