At the moment, as I’m between shows/projects, I have an opportunity to catch up on #film and #tv performances I value.
As a child I discovered the writings of Agatha Christie one summer at my grandparents’ home. Soon after, the local PBS affiliate began airing the six seasons’ worth of British television adaptations of her adventures of the world-famous detective, Hercule Poirot — episodes which originally aired in the UK years prior.
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I *loved* the theme #music, the #costumes, the #locations. 🤩 And I’m glad to say after rewatching: I still do.
It wasn’t until recently I learned additional seasons were made years after series 1-6 — starring the inimitable David Suchet, ofc.
The #tech advancements in titling, #CGI, and the use of #widescreen ratio def enhance the storytelling. And the move from Christie’s short stories to her novels abt the character aided the transition from single-episode arcs to longer-form #tv movies.
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I have been truly impressed by the casts assembled for these 90-minute films, many of whom only became more widely known actors in the U.S. years after these programs aired. Realizations like this give me hope that, one day, the same will happen for me.
At the moment I’m completing the 2010 adaptation of *Murder on The Orient Express*. As I’ve read the book the end is not a surprise to me and you’ll find no spoilers here.
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The element even more amazing than the #cast and the production values is the #writing. Teleplay #author Stewart Harcourt has written the most remarkable #monologue for Poirot, so much so that I had to rewind to rewatch.
It is a performance that reveals Poirot’s internal realization and the disgust he has for these people, this situation, and the entrapment forced upon all involved:
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“You people, you tangle with the jury. You tangle with #justice. You have no right to take the #law into your own hands! No, you behave like this and we become like savages in the street. The juries and executioners — they elect themselves! No, it is medieval! The rule of law — it must be held high, and if it falls you pick it up and hold it even higher! For all society, all civilized people will have nothing to shelter them if it is destroyed!”
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Alecia Batson (she/her)