Maigret (TV Series) Maigret's Dead Man (2016) User Reviews

Credit to Atkinson

[Dr_Lighthouse · 8/10 · 7 January 2017]

Who would have thought that Rowan Atkinson could play a role as difficult as "Maigret"? Not only is this on the other end of the spectrum, light-years away from "Johnny English" and "Mr. Bean", Commissaire Maigret (in this series ranked as "chief-inspector") was splendidly portrayed by the late Bruno Cremer in no less than 54 (!) episodes, which made it twice as difficult for Atkinson to become the new Jules.

Having read most of my countryman Georges Simenon's books, I have an image of Jules Maigret as a thinker, not a talker. Rowan Atkinson portrays this in a very convincing way. Perhaps a little more pipe- training could come in handy, but other than that it's a realistic Maigret.

The use of Hungary as film location for 1950's Paris is a good choice: the dirty houses and alleys realistically picture the era of a coal-heated metropolis. Dirty cars complete the image, and even the camera-work reminds of the film-noir of the 1940's and '50's.

The only flaws in this and the previous episode, are goofs that could have been avoided easily: the car's headlights should have been yellow, not white (compulsory in France from the mid 1930's until 1993), in lit areas French cars used to drive with the positioning lights on - dip and high beam were only used on dark country roads, not in town. Another goof are the press cameras flash bulbs: until the late 1960's, before the age of electronics, flash bulbs were made of magnesium filaments, and had to be replaced after every shot. It was impossible to flash, flash, flash in a few seconds, like ALL the cameras in this series do. Shame on you, researchers!

I really enjoyed Rowan Atkinson as a mature Jules Maigret, however... on the sly I was hoping for a suspect called... Bob. ;-)

Solid, qualitative TV-thriller.

[Coventry · 6/10 · 15 September 2017]

The first entry in this new TV-film series that I watched, "Maigret Sets a Trap", had of course the advantageous / surprise element of seeing comedy actor Rowan Atkinson in one of his first and only dead-serious roles. That alone made the film worth watching, but on top of that it was also a tense and atmospheric adaptation of Georges Simenon's terrific novel centered on Chief-Inspector Jules Maigret. Atkinson already proved in the first film that he's perfectly suitable and capable of playing such a stoic and mature role and, judging by "Maigret's Dead Man", you'd almost consider him more of a veteran drama actor rather than a slapstick figure. The plot here is once again very engaging, the efforts that were taken to recreate Paris during the 1950s (by filming in Hungary) are very well-done and the moody atmosphere and dark themes compensate more than widely enough for the lack of actual action. In the Northwest of France, a few hours driving from Paris, entire families of farmers are brutally slaughtered and their houses robbed. Meanwhile, in Paris, Maigret is hooked on another mysterious case. A nervous man, clearly in some kind of lethal danger, attempted to get in contact with him, but vanished before Maigret could physically meet him. Later that night, the murdered and heavily mutilated body of this man gets dumped in the middle of a busy Parisian market square in true mafia style. Maigret is forbidden by his supervisors to further investigate the case, as he must assist his colleague in the farmhouse murders, but you don't have to be Sherlock Holmes (or even Jules Maigret) to figure out quickly that both cases are connected. "Maigret's Dead Man" assures good, solid made-for-television craftsmanship; nothing more but certainly nothing less.

