Maigret (TV Series) Maigret Sets a Trap (2016) User Reviews

Maigret Sets A Trap

[khunkrumark · 8/10 · 1 April 2016]

Maigret Sets A Trap

OK, let's address the reason you're reading this first: Did Rowan Atkinson rise above it all?

Yes, he did - and in the process he completely divorced us from anything he had ever done in the past. It's possible that this worked well because he's an older man now and looks the part - it's more likely that he was simply masterful in making a dull and outwardly dispassionate character so captivating.

The story itself is ludicrously simple... Maigret sets a trap! After five murders, Maigret is under pressure from all sides of Parisian society to capture a killer.

At a dinner party he is inspired into creating a trap following a conversation he has with a criminal psychologist. The gamble pays off of course and at the end, a solemn, stoic Maigret walks off into the distance with a private wry smile on his face - a job well done.

This is a drama... not an action movie. The cops have guns but no guns are drawn and not a single shot is fired. It will probably be agonizingly dull for young people.

The scenery, photography, costumes, props and direction were beautiful and the movie was 100% traditional 'Noir' in every popular sense of the film world. The shadows and lighting, cars, streets, the brown... (lots of brown!), even the smoking and the hats... all Film Noir!

The horrible 'incidental' music almost destroyed this production. There was no need for it at all, but there it was, loudly guiding us through each scene, each emotion and every minor turn of events. Hopefully the DVD version will have the option to play the movie WITHOUT this distracting, interfering and extremely noisy mess.

Kill the music and you have the perfect TV movie.

Well worth the wait and bravo, Rowan for leaving it all behind and being our new favorite cop... well, second favorite after Inspector Foyle? Time will tell.

Not great, but good enough. Welcome back, M. Maigret!

[man14 · 7/10 · 4 April 2016]

Well, I have seen the film. And I liked it. It's not a masterpiece and certainly not the best adaptation of Simenon I've seen, but it's good enough to entertain and satisfy those who missed watching Maigret. It succeeds in recreating the claustrophobic atmosphere of Simenon's novels, and even if the screenplay is a bit uneven at times, the overall result is very good. The production design is great, and Budapest looks perfect as Paris.

The performances by the cast are all above average, but it's Rowan Atkinson who steals the screen every time he's on it. I've said it before and I'll say it again: his casting came as an absolute surprise to me, as I would never have thought of him as a possible Maigret. But the truth is he made the part his own. So much so that at a certain point I forgot the actor and saw only the character. Very, very good performance by Atkinson, proving he's much more than just a great comedian, he's a great actor.

If you are looking for the best adaptation of this story, I suggest you get your hands on a copy of the 1958 french version "Maigret tend un piège", directed by Jean Delannoy and with the great Jean Gabin as Maigret (to me the best of them all, but that's me). But if all you want is to spend 90 minutes with Maigret and watch a well told and even better played story, then you could do worse than watch this one.

I will certainly be looking forward for the next film in the series, "Maigret's Dead Man". Welcome back, M. Maigret!

Out of the comfort zone

[Coventry · 7/10 · 5 September 2017]

"How would you like a fantastic opportunity to get out of your comfort zone as an actor?" Of course I wasn't there, but this easily might have been what Rowan Atkinson's agent said to him when the role of Inspector Maigret presented itself. Atkinson is immortal thanks to his famous comedy/slapstick roles (like "Blackadder", "Johnny English" and especially "Mr. Bean") so it's quite an impressive and risky undertaking to take up the role of a dead- serious, stoic and intelligent French police detective. Perhaps it's because I personally don't have any issues with separating actors/actresses from their typecast roles, or perhaps it's simply because Rowan Atkinson is such a terrific and professional performer, but all throughout "Maigret Sets a Trap" you never once get the impression that he's miscast. You immediately accept Atkinson as Maigret and never associate his appearance here with the idiotic facial expressions of Mr. Bean. Hats off to you, Mr. Atkinson, you are a phenomenal actor. Evidently, people who're familiar with "Blackadder" knew this already for years…

