As a little background, it has been ages since I last read Agatha Christie's book on which this movie is based. Therefore, I am in no position to comment on its faithfulness (or lack thereof) to the source material. Instead, all I can do is comment on the story presented in the movie. Watching The Mystery of the Blue Train is like watching a tale of two movies. The first, involving the film's plot, the acting, the look, etc., is quite enjoyable. The plot unfolds nicely and the film's resolution makes sense. And I always enjoy watching Poirot gather the suspects together for a final reveal. The acting was actually a step above what I've come to expect from the Poirot series. The sets and costumes are very nicely done. I was particularly impressed with the French villa.
But as I indicated, this is a tale of two movies. What I've thus far described would have made for one of the better entries in the Poirot series. Unfortunately, the direction is PATHETIC. I don't know who decided to try to make a Hercule Poirot mystery look like an episode of NYPD Blue, but they should be drummed out of the entertainment industry immediately. There are so many hand-held camera shots that I thought I might get seasick. Why not shoot this traditional, grand story in a more traditional style? The editing doesn't help matters any. It's all MTV-style quick cuts that do not lend themselves well to what should have been a slow-burn, drawing room style mystery. It's unfortunate that the direction and editing have made The Mystery of the Blue Train almost unwatchable.
5/10
Personally, I liked it. It was a bit of a wild ride, as the newly rich Catherine Grey has a cousin who soooo reminds me of Jennifer Saunders' character on Absolutely Fabulous that Poirot, who kindly offers his services as a companion Avuncular to Miss Grey doesn't know what he's letting himself in for. And neither does Miss Grey since that flamboyant (but broke) cousin of hers also invited Rufus Van Alden (Elliot Gould) to her house party for the weekend, to cope with the tragic murder of his daughter. Enter the might-be future Mrs. Van Alden and things get more bizarre. As if trying to find out who mangled Ruth Van Alden's face wasn't enough!
ReplyDeleteLong story short, Poirot gets to the bottom of the situation; freaking out poor Rufus when he finds out who really DID kill his daughter. Good help is SOOO hard to find. Sadly, Catherine Grey decides to keep travelling; thus leaving her trusted Avuncular behind. I actually cried a bit at that scene.