'Ackroyd' is one of Christie's most celebrated novels where she pulled off one of her most outrageous tricks ever. It is a favourite of many and given the nature of the 'twist' it was always going to be a difficult novel to pull off on screen. In many ways this is actually not a bad adaptation of the basic story. It looks wonderful and is generally well acted. Motive and method remain intact. The big problem of course is that deprived of it's unique narrative qualities, the story itself is shown to be rather pedestrian and uninvolving. This mystery hinges on the audacious trickery of the author and this is not allowed to come through in the film. The final shootout is frankly embarrassing and it's a pity that Poirot is denied the opportunity to reveal his own deductions in unmasking the killer.
Ultimately unsatisfying, this film retains a 5/10 because taken on its own terms, it remains good entertainment. It is not however a true reflection of the brilliance of the novel.
Ultimately unsatisfying, this film retains a 5/10 because taken on its own terms, it remains good entertainment. It is not however a true reflection of the brilliance of the novel.