Film review of Agatha Christie’s Poirot: Death on The Nile (2004)

Richard Harrison writes…

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Richard Harrison Memphis writes…

Richard Harrison Florida Atlantic writes…

What was so good about Death On the Nile (2004)?

It was mysterious. It kept me guessing. I liked Timothy, whose marriage was an economic power grab to mask his closeted homosexuality. I liked this because it was revealed in an understated way, as his old bag called him off to bed. I loved Sir Geoffrey, the communistic Oxford graduate, who hid his beknighted identity from everyone, including the woman he asked point blank to marry him. It influenced me to want to ask a stranger to marry me, and to act persistently clueless in Sir Geoffrey’s way if/when they respond in annoyance and disgust at my very forward attitude.

How was David Suchet?

David Suchet’s fastidiousness is not contagious, I am afraid. I wish we learned from television that much. In stead I learn something to talk about with my fellow viewers. However, it is a marvel to look at him sleuth these criminals’ identities from little details.

How accurate was Richard’s at solving the mystery?

Suffice to say, this was not a predictable film, because my guesses to the killers identities were still wildly inaccurate. I was convinced Steve Pemberton’s character, Dr. Besser would be revealed as the killer. In the end, it was one of my initial guesses that turned out to be correct, in the game of predicting whodunit. The motive was obvious from the start. Whenever it is a romantic getaway with the ex-lover invited, and the ex-lover’s unusual and hostile presence is being suffered through by the so-called couple, the ex-lover jealously jeering them, someone is lying.

What caught my eye in this?

Emily Blunt, a standout American actress had a bit part in this. It was to the major improvement of this Poirot that it featured some famous people, like Emily, Steve Pemberton, and Frances De La Tour. Unlike episodes of Poirot from previous decades, this 2004 blockbuster did not use no-name actors.

Where was Hastings?

I was glad to be rid of the Hastings character for once, because he is such a subservient sidekick that it is a little stomach-churning to think he gets that much time in the limelight on the regular Poirot.

What Marxism was in this movie?

This movie inspired me to read my copy of Das Kapital and an excerpt of Marx entitled Wage Labor and Capital, when Sir Geoffrey’s copy of Das Kapital is discovered and Poirot uses it as evidence that the owner is a “Bolshie.” So far, I have read an explanation of economics that I did not understand in the least and the statement that workers are underpaid for their labor.

Should I watch Death On The Nile (2004)?

I would recommend seeing this. I was very pleased to finish watching, as it is almost three hours long. I felt accomplished when it was over.