Death on the Nile (1978 & 2022) – On Troubled Waters

Hercule Poirot´s intelligence is legendary and feared at the same time. This is clearly visible in Peter Ustinov’s and Kenneth Branagh’s portrayal of Agatha Christie´s famous master detective. Besides that, there are many differences. It’s almost an invitation to compare the films, which release is 45 years apart. Do you prefer the original version or the remake?

Cast & Characters

Some people might say that an all star cast is essential to the success of a ‘Whodunit.’ The first thing I noticed, when comparing the line up of both films, is a different number of screen legends. Keep in mind, that this statement refers to the perception at the time of release. By 1978, actors such as Bette Davis, David Niven and Peter Ustinov already had a star status for several decades. Mia Farrow will always be connected to her amazing performance as Rosemary in ‘Rosemary´s Baby (1968).’ George Kennedy became famous for his Oscar winning role as Dragline in ‘Cool Hand Luke (1967).’ Maggie Smith and Angela Lansbury weren´t any strangers either and firmly anchored in the film industry at the end of the 70s.

Director John Guillermin’s Nile journey from 1978 has unforgettable faces. Standing from left to right: Simon MacCorkindale, I.S. Johar, David Niven, Peter Ustinov, Jane Birkin, Jack Warden, Maggie Smith, Jon Finch, George Kennedy. Sitting from left to right: Lois Chiles, Mia Farrow, Angela Lansbury, Bette Davis, Olivia Hussey.

The 2022 version is less ‘old-starish.’ However, multi talents Kenneth Branagh and Annette Bening fit to this category. Both are in the limelight for more than thirty years. Gal Gadot´s stardom results from here role as ‘Wonder Woman’ in DC´s cinematic universe. Not an all star yet, but it will be interesting to observe her acting development and role picking over the next years. During my check-up, I was surprised that Russell Brand is part of the cast. His transformation from a real life rock star look and ex boyfriend of Katy Perry to hectic, full-bearded Doctor Windlesham shows what an impressive masquerade can do. Armie Hammer is in the business for quite some time and Rose Leslie is known for her role as Ygritte in ‘Game of Thrones (2012 – 2014 for 17 episodes.’) Most other actors could be described as newcomers. In my opinion, one of ‘the new kids’ gives the best ‘Nile 22’ performance. Emma Mackey as Jacqueline de Bellefort. More about her later.

The cast from 2022 standing from left to right: Sophie Okonedo, Emma Mackey, Russell Brand, Rose Leslie, Kenneth Branagh, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Ali Fazal, Letitia Wright, Tom Bateman, Annette Bening / On the balcony: Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French.

Did you notice the different number of main cast members? The 1978 version has fourteen and the 2022 version has thirteen. But which character is missing on the latest Nile trip?

A face to face comparison for all of them would be to extensive. I will briefly discuss the three most important roles instead.

For Hercule Poirot (Peter Ustinov) from the original film version, a leisurely cigar is enough to enjoy the architectural splendor of the Sphinx …

…  whereas Poirot from 2022 (Kenneth Branagh) needs a breakfast table, musical background and a book reading. It seems that his eccentricity has to be portrayed at all costs in this scene.

Ustinov’s and Branagh’s acting as Poirot has some parallels. Both have a harsh approach during interrogations and an authoritarian and superior nature. Accusing to lure the questioned to left their covers is a feature of countless crime dramas. Poirot´s background is barely touched in the classic version. Only referring to old cases and business related stuff without any personal information. The mastermind´s own failure to solve the crime early on to prevent further murders is only briefly admitted by himself. Nevertheless, Ustinov gives the character the right personal touch and makes him appear human enough. In the remake, screenwriter Michael Green wanted to shape Poirot´s background instead of only focusing on the case. The opening shows his past in the First World War and explains the reason for wearing a mustache. A constant topic in the remake is the love for his wife Katherine (Susannah Fielding), but also the grief after losing her in an accident. The murder of his ‘assistant’ Bouc (Tom Bateman) is equally hard. Especially since Poirot wrongly accused him of being involved in the killings, only shortly before his death.

A cold and calculating Lynett Ridgeway (Lois Chiles) from 1978 …

… or Lynett from 2022 dressed as Cleopetra? Gal Gadot will play the Egyptian empress in an upcoming bio pic. Coincidence or promotion?

Lynett Ridgeway is the first victim. She is very rich and heiress of her father´s ‘Chewing Gum Empire.’ In the 1978 version, her selfish dominance and emotional coldness are her main features. Even the hysteria, after Jacqueline (Mia Farrow) shows up again and again to spoil her honeymoon, is not credibly accompanied by a sense of fear. It seems that Lois Chiles´ acting is too straightforward and does not exploit the full potential of her character. But maybe Guillermin wanted her to act this way? Overacting on purpose? The more recent Lynett is played by Gal Gadot. Her acting is refreshing, but I must admit it´s a bit hard not to imagine her as Wonder Woman. Lynett is more frightened then her 1978 self and less harsh to her fellow human beings. However, equally despised for too much power and money.

