Review of Five Little Pigs

Whoever read it, knows that if there is one Agatha Christie's novel which would be difficult to adapt for television, must be "Five Little Pigs". Basically due to its plot, in which Monsieur Hercule Poirot has to build the case by five testimonies from a group of people involved in a case of murder closed fourteen years ago. Nevertheless, it is known that Poirot doesn't investigate facts 'per se' but people's psychology. Here he leaves us astonished once again... or should I say it is Christie's amazing knowledge on human behaviour which actually does? The direction of this film really helps on that sense, by remarking the value of the characters' perspective, which adds a lot to a pretty good adaptation of the book. Although, there are some points that Christie's fans must be aware of. They relate to the script, which even when it's quite adjusted to the novel itself, includes several changes from the book as from her style as well. Unnecessary items like a bed scene, an homosexuality confession and some unexplainable non fit-character behaviour by the end of the movie are the points that don't allow me to say this is a great Christie's adaptation. It isn't a question of quasi moralism, it's just that she never wrote about it, not in this story nor in her others. As readers we have the right to find these things and themes hidden, implied in any line, but there's a limit for our own interpretations. Specifically in the case of the character of Philip Blake being gay, there is not much to assume since the author herself tell us that Blake has always been in love with Caroline Crane (not her husband Amyas, as the film tells). Maybe the presence of sex and guns were some sort of influence of nowadays footages. The truth is, as a real fan I didn't like that. Anyway, despite this comment, in my opinion it is fair to say that the acting, as well as the already congratulated direction, turn the beautiful locations into a disturbing atmosphere, where Poirot and his 'little grey cells' take us through a long walk to the past to find the truth in an unexpected end.