With regards to "Maigret Sets a Trap", be careful to set your expectations. It's a straightforward and compelling whodunit thriller with a solid screenplay and tense atmosphere, but it most certainly has its limitations in terms of spectacle. Bear in mind it's a TV- thriller and that the story is more than 60 years old already. That means there aren't any CGI-techniques used in the murder investigation and the character of Inspector Maigret certainly also isn't a super- detective like Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot. He's a bright man, but he also makes mistakes, doubts himself and takes unnecessary risks. During the 1950s in Montmartre, a community close to Paris, Maigret and his team are confronted with a serial killer who already murdered four girls in the narrow streets during the night. Comparisons with Jack the Ripper from London are quickly made and Maigret is under a lot of pressure since there hasn't been any progress in six months. When he finds out more about the psychology and profiling of serial killers, Maigret decides to provoke the culprit via the media and set a trap to apprehend him. The plan works and Maigret arrests his suspect, but is this man really guilty? "Maigret Sets a Trap" doesn't feature any wild car chases, steamy sex sequences, virulent shoot-outs or nasty make- up effects, but it's a respectful new adaptation of a classic suspense novel. The re-creation of the 50s in Paris is particularly well-handled, with beautiful decors, costumes and cars. Atkinson is great and receives excellent support from a dozen of adequate players.

Mystery, suspense, intrigue with terrific performance by Rowan Atkinson-Maigret investigating the murderer's identity

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 1 August 2019]

As always, this film occurs in Paris, there happening a murder series. Over a five month period in 1955 four girls are stabbed to death in Montmartre after dark- women with nothing in common beyond being brunette . Justice minister Morel leans on Chief Inspector Jules Maigret hunts for a serial killer . In the meantime Maigret walking outside and taking his lit pipe out of his mouth . To help solve the murders Maigret leaving fake tracks and a false killer, using even policewoman called Marthe Jusserard as a decoy . She survives an attack , discovering sartorial evidence against an allegedly guilty . Meanwhile , it's developed a pursuit through the Paris slums , in order to chase the murderer , getting a button. One the night of a grisly killing , a wealthy man is the suspect, detective Maigret becomes extremely involved into investigation and pulls off a cat and mouse game with the killer . Some clues leading to young Marcel Moncin (David Dawson) , whom Maigret arrests . However whilst Moncin is in custody there is a further murder and Maigret looks to Moncin's family (mother : Fiona Lewis , Marcel's wife : Rebecca Night) . Along the way Maigret is helped by his underlings (Inspector Janvier : Shaun Dingwall and Inspector Lognon : Colin Mace , among them). The obstinate inspector winds up pitting rival against each other in order to destroy him in a stirring interrogation.

This is an extraordinary study in crime displaying thriller , tension , plot twists and being quite entertaining , though some moments result to be slow-moving . Mystery , suspense , intrigue with awesome acting by Rowan Atkinson-Maigret investigating the murderer's identity , and he even sets a trap to catch the murderer, that's why the film titular .The atmosphere is very adequate and fitting . 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 a quirky villain. 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 as the obstinate Maigret and murderers disillusioned with human nature and terrible with those who are victims . Casting is frankly outstanding . It stars the usual comical actor Rowan Atkinson , 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 . Rowan Atkinson as stubborn detective is top-notch, the film benefits from a great interpretation : Atkinson gives life to his determined-serious-exhausted "commissaire" , while David Dawson shines as the elegant but dangerous Marcel who's tremendously affected into the deeps of human desperation and whose boyhood has been prolonged by the misguided love of his mother , perfect Fiona Lewis , and furthermore , Rebecca Night plays subtly and with welcome restraint the loving wife of a monster . Atkinson is perfectly cast as the world-weary Police Inspector who is pondering retirement when the re-emergence of a heinous nemesis - a serial-killer who stabs lonely brunettes coming home late at night - taunts him back into action with a supremely clever plan to trap the killer, hence the film's title . It packs an awesome cinematography by cameraman Dirk Nel who reflects splendidly the Paris streets , though mostly made in studios, and exteriors filmed on location in Szentendre , Budapest , Hungary (1950's Paris) . The motion picture was allrightly directed by Ashley Pearce . He proves a past master at creating a stifling atmosphere night scenes, a hot stormy weather, foggy streets , managing to make the tension rise and swell regularly until it explodes in a triple climax .

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 . Rating : Good and worth watch checking out. The movie will appeal to Rowan Atkinson fans and intrigue lovers , as it contains a highly suspense.