The intelligent and double crossing Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ de Bellefort, performed by Mia Farrow. One of the most iconic faces from ‘Death on the Nile (1978).’ Do you prefer her noble paleness …

… or a dosis of fiery passion added by Emma Mackey in 2022?

The character of Jacqueline de Bellefort, or should I say ‘The Role in the Role,’ is perhaps the most complex one. Acting finesse is needed by both, Mia Farrow and Emma Mackey, to show the naturally played vulnerability on point. Both actresses succeeded. They have to play a woman betrayed by per fiancé, a revengeful girl, a deeply saddened person and a money-grabbing killer at the same time. Facial expressions and gritty lines are essential for this part.

I have to admit that Farrow seems a bit out of place for playing de Bellefort in some scenes. I´m referring to the over acting in the bar scene, shortly before the fake shot. This is just an example. Overall, she did very good as stated. Mackey on the other hand mastered the task through the whole thing. She is my personal highlight of the remake.

Cinematography

The Killings are particularly well suited for cinematographic comparison. Especially when two ‘Whodunits’ with the same name are involved. What tricks did the directors use? Is it easier to shoot such scenes today, as the technical possibilities are more advanced, or was it faster in earlier years, because viewers did not place such a high value to reality in films? Or was it the other way around, because people wanted to reflect reality in the still fairly new medium? Feel free to discuss it in the comments.

The moment before the first murder …

… and the fast cut to the corpse of Lynett Ridgeway (Lois Chiles) directly after in 1978 …

… or the scenic shot from 2022 …

… followed by an image of the dead heiress (Gal Gadot)?

Did you know that, in both versions, it takes until the middle of the film for the first murder to happen? Over an hour is spent describing and establishing the characters with as much detail as possible.

A bloody towel …

… announces Louise Bourget’s death (Jane Birkin) …

… whereas, 45 years later, beacon´s of fire at night dramatically stage the ominous …

… discovery of the body (Rose Leslie).

The second killing reveals some differences. The murder weapon, a scalpel from Doctor Bessner´s (Jack Warden / 1978) or Windelsham´s (Russell Brand / 2022) medical bag, is identical in each case. So is the cause of death (“A clean cut on the throat.”). However, in 2022 the body is thrown into the Nile, only to reappear in the coils of the ship’s wheel. In 1978, Poirot (Peter Ustinov) and Colonel Race (David Niven) find the body in Louise´s cabin.

Preparing for a precise shot …

… with the purpose to silence pulp writer Salome Otterbourne (Angela Lansbury) forever in 1978 …

 

… or the blaze of a gun in 2022 …

… followed by the killing of Bouc (Tom Bateman).

Obviously, each film-making team had a different idea who the third victim might be. Salome Otterbourne (Angela Lansbury / 1978 and Sophie Okonedo / 2022) was killed in the old version, but survived in the remake. The character of Bouc was established as Poirot´s sidekick in the previous film ‘Murder on the Orient Express (2017),’ but wasn´t existing in the original ‘Death on the Nile (1978).’ Colonel Race (David Niven), a completely different character, helped Poirot to solve the crimes instead. Has anyone read Agatha Christie’s book? Which of the two characters exists in the novel?

Solving The Case

Aren´t there some killings missing? Yes, but now I would like to draw your attention to the verbal conflicts, which often are brutal too. They are practically everywhere in ‘Death on the Nile’ and Poirot’s final cross-examination gives the perfect example.

Like a trainer keeping his animals in line. Poirot (Peter Ustinov) is ready for the remaining cast in the closed bar room of the Karnak …

… while in 2022 the bar “opened.”

In the original version, Poirot builds up suspense for seven minutes until he exposes Linnet´s murderer. Why does Poirot reveal the killer after only three minutes in the remake? Doesn’t it spoil the audience´ suspense by solving the case too quickly? Branagh wanted to present the most heart-pounding passage of any film adaptation about the Belgian master detective differently than Guillermin did in the 70s. More on the edge of feelings. More harsh and hectic. He succeeded partially. Nevertheless, both films agree on the execution of the crime:

Poirot (1978) / “Once and for all Colonel, it was not on the spur of a moment. It was carefully planned.”

Poirot (2022) / “Linnet Doyle´s murder was not a wild act. It was methodically planned. The details, the times, the bullets, the alibis.”

