61: Change in plans

[samuraiprosecutor]

Wright, I'm afraid we're going to have to reschedule.




((OOC: Tags will be slow until this evening and/or this weekend. Please bear with me!))

Comments

[samuraiprosecutor]

Most of them were disappointing or mediocre, but there were a few that were worthwhile. Comes the Dawn used an extremely talented cinematographer. To Each His Own was quite watchable, and I believe The Overlook was the most surprising success of the summer season.



((OOC: Hooray for making shite up! 8D))

[nick-4-maya.livejournal.com]

Really? How was it a surprise? Did people think that it wasn't going to be very good?

[samuraiprosecutor]

I put very little stock in what others expect out of films, but with its seemingly mediocre premise I didn't expect it to be more than simply watchable. It's incredibly rare for anyone to bring anything innovative to the whodunit genre, but the writer and director accomplished it admirably.



((OOC: You picked the right movie, lol. The reference and the old radio mysteries I was listening to had already inspired a basic premise and stuff. XD;;))

[nick-4-maya.livejournal.com]

Um... what's a "whodunnit genre"?

[samuraiprosecutor]

Ah. The whodunit is a subsection of the mystery genre...which is itself a category of fiction.

Simply put, they're mystery stories where the focus is on the protagonist's search for the clues that will lead to the discovery of the criminal's identity. Generally the protagonist is an amateur detective, a civilian. Occasionally they're retired policemen or private investigators--or, as in the cases of Hercule Poirot, both--but active law enforcement officials are usually the stars of stories from other subsections, such as the police procedural. In a whodunit, the police often do little more than provide ballistics and lab results and apprehend the criminal after they've been 'unmasked.'

[nick-4-maya.livejournal.com]

Oh! So it's a little like what Mr. Nick does, then!

[samuraiprosecutor]

I...suppose that's a fair analogy. Generally, the protagonist's investigation is a personally motivated search for the truth, rather than an occupational duty, and Wright could hardly be be considered a 'plucky, young detective,' but...there are some similarities.

[nick-4-maya.livejournal.com]

I'd really like to see a movie like that! That sounds so exciting to watch. Do you watch a lot of movies like that, Mr. Edgeworth?

[samuraiprosecutor]

I do. When it comes to fiction, mystery is one of my favorite genres. Unfortunately, the whodunit mystery isn't widely explored in the movie industry, at least when compared to other genres or even other types of mysteries. There aren't many offerings each year, and even fewer that bring anything new to the table. Many of my favorites are classics or foreign, but if you're interested I could suggest a few titles that exemplify the genre.

[nick-4-maya.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes please! I'd really like to hear about them.

[samuraiprosecutor]

The staples would probably be the best places to start. Agatha Christie's novels helped define the genre, and many excellent films have been based on them, including the Miss Marple series and the Hercule Poirot mysteries. The Poirot series is a personal favorite of mine, and I have most of the films in my collection.

[nick-4-maya.livejournal.com]

Really? How many films are there?

[samuraiprosecutor]

Between the two protagonists I'm aware of over 15 titles, not including their respective television series. Adaptations have been made almost as long as the characters have existed, and many of the best have been adapted several times by different casts and crews. In the past, some were even adapted for British radio.



((OOC: Making that number up based on five minutes of Wiki searching. It's probably either way high or way low. XD))

[nick-4-maya.livejournal.com]

Wow! That really is a lot... Ms. Christie's books must be really good for there to be so many versions of them like that. I simply wouldn't know where to start if I were to start trying to watch them!

[samuraiprosecutor]

Most are fairly self-contained stories, so it shouldn't be difficult to start at any point. Video stores may not carry all the titles, but I'm sure Wright would be able to find a few for you to try.

[nick-4-maya.livejournal.com]

Yes, maybe he would! But I think I'd like to watch them with someone, as well. It's no fun watching things on your own!

[samuraiprosecutor]

Wright does claim to be a fan of the genre. The fact that he's avoided the Sherlock Holmes mysteries calls that claim into question, but you may still be able to persuade him to watch the films with you.

[nick-4-maya.livejournal.com]

But wouldn't you like to watch them as well, Mr. Edgeworth?

[samuraiprosecutor]

I...can watch them whenever I find the time. As I said, I have most of the titles in both collections. I can easily watch them when I feel inclined to.

[nick-4-maya.livejournal.com]

But you know so much about them, I know that I could learn a lot from you while I watch them for the first time! And we haven't seen each other in so long... to be honest, I've missed seeing you a little.

[samuraiprosecutor]

You...wanted to watch them with me?



((OOC: Danger! Danger, Will Robinson!))

[nick-4-maya.livejournal.com]

Of course!

... That isn't a problem, is it?

[samuraiprosecutor]

As I said, my work schedule has been full lately. I'm not sure how soon I'd be able to find the time for several films, and I...wouldn't want to make you wait an excessive length of time.



((OOC: Danger of the "cuteness that's impossible to deny" sort. :|))

[nick-4-maya.livejournal.com]

But that's okay! I don't mind waiting a long time if I get to watch them with you, Mr. Edgeworth!

[samuraiprosecutor]

...You're sure you wouldn't rather see them with Wright? I could easily pass on to him any titles you were interested in. I believe he actually has mentioned Christie's works before, I'm sure he'd be an adequate substitute.



((OOC: As far as Edgeworth's concerned, it's the most dangerous danger imaginable. B|))