A HAUNTING IN VENICE

This is the third film starring Kenneth Branagh as Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot, following 'Murder on the Orient Express' and 'Death on the Nile', all three being directed by Branagh and written by Michael Green.

I haven't seen the earlier two films, which received a somewhat muted response from the critics.  They both featured all-star casts, and I don't imagine that they did anything very novel with what is familiar material given that both source novels were also given the big film treatment in the 1970s.

Maybe as a response to the critics, this film does break new ground. 

Firstly, although it is claimed to be a loose adaptation of a late Christie novel, 'Halloween Party', I think it is so far removed from that novel as to constitute an original story. 

Secondly, it is presented to us as more of a supernatural thriller than as a straightforward mystery. 

I really do have to say that the screenplay is pretty damn good.  The underlying plot is of course somewhat unlikely (as is requisite in these things) but it is good enough to more than pass muster as a Christie original.  But the real cleverness is the way it is concealed within the supernatural storyline so that we are kept somewhat wrongfooted as indeed it seems Poirot is at times.

I also liked that although in the end there is a rational real-world explanation for everything there is still an otherworldly quality that one is left with.

Most of the cast was unfamiliar to me, except for Tina Fey who has some fun as Ariadne Oliver, a recurring Christie character.  She lightens the mood at times, and her relationship with Poirot here is an interestingly competitive and feisty one.

RATING: ✓ If You've Nothing Better To Do