Nothing like the books

[jalmberg-1 · 24 March 2019]

I enjoyed this series, but only after letting go of my expectations. This production bears little resemblance to the Maigret books. The plots are there, but not Maigret. The Gambon series is much closer to the spirit and feel of the books, but these are more modern: more gritty, dark, and violent.

Mildly Entertaining Thriller

[l_rawjalaurence · 6/10 · 2 April 2016]

Watching another version of Maigret inevitably prompts comparison between Rowan Atkinson's interpretation of the role and that of previous actors: Rupert Davies and Michael Gambon on television, Maurice Denham and Nicholas le Prevost on radio. While lacking the physical and vocal presence of all of these actors, Atkinson brings a quiet dignity to the inspector's personality; a police officer remaining unflappable even in the face of adversity, such as the prospect of being removed from the case due to an inability to obtain quick results.

The plot of MAIGRET SETS A TRIP is less of a whodunit and more of a whydunit. We know quite early on in the episode who the murderer is; what matters is to find out precisely why they should have decided to kill innocent women. When Fiona Shaw appears as the suspect's mother, in a highly florid characterization full of tragic expressions and melodramatic gesture (inviting a Freudian interpretation of her relationship to her son), we can understand the victim's behavior.

Stewart Harcourt's script contains some clunky dialogue (one particular nugget occurs when Maigret says "take care" to a group of plain- clothes female police officers who are about to go on the streets of Montmartre, thereby putting themselves in danger of being attacked by the murderer). Yet Simeonon's source-text is so astutely structured that it emerges intact, despite the screenplay's best efforts to ruin it. We sympathize with Maigret as he patiently fits the evidence together, asking all the right questions and coming to conclusions as a result.

Filmed mostly in Budapest, standing in for Fifties Paris, apart from some location shots in Monmartre, Ashley Pearce's production reinforces familiar stereotypes about the French capital as a place for lovers, or citizens prepared to spend their days sitting outside in cafés watching the world go by. The period atmosphere is meticulously recreated, although it seems just a little too chocolate-box like on occasions.

This episode ends with a shot of Maigret walking away from camera along a tree-lined road (the Jardin des Tuilieries, perhaps?), thereby reinforcing the familiar tele-stereotype of the detective forced to live a solitary life in his efforts to solve crimes. This version of MAIGRET might have its faults, but it is sufficiently watchable to encourage us to watch further episodes.

Inferior effort but with good design and some good performances

[robert-temple-1 · 6/10 · 30 March 2016]

This Maigret novel (MAIGRET TEND UN PIÈGE) has been filmed various times previously (such as with Michael Gambon as Maigret in 1992), and may have seemed a sound choice for a brief series of new feature length adaptations for ITV. But it is a tricky one to adapt, because it starts so slowly and most of the excitement is in the second half. The main attraction of this effort was doubtless everybody's curiosity as to whether Rowan Atkinson, so famous as a brilliant comedian, could possibly pull off a feature-length straight leading role in anything, much less a famous character like Maigret who requires gravitas. The good news for Atkinson is that he proved he can be serious for two hours and is an accomplished straight actor if given the opportunity. In order to try not to be funny, it is possible that he occasionally was a bit too gloomy and morose in some of the scenes. But never mind. He did not disgrace himself, and that is what matters. As to how he stacks up against previous Maigrets, that is a different matter. I have seen (though not reviewed, alas) the 1958 French film of this story starring Jean Gabin. Anyone who has seen that excellent film cannot take this new one seriously. And as for the lead role, how many actors can compare with Jean Gabin, one of the most magnetic personalities ever to hit the screen? Ashley Pearce who has directed this film is no match whatever for the brilliant and inspired Jean Delannoy, who directed the 1958 film and is famous for such classics as PASTORAL SYMPHONY (1946) starring Michèle Morgan and LOVE ETERNAL (1943), written by Jean Cocteau. The script was also shaky, because this is not at all an easy story to adapt, as I have already said. I believe it was a production error to start with this one. The film is chiefly remarkable for the wonderful production design and costumes. Apart from some shots of the Montmartre steps in Paris, the location work for this film was done in Budapest, which worked very well. The most outstanding performance in this film was unquestionably by the young actor David Dawson, as the murder suspect Marcel Moncin. He was made up to resemble Vincent Kartheiser of MAD MEN, which was very clever really. His expensive silk dressing gown was superb. I want one of those. For such a young actor with little experience, Dawson managed to control and pace his performance to a masterly degree. And that ain't easy when you are playing a psychopathic killer disguised as a calm, measured artist of good family. Dawson did just the right amount of quiet sulking when he was thrown into jail, and became hysterical only at the correct moments. This story gets very dramatic in the latter half, having nearly put us to sleep for the first. The other superb performance in the film was by Fiona Shaw, as Dawson's cloying, obsessive mother. Help! Protect us from such women! My favourite actor as Maigret is the quietly fascinating Bruno Cremer. I have the entire series of 54 episodes (1991-2005) starring Cremer, and they never disappoint. Anybody who likes Maigret should try and obtain them, which is not easy with English subtitles. It is a pity that this new ITV film is so disappointing, especially with all that excellent work done by the designers and some of the performances having been so good. Let's hope the next one with Atkinson, MAIGRET'S DEAD MAN (2016 but not yet broadcast) will be better. It has a different director, Jon East. (He really ought to direct something with Timothy West, and then it would be a case of East meets West. Just joking.)

