Monday, May 29, 2017

Agatha Christie on Screen by Mark Aldridge

Like the title says, Agatha Christie on Screen is about the movie and TV adaptations of her work. The focus is mainly on the American and British productions, but there is a small discussion of the other European and Asian countries as well towards the end. It's also an academic work, so the language is rather formal (though not as formal as some papers that I've read).

The book is structured chronologically, starting with the first films (which were silent films). It shows how good her timing was because her books were perfect for TV/movies (or so the book says multiple times). The discussion is mainly a recap of the movie and a review of its merits which is another way of saying that there are lots of spoilers here. But if you're a Christie fan, you'll probably have read most of this.

I actually haven't watched any of the dramas, movies or the anime inspired by Agatha Christie, but the anime does sound pretty good. Most of the other adaptions seem to veer more on the comedic side, which isn't really what I'm looking for.

By the way, the multiple discussions on Marple and Poirot make me feel like I should try reading the Marple series (I'm mainly a Poirot fan). I never knew she was this popular and perhaps it's time for me to try and understand why.

This was an interesting read and definitely for big fans of Agatha Christie. It may be more on the academic side (and hence a bit dry at times), but it was fun to read about how people have interpreted her work and how it has been received.

2 comments :

  1. I haven't watched any of the TV adaptions of Christie's work and it's been awhile since I last read any of her books. I went through a big Agatha Christie phase when I was a teenager/early adulthood though and read most of her books then. Even some of her romances (under her other name). I want to re-visit her work one of these days. I remember loving her books and still think very highly of her. This is definitely a book I think would be worth checking out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've read many of her mysteries (most of the Poirot ones) but not her romances! One day, though, I'll find a copy!

      Delete

I really do appreciate all comments, and I'll try my best to reply within 24 hours!

^_^