Above average Maigret entry with a very adequate and fitting Parisian atmosphere , though mostly shot in Hungary

[ma-cortes · 8/10 · 7 August 2019]

Mystery, suspense, intrigue with terrific performance by Rowan Atkinson-Maigret investigating the identity of some ruthless and mean murderers , while plunging into the bloody Parisian underworld. As always, this film occurs in Paris, and surroundings , in Picardy , there happening a murder series. Maigret's officers are the expert elite of the Brigade Criminelle at the Quay Des Orfevres , as they are called upon to assist in the case of three vicious murders , a slaughter carried out at farm houses in Picardy but Maigret is intrigued when a man phoning him to say he fears he is about to be murdered and calling himself only 'Nina's husband' . Inspector Jules Maigret (Rowan Atkinson) sets out to hunt for a serial killer . Along the way Maigret is helped by his underlings (Inspector Janvier : Shaun Dingwall and Inspector LaPointe : Leo Staar , among them). 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 even as a decoy posing as a restaurant owner along with his wife Madame Maigret (Lucy Cohu) . By the way , discovering sartorial evidence against an allegedly guilty . Meanwhile , it's developed a pursuit through the Paris slums , in order to chase the murderer . An elegant man is the main suspect, detective Maigret becomes extremely involved into investigation and pulls off a cat and mouse game with the killer . The obstinate inspector winds up pitting rival against each other in order to destroy him in a relentless chase .

This is an extraordinary and magnificent study in crime displaying thriller , tension , plot twists and being quite entertaining , though some moments result to be slow-moving . Here Maigret is called upon to lend its expertise in tracking down the cruel gang responsable of a massacre , as he is resolute in investigating the astonishing murders in Picardy and about an obscure anonymous Parisian, an investigation that ultimately links and solves both related crimes . Mysterious events , grisly killings , suspenseful happenings with awesome acting by Rowan Atkinson-Maigret investigating the murderer's identity , 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 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 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 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" , he is finely accompanied by Lucy Cohu as Madame Maigret who plays subtly and with welcome restraint his loving wife , while John Light shines as the elegant but dangerous villian . 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 kills and stabs to get his goals , at whatever means , and Maigret taunts him and back into action with a supremely clever plan to trap the murderer . It packs an awesome cinematography by cameraman Dirk Nel who shows 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 Jon East . He proves a past master at creating a stifling , murky 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 . And ¨Maigret sets a trap¨ (2016) with Rowan Atkinson , Luci Cohu , Shaun Dingwall , Fiona Lewis . Rating : Good , notable and worth watch checking out. The movie will appeal to Rowan Atkinson fans and intrigue lovers , as it contains a highly suspense.

He failed at the first, but that doesn't end the story.

[Reno-Rangan · 6/10 · 4 March 2017]

Just a few months ago, when the first one in this television film series came out, I could not believe how an impressive brand new detective from the mid twentieth century Paris was made its way. Furthermore, it was Rowan Atkinson, who was in a never seen before avatar and that's made this new beginning very interesting. Since then I have been looking forward for its sequel. A British film sets in Paris, but was shot in Hungary with new Czech characters were added particularly for this part, totally a European flavour.

This part actually came during the Christmas season, a couple of months ago, but I could not see it then until now. After watching it, I'm not in the same mood as I was in for the first film. This film has really taken a couple of steps back on what the original film had achieved. It is always good to watch films with a great cast and characters. The story was not bad, but being too simple and predictable was the biggest let down. So, for the most of us who liked the original, this installment will be a bit disappointment.

As the Paris' best detective receives a call from an unknown person who claims his life is in danger since a couple of men following him everywhere, Maigret acts as quickly as he can, but fails to save the man. With the guilt for not doing much, he determined to find whoever behind it. After examining the body and making inquiries, he's set to go after the clues he had got. But how effective is his plan, would it lead to solve the case that covered in the remaining narration.

❝It was nice being here with you, playing at a different life. I liked it.❞

The highlight of the film was the settings. In the old city with the limited resources to stop or solve the crimes compared to the present world, the brainpower comes into effect. The smart detectives and their brilliant strategies, I don't know that's how real was then back, but these novels and whoever wrote it are magnificent. This film was based on the book of the same name, directed by a British television filmmaker.

The curiosity that was created in the opening does not stay for very long. Of course, at one point every mystery to be revealed, but those parts were not done smartly enough. The identities of the wrongdoers were disclosed much earlier. But the reason behind it was a bit suspenseful. Maigret's idea to involve his wife, gives her a chance to live a different life for a brief. Risky, but worth an attempt to get the attention of the killer.

