Watch Agatha
- PG
- 1979
- 1 hr 38 min
-
6.2 (3,677)
Agatha is a 1979 movie that depicts the life of the famous author Agatha Christie, who disappeared for 11 days in 1926. The movie portrays Agatha's fictionalized version of the incident and what might have happened in those missing days. It is a biographical crime drama that is both entertaining and intriguing. Directed by Michael Apted, the movie stars acclaimed actors Dustin Hoffman, Vanessa Redgrave, and Timothy Dalton.
The story takes place in England in the 1920s, where Agatha Christie (Vanessa Redgrave) is going through a difficult phase in her life. Her husband Archie (Timothy Dalton) has left her for another woman, and her literary career is not going well. Agatha is suffering from depression and is unable to write. She feels like a failure and decides to take a break from her life in London.
Agatha escapes to Harrogate, a spa town in North Yorkshire. There, she tries to get her life back on track, but things take a sudden turn when she disappears without a trace. Archie is convinced that Agatha has committed suicide, but her secretary, Charlotte (Celia Gregory), insists that Agatha is still alive.
Meanwhile, a young American journalist named Wally Stanton (Dustin Hoffman) arrives in England to cover the news of Agatha's disappearance. He is obsessed with Agatha and her novels and becomes determined to find her. Wally meets Charlotte and soon discovers that Agatha's disappearance might be a publicity stunt to promote her new book. However, as he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that suggest something more sinister might be going on.
As Wally investigates, he meets several fascinating characters, including a detective who is convinced Agatha has faked her own death, a psychic who claims to have visions of Agatha's whereabouts, and a wealthy benefactor who might be involved in Agatha's disappearance. Along the way, Wally also gets to know Archie, who has regrets about his decision to leave Agatha and is desperate to see her again.
The movie is slow-paced, but the performances of the lead actors make up for it. Vanessa Redgrave brings Agatha Christie to life, and her portrayal of the author is nuanced and believable. Timothy Dalton is equally impressive as Archie, Agatha's charismatic but flawed husband. Dustin Hoffman's portrayal of Wally Stanton adds a touch of humor to the movie, and his character's obsession with Agatha is both endearing and entertaining.
The cinematography and music of the movie are also noteworthy. The movie captures the period details of the 1920s well, with impressive costumes and sets. The music by Johnny Mandel is haunting and adds to the overall suspense of the movie.
Overall, Agatha is an enjoyable biographical crime drama that is worth watching for its cast, direction, and plot. The movie successfully captures the essence of Agatha Christie and her disappearance, making it a must-watch for fans of the author's work.
Agatha is a 1979 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.