This is another Maigret, one who is not the famed jaunty character who has been played by at least 34 actors who have appeared from 1932 onwards, in various adaptions of the 75 novels and 28 short stories written by Belgian author Georges Simenon.
The legendary Gerard Depardieu is Inspector Jules Maigret, a formidable hulk of a man (aged 73, and very overweight) whose doctor has suggested he take an early retirement, and give up smoking.
He plods around in the 19tharrondissement of Paris, looking for evidence, after the death of a young woman with no identity, who is dressed in a blood soaked designer evening gown. She has five knife wounds.
Betty (Jude Labeste) had come to Paris looking to her future, but was barely surviving in a rented room. She rented a dress to attend the engagement party of Jeanine (Melanie Bernier) to socialite Laurent (Pierre Moure) who has an aristocratic doting mother (Aurore Clement).
Maigret is totally absorbed by the crime. The film is really a study of this Maigret’s powers of observation, experience, and inner thoughts, and as always, Depardieu adds his charisma to the role.
Directed by Patrice Leconte, the film is rich in atmosphere, with great attention to detail, and has an excellent cast.
88 minutes.
Showing at Luna Leederville and Luna SX from 26 May.
French language with English sub-titles.
Watch the trailer…
