A Haunting In Venice [DVD]

Well... I absolutely loved this movie. Firstly, the staggering attention to detail... It has incredible amounts of rich, aesthetically-pleasing moments and glances. The movie almost consists of one delightful painting after the other, like a gallery! One delightful moment after the other, like a Bellini opera! Guaranteed visual pleasure... I will also praise the wonderful atmosphere cleverly created with the help of probably the most atmospheric city in the world: Venice. The cast is very suiting to the story and relatable. The fact that Poirot appears to have lost his faith adds extra depth. For a moment we think there probably are ghosts, then we say no way! Just like Poirot does! A very rich and rewarding film indeed. I know, this is one of those movies I get emotionally attached to and watch again and again.

Good film, well acted - but will anyone else ever be Poirot now that I am so used to David Suchet? Is the Palazzo haunted, or just inhabited by an evil person? Plenty of intrigue and false leads as one would expect from the mistress of crime fiction, but the total darkness of the scenes was a bit too much, I like to be able to see what is going on.

I have never read an Agatha Christie book, so I have to judge this as a film in its own right. It starts off quite well, with some wonderful views of Venice, but after that the events take place in a dark sombre building. I am a great fan of Kenneth Branagh, but I cannot quite see him as Poirot. David Suchet is the definitive Poirot in my opinion. I quite enjoyed the film, but would not be interested in another viewing at a later date.

It’s a second hand dvd and it came on time - what’s more to say.

A nice DVD, good packaging, pleased with purchase.

I watched the first two Poirot's with Kenneth Branagh and enjoyed them very much. Had no hesitation buying this for our Christmas Eve viewing and DISAPPOINTMENT doesn't cover it.I'm so offended by the awful directing and storytelling that I'll never buy another Kenneth Branagh Poirot again. It doesn't match any Agatha Christie story, what they've done with Ariadna Oliver is a travesty and the fact it's set in almost total darkness made this the worst Poirot ever made. Agatha Christie would be turning in her grave if it wasn't for the fact that her estate earns royalties regardless. Wish viewers did too.

I don't enjoy writing negative reviews, but sometimes, needs must, even if I am in a minority. The Positives first: A very fair price. A good transfer - picture, sound and subtitles. Some lovely location shots of Venice (though not enough). Some excellent night shoots showing the sometimes very sinister back canals and calles, and in general some good acting. The Negatives, and here of course it is just my own opinion! Let's start with the film itself. Why make it at all when you change the plot almost completely, the characters, the setting and of course the ending. Updating is all very well, but sometimes with a classic well known story (previously brilliantly filmed for TV) it just won't work. Branagh just isn't Poirot, and never was or will be - Tache or no Tasche! Why on earth was Tine Fey cast as the very English Ariadne Oliver (I should add this is no criticism of Fey who is very good), her character is just all wrong. She doesn't seem to like or respect Poirot and even, if I remember, calls him "Hercules" at one point. All the other characters are entirely new, Poirot even has a bodyguard who on one occasion throws a troublesome fan into the canal!! It is not worth going on. A maybe interesting point - Kelly Reilly who plays a major role here was a lead in "SAD CYPRUS" in 2003! How she fitted this in with "Yellowstone" is a minor miracle. Glad she did as she is very charismatic. I must also say, as a "Positive", The Seance scene is actually very scary, and I am almost surprised at the 12 Cert. Yes, a big disapointment, or was it? I wasn't expecting much and for that I wasn't disapointed. Christie must be turning in her proverbial, yet I am sure KB and his screenwrite meant only well. See what you think. You could so worse!

It's a good film but you have to watch from start to finish otherwise you will lose the move plot.