Poirot Lives with David Suchet
Right from the beginning until the very end of every episode I am voluntary captured by the magic of “Agatha Christie’s Poirot“. Its pleasant and joyful theme melody echoes in my ears both before it starts and long after it has finished. If I have to describe the emotions this TV series brings to me, I shall either have no words or too many to put within an article. However, I shall try what Monsieur Poirot does to solve his cases. I shall sit and think consecutively. David Suchet is my favourite from all actors who have attempted Poirot. After his portrayal, I think it is impossible we have a better one in practice. Not that we would need such. David Suchet is Hercule Poirot in the complete sense of appearance and character. Expecting more would mean that there could be a superior version of the great detective than the original himself.
While Mr David Suchet has used body padding to fulfill the measures of Poirot’s silhouette, he naturally resembles him in his outlook. However, he is at the least perfect for the role for the typical egg-shaped oval of his head. The starring actor has done far harder work to prepare himself as his character’s most welcoming host. He has mastered his accent to “a mixture of French-speaking Belgian and country French” in order “to be very specific but easily understood”. He has trained his voice under the black waxed moustache of perfect symmetry, the great detective’s outstanding mark. He has trained to raise it up into his head where he believes everything Poirot’s comes from. He has also recreated his signature pace. He would limp with little quick steps in Poirot’s extraordinary patent leather shoes, rhythmically leaning on the bird-shaped metal handle of his exotic walking stick.
David Suchet has studied Poirot within all the novels he appears. He has listed all his features to get known with him. He has not just acted him out but impersonated him. He perfected his mannerism and oddities to the last detail until the actor has finally become his character. Moreover, David Suchet has taken steady part in all adapted episodes. He has used this opportunity to present his character gradually and to follow his progress through the stories.
Mr Suchet’s accurate work twinkles in Poirot’s sight and charisma. In result he looks real in everything from his eccentricity to traditionalism. The convincing character is expected to reveal dimensions in personality. They are awaited to experience growing to become our favourites. When their flaws are as attractive as their virtues they are even welcomed. While Agatha Christie has given birth to her child, David Suchet has inspired live within Poirot. He has presented his character’s features so amusingly that we would rather smile at him instead of laugh or get angry. Women will always recognize the gentleman in Poirot before the other made-up in the series. Hence, his ego is deserved because of his unique skills and worldwide fame. Moreover, it is repaid with his love for his closest.
“I do not approve of murder” and “It is the brain, the little gray cells on which one must rely. One must seek the truth within – not without” are among his famous quotes. Poirot’s vocabulary is also outstanding. “Eh bien” and “Mon ami” is how he would call his friends Captain Hastings, Miss Lemon and Inspector Japp. His intolerance to dirt and disorder, obsession for logic, method, symmetry and composition are also well known among his keen admirers. Although rotund, Poirot is always of perfect look. He wears a three-piece wool suit with a wing collar, a bow tie, leather gloves and a hat. Neither is a particle of dust nor a fold seen on his elegant costume. Only the relic pin on the left lapel reveals a romantic tie with his heart. A special gift from a Lady they say whom he has been emotionally bonded. It resembles a miniature amphora with fresh flowers at the top. It also hints at another typical feature of Poirot. Such bunches of herbs were used in medieval times against unpleasant odour and diseases.
Poirot is fond of luxury. He likes the exquisite things of life. Besides he wears the finest of clothing, he is driven in expensive cars. He visits attractive places and stays in comfortable hotel rooms. He is served excellent food and drinks in exclusive restaurants. He has also a refined taste for arts. 1930s atmosphere is a fascinating amalgam of traditional romance and first-class modernism. The background of all events in the series is brilliantly matched with glamorous environments. Poirot’s famous apartment is based in London. A fabulous Art Deco building in the Charterhouse Square hosts his fictional Whitehaven Mansions address. The residence is a work of Guy Morgan and Partners. It is originally called Florin Court. They say it houses a swimming pool in the basement and a roof garden. Unfortunately, we can only see the interior of Poirot’s apartment, the staircase with an iron-net lift and the remarkable curved facade of the building in the TV series.
The external pictures yet reveal more. They capture London streets and old train compartments. We see traditional estates and modernistic houses in neat provincial settlements. We travel to numerous exotic destinations. We also meet with the beautiful seaside where Agatha Christie was born and spent most of her life. She has also created some of her novels there. Most of the episodes take place at sea locations as well. “Triangle at Rhodes”, “Problem at Sea”, “Peril at End House” and “Evil Under the Sun” are among many. We stay on isolated islands. We visit populous summer resorts. We enjoy our vacation with Poirot.
The theme music video of Agatha Christie’s Poirot