Contemporary and exemplary

[mac-33983 · 9/10 · 16 September 2016]

I will highly rate this film for several reasons.

First, this is George Simenon, a 1st class writer. Second : Rowan Atkinson understood the role, the character and the script.

This is a Filme Noire at it's best. The fact that it involves murder is of little consequence, this is about character portrayal, this is a look into the reasoning and understanding of the personas of people and their solitudes, their anguishes, their souls, their darker depths..

In my personal opinion Rowan Atkinson nailed Maigret in a contemporary format. He was subtle and did not overplay. My image of Rowan has completely changed, this man can act, he feels, sees and behaves his role.....

But the film was not just Rowan Atkinson, it was an entire cast, it was a Mise En Scene as it should be... This is exemplary of what can still be done today outside of the glamour of Hollywood..

Living in France I have obviously seen the Maigret films and episodes and this film in no way undermines not fails the originals...

Well done to the screen writer, director and cast for producing a down to earth and deeper portrayal of what has become customary, well done for taking a step aside and giving us something to watch that goes beyond the superficial...

Although this will never become a classic, it is definitely worth adding to any repertoire...

There's no master stroke without taking a risk.

[Reno-Rangan · 7/10 · 4 July 2016]

Well, here's the first part in the latest detective film series made for television. Sets in the 1950s Paris, starred by Rowan Atkinson in the title role like you have never seen before. No doubt that he's a comedy legend, from the small kids to elderly men loves his shows and films, but recently he had needed a breakthrough and this film provided one.

Detective themes, especially solving crimes are always expected to be more intelligent with full of twist and turns by the viewers. Be it Hercule Poirot or Sherlock Holmes, the European style, especially in the classic attire including the black hat and pipe smoking, never fails to deliver. It was also adapted from the books by a Belgian writer. Very neatly told story that focused only one particular case. Another 3 films are due, one in later this year and the other two are set for next year. If you love Murder mysteries, then it is certainly worth a watch.

Okay, the story takes place in the French capital, Paris. It opened with a catchy music track and the opening credits including the title graphics are with an impression of very classic. With the unsolved murder cases in the hand, chief inspector Jules Maigret visits a new crime scene where another young woman was killed. He finds a similar pattern in all those events and learns a serial killer on the loose. So instead to follow the clues he never got one, he decides to set a trap, a risky one. Well, does the killer take a bait, and if he does, then how Maigret proves his crimes to the press who are eagerly after the case since day one and the public who are shocked and scared of these killings is the film told with some style.

"So how would a killer react... If someone else was given credit for his crime?"

It is a perfect narration, if not an intelligent as you were anticipated. Because you know in the history of 100 years of film, there are hundreds of detective films and surely you might have seen at least a dozens that tops the league. So the prediction becomes your first priority which makes the turnarounds in the storytelling in a film is a normal thing. That's how you won't get much excited, unlike if you're young and haven't seen many which makes it is one of yours early films in this theme.

Either way, it is a fine film. No matter how much you guess the next scenes and the dialogues or just sit back to enjoy, you will be well entertained in those 90 minutes. That mystery tone was well maintained in the whole narration. Even when Maigret nears to solve the crime, somewhere, somewhat, something tells you that it's not over yet and proving the crime becomes the subplot with increasing pace towards the conclusion. My only disappointment was the killer's motive. In order to make Maigret a great character, the negative character loses its strength otherwise it is almost a masterpiece.

