This is a visually beautiful movie. The cinematography, with its rich color palettes, is not only stunning to the eye, but it's used to compliment the telling of the story, as well. According to the IMDB trivia page for this film, "A large number of the shots are framed with perfect or near-perfect symmetry. Some scenes are shot from more than one angle yet the symmetry remains. This is, no doubt, an allusion to Poirot's obsessive need for balance in all things."
The score and soundtrack also significantly added to my enjoyment of this movie. I'm not very into musicals, but this film's music was great, and the musical scenes were actually part of its story, rather than a fourth-wall-breaking cutaway.
The choreography was an excellent fusion of classic dance with modern, more sexually explicit overtones. It had my mouth open, while I wondered if my great grandparents moved like that.
The cast delivered elite performances, bringing out their characters' unique personalities and idiosyncrasies. This is critical for a good whodunit, as the audience needs to feel strongly about different characters in order to be invested in the final reveal.
In that vein, two of the most important roles were that of Linnet Ridgeway and Louise Bourget, played by Gal Gadot and Rose Leslie, respectively. Each had to provide the Girlfriend Experience, be alluring and sexy, exhibit passionate strength, give off a dangerous vibe, and also counter that with vulnerability, making the audience want to help them while distrusting them. Together, their chemistry had to consist of both an intense sisterly love and the catty competitiveness of mortal enemies. Of course, they nailed it.
It was also nice to see Letitia Wright and Russell Brand get the opportunity to show a little range in this production. Wright usually plays the intelligent and cunning little sister or daughter role, like she did as Shuri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or as Nish in Black Mirror; in this film, she retained those qualities, but also played up her sexy side as a desperately desired romantic partner. Brand, who usually plays a goofball, is convincing as perhaps the least eccentric character in this movie.
As, Poirot, Branagh toed a fine line between charismatic intelligence and eccentric arrogance. Sometimes he came across as way too aggressive in his interrogations, which detracted from his character's image as a calculated intellectual assassin. While I normally wouldn't blame that choice on the actor, he's also the director, so he probably had some say in it. I guess he must believe that if you keep yelling accusations, the subject of your interrogation will just confess.
The costumes in this film were also exquisite, from the elegant and stylish suits and gowns worn by the actors, to the Tiffany & Co-designed jewelry (including a replica of the Tiffany Yellow Diamond). Even Poirot's moustache was badass; I'll be talking to my barber about whether I might be able to pull something similar off.
Unfortunately, the story itself did not deliver enough substance to keep up with all of this movie's other great qualities. According to IMDB, "Many of the characters are combinations or alterations of characters from the novel, to make for a smaller cast and a less confusing plot." While the plot itself wasn't confusing, there were significant elements of this film in which I felt it tried to do too much.
The score and soundtrack also significantly added to my enjoyment of this movie. I'm not very into musicals, but this film's music was great, and the musical scenes were actually part of its story, rather than a fourth-wall-breaking cutaway.
The choreography was an excellent fusion of classic dance with modern, more sexually explicit overtones. It had my mouth open, while I wondered if my great grandparents moved like that.
The cast delivered elite performances, bringing out their characters' unique personalities and idiosyncrasies. This is critical for a good whodunit, as the audience needs to feel strongly about different characters in order to be invested in the final reveal.
In that vein, two of the most important roles were that of Linnet Ridgeway and Louise Bourget, played by Gal Gadot and Rose Leslie, respectively. Each had to provide the Girlfriend Experience, be alluring and sexy, exhibit passionate strength, give off a dangerous vibe, and also counter that with vulnerability, making the audience want to help them while distrusting them. Together, their chemistry had to consist of both an intense sisterly love and the catty competitiveness of mortal enemies. Of course, they nailed it.
It was also nice to see Letitia Wright and Russell Brand get the opportunity to show a little range in this production. Wright usually plays the intelligent and cunning little sister or daughter role, like she did as Shuri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or as Nish in Black Mirror; in this film, she retained those qualities, but also played up her sexy side as a desperately desired romantic partner. Brand, who usually plays a goofball, is convincing as perhaps the least eccentric character in this movie.
As, Poirot, Branagh toed a fine line between charismatic intelligence and eccentric arrogance. Sometimes he came across as way too aggressive in his interrogations, which detracted from his character's image as a calculated intellectual assassin. While I normally wouldn't blame that choice on the actor, he's also the director, so he probably had some say in it. I guess he must believe that if you keep yelling accusations, the subject of your interrogation will just confess.
The costumes in this film were also exquisite, from the elegant and stylish suits and gowns worn by the actors, to the Tiffany & Co-designed jewelry (including a replica of the Tiffany Yellow Diamond). Even Poirot's moustache was badass; I'll be talking to my barber about whether I might be able to pull something similar off.
Unfortunately, the story itself did not deliver enough substance to keep up with all of this movie's other great qualities. According to IMDB, "Many of the characters are combinations or alterations of characters from the novel, to make for a smaller cast and a less confusing plot." While the plot itself wasn't confusing, there were significant elements of this film in which I felt it tried to do too much.