Poirot discovers that ‘Jackie’ de Bellefort is the mastermind behind the whole affair. The murder of Linnet’s maid and Mrs. Otterbourne / Bouc were a spontaneous, but necessary, evil to avoid being exposed. Both were carried out by her at high risk and without mercy. The motive is identical in the older and new film. Doyle murders his wife in order to inherit her entire fortune. He then wants to live with his true love ‘Jackie’ in never ending wealth. Their love goes without ifs and buts. Greed is a motive for both of them. However, in the remake, it is made clearer that Jackie commits the acts for her great love to Simon. For her, money is a secondary aspect. Primarily, she wants to fulfill Doyle´s dream to be rich.

The final evidence to convict the murderous couple diverges. In 1978, Poirot forces ‘Jackie’ and Simon to drop the mask through a bluff. In 2022, he has real evidence that can be used in court.

1978:

Doyle: „You never will convince a jury without proof. And where do you intend to get it Mr. P.? From Lynett?

Poirot: “Oh no. Not from Lynett. From you.”

Doyle: “From me. What do you mean?”

De Bellefort: “It´s a bluff, Simon.”

Poirot: “It´s far from being a bluff. There is a very simple test which is now accepted as conclusive evidence in any court in the world and it´s called a moulache test.”

Doyle: “Moulache test?”

Poirot: “You know, when you fire a gun tiny graines of powder embedded in the skin and they all can be removed by a thin layer of wax. That´s a moulache test.”

2022:

De Bellefort: „You can´t all believe him. He has no proof.”

Poirot: “True. I have only a sunken gun wiped of fingerprints, yes. But it came with a gift. The handkerchief. The warm waters of the Nile in springtime would set the color of blood to a dull brown. In those same mysterious waters, carmine red paint will fade to pink.”

Jackie makes a desperate decision. Or as Poirot would say in conclusion: „La Tragédie.“

Words can lead to death. Jackie (Mia Farrow) and Simon (Simon MacCorkingdale) shortly after their exposure …

… or united as corpses in 2022 (Emma Mackey and Armie Hammer).

Rating:

In advance, you should know that I have seen the original ‘Death on the Nile’ from 1978 dozens of times since my childhood. The cult film always makes me feel good and I know most of the dialogues and scenes by heart. When I first saw the classic version, I was thrilled and surprised by the resolution of the crime. I didn’t see it coming, which is a positive aspect. You don’t see such sophisticated and precise storytelling every day. This praise probably goes to the author of the novel Agatha Christie. Unfortunately, I have not read the book yet. Therefore, I can’t say whether much was changed by the screenwriters, or whether the details were implemented accordingly. These are some aspects which make it clear, why I was skeptical about a remake. Comparable with Noir fans at the remake of ‘Nightmare Alley’ or Sci-Fi geeks at the continuation of the ‘Blade Runner’ franchise. I know very well that remakes can also succeed. Some are even better than the original version. So it’s only natural that Kenneth Branagh’s modern approach should get a chance. The remake tries to do a lot right. However, it only works out for some aspects. Carefully selected actors who shine (e.g. Emma Mackey, Kenneth Branagh, Tom Bateman) and disappoint (e.g. Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Ali Fazal). Many character traits are changed to make you feel like you are watching a completely different movie. A good example is the interaction between Mrs. Van Schuyler and her servant Bowers. Where in 1978 Bette Davis and Maggie Smith played a delicious game of cat and mouse with lots of teasing, the acting of Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French in 2022 seems uncreative and clumsy. The revelation of the two as lovers, on the other hand, comes across as refreshing. Imagine it for Davis and Smith in the 70s. The highlight of the remake is, without a doubt, the acting of Emma Mackey as Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ de Bellefort. If her performances in the future are close to this one, she has a very promising career in front of her. The landscape and animal shots are very impressive too, but also distract from the essentials. We are watching the Hollywood production of a ‘Whodunit’ and not the Discovery Channel. As a conclusion, we can say that the 1978 version wins. Better actors, wittier dialogues and a more pleasant flair. Still, I recommend watching the remake as well. Especially after reading my review and rating.

Complete rating for ‘Death on the Nile (1978):’

‘Death on the Nile (1978)’ climbed ‘Close To The Top’ on the ‘Rating Mountain:’

Complete rating for ‘Death on the Nile (2022):’

‘Death on the Nile (2022)’ got trapped in the ‘Avalanche Lounge’ on the ‘Rating Mountain:’

Thanks for reading.

What do you think about this post?

Please share your thoughts and ask questions in the comment section below, write an E-Mail to marcel@classicmovieratings.com or follow Classic Movie Ratings on ‘Instagram’, ‘Twitter’ and ‘Facebook.’