The focus on the characters was limited, especially in the first half it was all about Maigret and a bit of others who he was associated with like family, colleagues et cetera. Only after the halfway mark it expands and explore a new dimensional view as a possibility when a suspected criminal enters the frame. There's no room for the dull moments. I don't know the difference between the book and this film, but they got all the best parts to fill it with the interesting stuffs to keep the rhythm high at all the time. The film ends with the same French track as the opening, setting its trademark.

The 'Johnny English' star in a similar character, but very serious and authentic. By the end this film series would definitely define his acting career to a new line. I am already beginning to think of the big screen version of this tale. But as a customary, lets wait for the next installment titled 'Maigret's Dead Man' which obviously going to be another classy. Well, that's the result, I'm hoping for. A British film about a French detective written by a Belgian writer, this is among the best summer films of the 2016 that you should not miss.

7.5/10

Great impersonation of a great character

[rrusan · 9/10 · 8 January 2017]

Maigret detective stories comprise just a small part of the immensely prolific Simenon's oeuvre. However, Georges Simenon is best known exactly because of the Maigret character. I've read Maigret stories since childhood, and early on I was fascinated not so much with the "clever" story lines and plots, but because of somewhat lazy and disorganized ways in which eponymous detective and his associates in general operate. This adaptation catches very good all the important traits of a Maigret novel. Dangerous and focused killer of women is on the loose in the Montmartre quartier, Paris is on the brink because nobody sleeps peacefully until he is captured, Maigret works hard but cannot find a breakthrough. His men know that nobody but him will find a murderer, but higher officials are asking for closure. So Maigret will have to embark on a dangerous cat and mouse game with the killer, in which other innocent lives will be put in danger. So far, for those not familiar with cool detective, nothing exceptional. But, everything is so Simenon, and so Maigret, that you enjoy the slow flow and unraveling of the many seemingly unimportant scenes and subplots in this very well crafted movie. There are poor and struggling families with small children that will loose their mother; there are inner courtyards where housekeepers lurk behind their curtains and labourers drag their tired feet. There are lots of basement wine bars with barrels and men nurturing their glass of wine, beer or cognac. There are lots of young hardworking women, all of them attractive in their cheap after war dresses and blouses. Some of them are telephone operators, some of them strippers and dancers, and there is entire police squad of brave young women ready to risk their lives on the dangerous streets of Paris, no questions asked. And of course, there are suspects, quirky aspiring upper middle class characters in their slick apartments, struggling to appear respectable but hiding terrible secrets. More hardboiled police officers, dungeons of Quay d'Orfevre full of shady alkoholics, drug users and other sinners. Journalists, thirsty of any information but some of them familiar of Maigret's way of operating. And, yes, in the middle is Maigret, the detective with his pipe who is never in hurry. Rowan Atkinson was somewhat surprising choice, but he did excellent work impersonating french detective. Recommendable!

Maigret vs Jacques the Ripper

[tomsview · 6/10 · 17 June 2016]

I was looking forward to this movie, but I was a little disappointed when it finally arrived.

I think so much effort was expended on getting the Maigretness of the whole thing right that tension and a plausible story went by the board.

Really, a tired old serial killer plot? It may have been cutting edge (no pun intended) in 1955 when Georges Simenon penned the novel, but the subject has been explored endlessly from every possible angle over the decades.

Set in 1950's Paris, the plot follows Rowan Atkinson's Maigret as he sets a trap for the killer of five women in Montmartre. Eventually he closes in on a suspect, but the biggest surprise is that the creators of the show were happy to go with a credulity stretching explanation for all the murders.

A lot of money was obviously spent on the production and it is an arty looking number with dimly lit alleyways and shadows on walls à la "The Third Man". However the pace is glacial and makes an episode of David Suchet's "Poiret" seem like "Fast & Furious 7" When I first saw that Rowan Atkinson was playing Maigret, I thought that could work. But he actually plays Maigret in such a mannered way that he is not too far off Inspector Clouseau. Maybe just a little more of his natural style at a sprightlier pace would have been a better way to go. He just needed to change whatever was in that pipe.

