Mystery, suspense, intrigue with terrific performance by Gerard Depardieu-Maigret , giving life to his determined-serious-exhausted "commissaire" , investigating the identity of some ruthless and mean murderers . As always, this film occurs in Paris, and surroundings , there happens a grisly killing . In Paris, a young girl is found dead in a Parisian square, wearing an evening dress. Commissioner Maigret will try to identify her and then understand what happened to the victim. Maigret's officers are the expert elite of the Brigade Criminelle at the Quay Des Orfevres. To help solve the murders Maigret leaving fake tracks . By the way , discovering sartorial evidence against an allegedly guilty . Detective Maigret becomes extremely involved into investigation and pulls off a cat and mouse game with the killer . The obstinate inspector winds up pitting a stubborn rival against each other in order to destroy him in a relentless investigation .
This is an acceptable and attractive study in crime displaying thriller , tension , plot twists and being entertaining enough, though some moments result to be slow-moving and dull . Here Maigret is called upon to lend its expertise in tracking down a twisted killer , as he is resolute in investigating the astonishing crime and about an obscure anonymous Parisian, an investigation that ultimately links clues and he solves it . Mysterious events , red herrings , grisly murder , suspenseful happenings with awesome acting by Depardieu-Maigret investigating the murderer's identity , along with Aurore Clement who many years earlier played in Coppola's Apocalypse Now and he even sets a trap to catch the murderer . The pace is good , alert , nimbly done . This movie is concise , sharp , practical , each actor is cut out for the part . Interesting and exciting battle of wits between the intelligent detective and his contender. The story explores the dynamics of pathological behaviour and very much in the style of psychoanalytic descriptions fitting fairly to George Simenon novels . The camera-work is sleek , but what actually makes this film a major work is that the authors are true to the spirit of Simenon : peculiar roles tremendously affected into the deeps of human desperation , as the obstinate Maigret and murderers disillusioned with human nature and terrible with those who are victims . Casting is frankly well . Stars veteran Gerard Depardieu , here he plays the character in such a vibrantly nuanced manner, as that of a man who is measured, but very engaged in walking the streets and getting into the nitty gritty of each case . Gerard Depardieu as obstinate detective is top-notch, the film benefits from his great interpretation . Depardieu is perfectly cast as the world-weary Police Inspector who is pondering retirement when the re-emergence of grisly killings and then back into action with a supremely clever plan to trap the murderer . It packs a dark and shading cinematography who shows splendidly the Paris streets , though mostly made in studios, and exteriors filmed on location in Quai de Bourbon, Paris 4, Paris, Rue Saint-Vincent, Paris 18, Paris, Square Alboni, Paris 16, Paris, Studios de Bry - 2 avenue de l'Europe, Bry-sur-Marne, Val-de-Marne . The motion picture was professionally directed by Patrice Leconte . He proves a past master at creating a stifling , murky atmosphere night scenes, foggy streets , managing to make the tension rise and swell regularly until it explodes at the ending . Leconte is a prestigious writer and director who has made notorious films , such as : Ridicule , The Man on the Train , Felix and Lola , Tango Mortale, Yvonne's fragrance, Monsieur Hire , The was of the Misses , The girl on the bridge , among others.
This Psychological Suspense story is based on George Simenon legendary detective , being one of the most-adapted Simenon stories . George Simenon's Maigret has been adapted on several cinematic rendition and TV series . As Maigret was played by Basil Sidney ( The lost life,TV, 59) , Gino Cervi (Maigret in Pigalle, 67) , Rupert Davies (series from 60s) , Richard Harris (TV, 1988), Michael Gambon (TV,1993) , Sergio Castellitto (2004) . But specially by Jean Gavin who played 'Maigret tend un piège' (1958) , 'Maigret and the St Fiacre case (59)' , among others . In Hollywood was realized by Burguess Meredith 'The man on the Eiffel tower' (1949) with Charles Laughton as Maigret . And the usual comical actor Rowan Atkinson played Maigret in 4 episodes with special mention for ¨Maigret sets a trap¨ (2016) with Rowan Atkinson , Luci Cohu , Shaun Dingwall , Fiona Lewis . Rating : Acceptable and passable and worth watch checking out. The movie will appeal to Gerard Depardieu fans and intrigue lovers , as it contains a highly suspense.
