Death on the Nile is easily one of Agatha Christie's most-read novels. It is part of the Hercule Poirot book series and makes use of the "whodunit" plot typical to most Christie stories. It includes stunning settings - Egyptian temples, bazaars, deserts and cruise-liners. Recently, a film adaptation of the novel was released and included a star-studded cast. Among a few famous names were Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Emma Mackey (Sex Education), and -returning from his fall-from-grace - Armie Hammer (Call Me by Your Name). There are many notable differences between the new movie and the book, written in the late 1930s. It was interesting to see how the film adaptation attempted to modernize the characters, while still maintaining the story's integrity. (And, I am very glad to have finally figured out how to pronounce the lead detectives name thanks to the movie- Hair-cool Pwoy-row!)
The biggest difference from the book to the movie was the sheer amount of attention given to Hercule Poirot's character. This is likely because it is one of the first times this character was introduced in director Kenneth Branagh's adaptations of Agatha Christie's novels (Branagh adapted Death on the Orient Express, as well, but left out Poirot's backstory). I have not read the origin story of his character in Christie's novels, but on-screen, Poirot was a retired military soldier who was gravely injured in battle. He suffered a face wound that permanently scarred - this is the reason he grew his mustache so big.
Hercule Poirot | Giphy
Another major difference between the movie and the book concerns the Otterbournes. Instead of Mrs. and Miss Otterbourne being a sex-obsessed novelist with writers block and a depressed, sullen teenager, respectively - the two characters are Black American jazz artists. Their characters were much more likable in the film adaptation than they were in the book. They were easily the most interesting of the passengers and received a lot of screen time because of this. Additionally, Salome Otterbourne becomes the love interest of Poirot, ultimately helping him accept his appearance and move past the death of his first love.
Rosalie Otterbourne | Giphy
One other difference between characters is the dynamic between Van Schuyler and Miss Bowers and the dynamic between Poirot and his old friend, Bouc - a combination of Colonel Race's and Tim Allerton's characters in the novel. In the book, Van Schuyler is extremely mean to Miss Bowers. Miss Bowers is employed by the Van Schuyler family and is meant to keep an eye on the elderly woman who has kleptomaniac tendencies. However, in the film, it is found out by detective Poirot that the two women are secret lovers.
Additionally, the character in the movie, Bouc was new to the story and was very obviously adapted from the book of the personalities of Poirot's fellow detective - Colonel Race - and the son of Poirot's love interest Madame Allerton - Tim. In the movie, Bouc helps Poirot solve the murders while managing his jealous mother's disdain for his girlfriend, Rosalie Otterbourne.
Bouc | Giphy
One dynamic I think the movie portrayed perfectly was the relationship between Jackie and Simon. While I think Jackie could have been slightly more threatening towards Linnet in the film, she was perfectly obsessive over Simon. The beginning scene opens just as the book describes, Poirot watching two lovers dance and fawn over each other at an exclusive restaurant. This was most definitely my favorite scene in the movie, because it was so well-framed and well-acted. You could feel the love and passion between Jackie and Simon. Once Linnet shows up and began to have eyes for Simon, I knew it was the beginning of the end (even if I hadn't read the book!). Strictly from the way Jack and Simon interacted in that very first scene, I knew nothing would ever come between them... if the audience is paying attention, the ending of the story is quite obvious!
Linnet & Simon| Giphy
Jackie & Simon | Giphy
All in all, I enjoyed both the movie and the book equally. I enjoyed the modern aspects of the film adaptation paired with all the splendor of the Great Gatsby era. In the book, I loved the quirkiness of the characters and the intricacy of the plot. I would highly recommend both. Let me know in the comments whether you saw Death on the Nile and what you thought about it! Until next week... Happy watching!
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