The film looks authentic enough even if it was filmed in Budapest, but also gives us a Paris that is about as quiet as a sleepy village in Provence. There is no bustle in this city, but I guess when you saddle yourself with a 1950's setting, the correct autos are not that easy to come by, and it has that shot on an early Sunday morning look.

"Maigret Sets a Trap" has to hold its own against brilliant, long-running series such as "Lewis", "Wallander" and "Vera" or the recent hit, "The Night Manager". I don't think it even gets up to speed with "Poirot" or "Miss Marple"; it's actually a bit of a snoozer. If a series is planned, and it doesn't rev up a bit, it could replace "Gardening Australia" as my preferred sleeping sedative.

I loved it!

[manoleanuroman-36453 · 9/10 · 3 September 2016]

Since this is my first Maigret I was impressed with the film. I think it is amazing how nice everything looks, especially the costumes and cars, the details are astounding! I can't comment on music, as I didn't even notice it, was too mesmerized by the image and story. Maybe some scenes were too long, but in general it was of a right length. I am a big fan of Rowan Atkinson, since The Blackadder series so I may be biased, but I really enjoyed this crime series. I remember when I was younger I even adored Murder She Wrote :)). Anyway, it's nothing like Cumberbatch' Sherlock, but it has it's own charm, I highly recommend it! I believe we can never have enough murder mysteries!! I'm off to watch Gambon's Maigret now, see what the fuss is all about! Cheers!

a very pleasant hour and a half

[christopher-underwood · 7/10 · 21 February 2019]

Maigret for me is the early sixties TV portrayal by Rupert Davies and the Simenon books themselves, Here, in my first cinematic venture onto Netflix, is a very decent stab at the Parisian detective by Rowan Atkinson. He is well served with an amazingly convincing location with Hungarian streets, alleys and steps substituting for Montmartre and a suitable supporting cast. I felt the role of his wife here is a travesty. In the books she is very much a servile, if rather sweet lady playing second fiddle to the robust, woman of the people, proprietor of the local cafe, where Aigret gets most of his sustenance and much of his local information. That aside all is well and the tale is well told with enough back story to entertain and make for a very pleasant hour and a half.

It was filmed okay ,music and supporting cast gelled nicely,weak in story tension .

[mikevonbach · 4/10 · 20 May 2016]

This film had some trouble with the story line .During the investigation questions were asked Of the mother and the maid that didn't match . If the family was behind several months in rent how did they have a maid . And why would the killer be loved by two women that he despised for so long. I don't think I have seen that kind of dysfunction on Jerry Springer . The writing fell apart halfway through this film .Because the movie was English everyone was so calm and reserved .The climatic ending was very soft something that should have happened midway Which would have left the movie opened for a truly explosive and more shocking end. No this was just a PAY the rent film . I wouldn't sit through another episode of this kind of story telling . But you can give the cinematographer and the lighting tech's a thumbs up they gave them a Beautiful visual Platform ,it just did not have the story or the direction to push it over the top .

It runs in the family

[safenoe · 7/10 · 27 November 2020]

I'm now able to catch up with Rowan Atkinson's Maigret, and wondered if he would sport a French accent, but not to be. Still, the location is authentic for the most part (it was filmed in Hungary), although you have to get used to all the British accents. Thankfully it doesn't get in the way of this ripping yarns of a murder mystery where Maigret is on the hunt for a serial killer. The ending is sort of a twist, and is an indictment on spousal relationships I guess.

I wonder how the French view Maigret. It would be like English viewers watching a French production of Eastenders filmed in Ireland, where the whole cast speak French.

Nice production but not that interesting

[yerwan1 · 6/10 · 1 September 2019]

Could there be a more uninteresting detective? The show stars with a 5th serial murder and Maigret is still at square one trying to solve all the murders. While lighting his pipe constantly. Then he gambles putting someone's life in jeopardy to try to drum up a suspect. He comes across as a bad detective and a boring person. But, yes, there are nice street scenes (apparently shot in Hungary, not Paris). There are lots more interesting detectives out there. And shows. But it's an attractive production and some will enjoy Mr. Bean like he's on sedatives.

Too British?

[xbatgirl-30029 · 6/10 · 11 January 2022]

I have not seen any other Maigret's before but was curious. I have also not read the book this was based on so I can't judge if the wife was of the "wrong" temperament or if Maigret wasn't tall enough, of which others seem to be bothered. I would like to know how closely the plot sticks to original story, because it is *very* mid-century, Freudian, clichéd stereotypes, which had me rolling my eyes a bit in 2022. Perhaps pick a book that is not so dated if you are doing a remake?

