Appointment with Death

Appointment with Death is a 1988 murder mystery film, a compelling adaption of Agatha Christie's novel of the same name. Directed by Michael Winner, the film features a star-studded cast including Peter Ustinov, Lauren Bacall and Carrie Fisher.

The film brilliantly captures the essence of Christie's story, centering around a riveting investigation helmed by the brilliantly astute Hercule Poirot, played enigmatically by Peter Ustinov. This is not Ustinov's first rodeo as Poirot; he successfully embodied the character in previous adaptations of Christie's novels, Once again, he inhabits the role with charm, as he uncovers a tangle of betrayal, secrets and intrigue beneath the surface of this seemingly posh vacation spot.

Lauren Bacall delivers a striking performance as Lady Westholme, a British socialite and member of Parliament. Bacall's character is strong, assertive, and cunning - a woman who knows how to navigate a world dominated by men. Carrie Fisher, on the other hand, offers an intriguing portrayal of Nadine, a sophisticated and vivacious American traveller. Both characters add vitality to the story, offering points of tension that ratchet up the mystery and make the unfolding puzzle all the more captivating.

The narrative begins with a group of high-class English and American tourists planning a three-month tour of historical and religious sites in the Middle East. Among them is the cantankerous Emily Boynton (Piper Laurie), a wealthy and controlling matriarch with a propensity for manipulating her family members and those around her. When Boynton suddenly and inexplicably dies while visiting the ancient city of Petra, Poirot is called in to investigate. The stakes are high, as nearly everyone present had a motive to want Emily Boynton dead, and Poirot must use his considerable wit and intuition to solve the crime.

Appointment with Death's screenplay is skillfully adapted from Christie's novel by Anthony Shaffer and Peter Buckman with contributions by the director Michael Winner. It does an excellent job at condensing the intricate details of the original novel into a two-hour feature film, ensuring the narrative doesn't lose its power and intrigue. The elimination of certain characters from the original text allows for an emphasis on a leaner cast, packed with memorable performances and brimming with suspense and mystery at every turn.

The antiquity of the Middle Eastern setting serves as a magnificent backdrop for the unfolding narrative, with grand visual shots of Petra and the Dead Sea wowing the audience while infusing the film with an aura of foreign mystery. The nuanced, carefully measured direction introduces an element of danger that makes each scene an exhilarating watch. Cinematographer David Gurfinkel uses the Middle Eastern landscape to full effect, using the grandeur of the historically rich setting to add depth to the unfolding plot.

As with all Christie adaptations, the defining allure of Appointment with Death is the gradual, methodical unwinding of the plot. Each character is meticulously developed with enough depth and nuance that they feel essential to the story, but also secretive enough that they're all plausible suspects. The pacing is deliberately slow and calculated, boosting anticipation and making the final reveal all the more satisfying.

Outstanding performances coupled with a gripping plot make Appointment with Death an unmissable film for fans of Agatha Christie's work, murder mysteries, or those who simply love classic cinema. The film serves as a testament to Winner's eye for compelling storytelling and a testament to the timeless appeal of Christie's meticulously woven narratives.

Far from being a straightforward detective film, Appointment with Death is a thought-provoking narrative about human nature, desires, fears, and secrets — all wrapped up in an exotic location that intensifies the intricate dynamics of this engrossing murder mystery. The end result is an engaging, suspenseful cinematic experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly making and revising guesses as Poirot inches closer to the truth. Packed full of suspense, intrigue, and a healthy dose of drama, Appointment with Death truly does justice to Agatha Christie's legacy and is a definite must-watch.