The legendary Gérard Depardieu brings to remarkable life one of the most beloved characters from 20th century crime fiction in Maigret, the masterfully directed and hugely entertaining new film from multi award-winning writer/director Patrice Leconte (Monsieur Hire, Ridicule, The Girl on The Bridge), based on Georges Simenon’s internationally best-selling novels.
Paris, 1953. The body of a beautiful young woman is discovered at Place Vintimille, dressed in an elegant evening gown. There is nothing to identify her, and no witnesses. Pensive and world-weary inspector Jules Maigret (Depardieu) endeavours to piece together her story, and in doing so uncovers details about her past and character. In his enquiries, he encounters Betty (Jade Labeste), a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to the victim, but who also reminds him of one even closer to his own life…
Simenon (and Leconte’s) formidable protagonist - a French counterpart to Agatha Christie’s Poirot and P.D. James’ Dalgiesh - has been brought to the screen before, but Depardieu leaves an indelible stamp on the character, bringing tenderness and dignity to a man prepared to listen before he speaks, and to stand up for those without a voice. It’s an absolute pleasure to join him, as Maigret irascibly and ingeniously follows the clues.
Tuesday 1st March
88 min
M
Film Festival