I never had any doubt Rowan Atkinson would be capable of a serious role. He is well supported by the rest of the cast. However I couldn't help thinking about half an hour could be cut out. At this point, the slow, quiet, melancholy detective show trope is so overdone. It really requires a script that is a little smarter with the details to be excellent. I'll definitely watch another episode. I'm just not sure I'm seeing the real Maigret. Everything was so restrained and stoic, I can't help but feel the character of the show is far more British than French.

Good entertainment

[haurob · 9/10 · 3 September 2016]

I have never heard about Maigret before, so i must admit my reason for watching was Rowan Atkinson. After watching a few minutes, i came to the realization, that this would not be entertaining in the same way that i have gotten to know Mr Atkinson. Putting that aside, i was able to start enjoying the story and the twists. The story was actually a bit "out of the box" and believable characters. It was one of the better police/detective stories i have seen in years, albeit not being my genre. If you would like to turn off your Facebook, chats and all else, this will be an entertaining little show(?) to watch. Its not too long, neither too short.. and overall good quality in all aspects. Enjoy.

Watchable

[edgeofreality · 6/10 · 2 May 2021]

Well mounted and watchable detective film with the star trying very hard to keep a straight face. It is somewhat forgettable a day or two later.

Hopefully the start of a wonderful long series.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 30 April 2017]

ITV love giving us great crime drama serials, and with Poirot and Marple gone, there's a definite gap in the genre. Maigret boasts some great stories, the only question being was Rowan Atkinson the right man for the job? The answer categorically is yes, within a few minutes I'd forgotten about his many great previous works and was now focused on him as Maigret.

Fantastic production values, the whole Noir style looked and sounded great. Fantastic setting of course, coupled with great costumes helped create a wonderful sense of atmosphere. I'm delighted that they opted against putting on French accents, and I'm glad that the sound throughout was excellent. I liked the music, although I see why some could have found it a bit much. The camera work was first rate, it looked slick and moved on at a great pace.

Atkinson was really good, and I look forward to more future episodes, Lucy Cohu is superb casting as his wife, and the supporting cast were really on point too, especially David Dawson and Fiona Shaw, the latter looking spot on for the part.

I see this lasting for a good few years, who doesn't love a good crime drama, especially one of this calibre. 8/10

Another serial killer movie..!!

[kamalbeeee · 7/10 · 11 May 2021]

Mr.bean acted serious role in this movie.. A detective try to find a serial killer in his town.then finally he caught that killer and dont have enough evidence to prove..finally he proved him as killer before he loses his job.. Nice story and screenplay play.. Must watch for thriller suspense fans..!!

A masterpiece of French noir, in English

[fustbariclation · 10/10 · 30 March 2016]

A masterpiece! French noir in English.

The atmosphere is absolutely right, and the acting, particularly Rowan Atkinson's, is quite brilliant.

I enjoyed it all the way through. The plot is of the right vintage for the period.

Margret's discomfort with his inability to solve the case, and his dogged determination to succeed against the odds is perfectly signaled. His great risk brings palpable suspense.

I've no idea why I guessed, and said, the occupation of his father a second before it was revealed - not quite deja vu, but something like that.

Lacks the Parisian Flavour

[nselite · 7/10 · 18 June 2019]

The acting is good. Atkinson is very good. But it lacks the Parisian Flavour, typical of Paris, particularly that era.

Stylish but without content

[dakjets · 5/10 · 28 July 2017]

We have high expectations for British crime films. This one in my opinion lacks an investigation. Here's murder, and we expect a certain amount of investigation as the story is told. But it does not happen. No plot, or suspense. This causes the excitement to fail. Instead, we are witnessing a stylish film, performed in Paris's era. It's nicely filmed that way, but lacks any nerve we want to have when we watch great British crime on television.

Rowan Atkinson shows that he can handle serious roles as well. Nothing to say about his efforts. Let's hope he gets something more to go after in the next episode, and with a plot that keep us on suspense.

No Parisian Flavour

[nselite · 7/10 · 11 June 2019]

Lacks the French flavour and atmosphere, let alone the Persian flavour. Does not compare with Michael Gambon's vesrion.