Summary
Incorporating a daring twist, A Haunting in Venice successfully deviates from the original Agatha Christie novel by shifting its setting, resulting in a captivating and distinctive adaptation of the renowned Hercule Poirot series.
Setting the movie in Venice enhances its supernatural aesthetic and creates an air of mystery and mystique, adding a cinematic and atmospheric element. The movie's reimagining of the Poirot franchise, incorporating supernatural horror elements and a tonal shift, has received favorable reviews and is expected to have a successful opening weekend at the box office.
Executive producer James Pritchard, CEO of the Agatha Christie Estate, discussed the decision to change the location of the movie A Haunting in Venice from the original Agatha Christie book. Pritchard explains that the change allowed for the exploration of atmospheric elements in Venice and provided a suitable backdrop for the horror elements of the story.
There have been significant changes made in the story, and it is worth noting that one of the clues can be found in the title. Previously, we had faithfully adapted two well-known and popular books, "Murder on the Orient Express" and "Death on the Nile." However, this time, the writer, Michael Green, and the director, Kenneth Branagh, who also plays Hercule Poirot, wanted to surprise the audience by trying something different.
The main change they aimed for was in the tone of the story. They wanted to incorporate elements of the horror genre and believed that "Hallowe'en Party" would be an excellent starting point. As for the setting, they decided to move it to Venice. There were two possible reasons behind this choice. Firstly, when making a Hollywood movie, having a stunning backdrop is essential, and Venice certainly provides that. Furthermore, there are few locations that can rival the cinematic appeal of Venice.
A Haunting In Venice's Massive Risks Paid Off
There is an added layer of allure in Venice. This film delicately weaves in elements of the supernatural, offering a potential journey into the unknown. Venice possesses an enigmatic ambiance and an aura of mystique that seamlessly blends with the storyline. The primary objective of this movie is to challenge traditional genres and embrace the exploration of various themes. Both Kenneth Branagh and Michael Green sought to infuse their unique twist into the plot, resulting in an outstanding murder mystery and an unforgettable cinematic encounter. With any luck, viewers will appreciate the film for its distinctive qualities and thoroughly enjoy the experience it offers.Branagh's latest venture, A Haunting in Venice, marks a complete reinvention of the Poirot franchise. Departing from the more traditional murder mystery genre seen in his previous works like Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile, the film draws inspiration from supernatural horror movies, fully embracing their tropes while crafting Poirot's newest case. Although this unexpected creative risk taken by Branagh surprised many when the trailers were released, it has undeniably paid off. The change in location not only sets the stage for a grim aesthetic that befits Poirot's investigation but also heightens the anticipation for the ultimate unveiling of the killer's identity at the conclusion of A Haunting in Venice.
The movie has garnered the franchise's highest acclaim, currently boasting a 78% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile's 61%. It appears that the decision to place Branagh's Poirot in an entirely new and unexplored setting has greatly benefited the franchise. In addition, the movie is anticipated to achieve the franchise's best opening weekend at the box office, with early projections suggesting it will slightly surpass Death on the Nile's debut.
In the event that more sequels are commissioned, Branagh has a plethora of Hercule Poirot books to adapt for the screen. This allows for the incorporation of innovative and original twists on Christie's stories. The success of A Haunting in Venice, which resulted from a simple change in location, has demonstrated the potential for a positive reception in terms of direction, mystery, and storytelling.
Source: The Direct