So there are lots of great scenes, though the film lacked serious thrills. Short film, fast paced is not enough. A cop film always needs a tight plot with a near miss kind of developments to keep the viewers on the edge of their seat. There are chases in the film, but those are common in any cop film. Those fresh perspectives are what the film needed badly.

By the way the book was nearly 70 years old, so we can't blame the source. Between these years, many films used the same concepts which make it outdated for this flick. All they wanted to do was a little update. That's where I think this film failed. Other than than, a decent film in the series and I'll be surely looking forward to the next one called 'Crossroads' which is due this summer. So keep updated to follow the remaining films in the series.

6/10

Continuity

[mortdistlefink · 6/10 · 3 April 2018]

Half an hour in or there abouts, just as the body rolls to a stop after being thrown from a car, a shoe and foot are aligned with the cobblestones. Overhead shot in next cutaway and it has played chess!

Much better than the first episode

[xbatgirl-30029 · 7/10 · 30 January 2022]

I was relieved at how much more I enjoyed this episode compared to the first one, which was far too slow and had too little going on for something 90 minutes long. This episode wasn't mind blowing or revolutionary tv but it was solid and interesting. Plus it didn't come across as something obviously written many decades earlier with a point of view that is now very essentially outdated, which is how I found the first installment.

I don't feel a need to restate all the good observations other reviewers have already given. I will add a few points I really liked, such as when the older dancer tries telling the younger Francine not to burn her bridges because men like her boyfriend don't last. And of course, we know Francine would be back dancing in the end. I also noticed how the Czech interpreter was standing up for human rights when the pregnant woman was first being questioned, but after he saw her crimes he felt the need to say she was really Slovak "they're practically animals", not Czech. Then Maigret just gave him a disdainful look. I do wonder if those exchanges were in the original story. I also wish we knew what Mme Maigret was thinking when the baby was offered to Nina. The actress had such an interesting expression. I had to wonder was she wishing the baby was offered to her instead? Was she annoyed at her husband? But she obviously was also so happy for Nina. All without the actress having to say a word. Such good acting! And perhaps it's better being left ambiguous.

The only thing that really bugged me, which I'm sure was from the book, it how Albert could manage to call the police station 3 times yet never once actually just say his name or even give Nina's last name. I am so tired of this cliché from a zillion detective stories, where there in no realistic reason for a person to not just say "Bob Jones is after me" or whatever before dying. Instead they give an incredibly cryptic clue that sets the story into motion. Such an overused, hacky trope and I was rolling my eyes. Also I was laughing a bit when the guy playing Albert and also John Light were described as being 30, maybe 35.

But leaving those few bits aside, I did enjoy this installment and will definitely watch more.

For summer nights with clear atmosphere!

[agispir · 9/10 · 11 August 2017]

I was pleasantly surprised! First of all, I had never heard of the film before, but knowing that Mr Atkinson plays the leading role, a role COMPLETELY distant from those he had played in the past, I was eager to watch it. Let me share with you my three basic impressions:

(a) I was fascinated by the settings, the clothing, the atmosphere, immediately from the very first scene; the one in the farm. Every setting was so carefully set and in so much detail, that I caught myself many times watching the background objects than the action itself.

(b) Direction is really very very good but I think Mr Atkinson is superb! You can "hear" him saying so many things just by watching his eyes. His eyes say everything in the movie! He is actually a genuine human Maigret; a thinker, not a talker.

(c) The plot is from Simenon's novel in late 40s. A classic crime/mystery story, mostly suited for mature audiences. Perhaps younger audiences may find the story somehow outdated.

If you like vintage-style detective/crime/mystery movies, I think that you are going to enjoy that. Mostly suited for summer/autumn nights with clear atmosphere, good company and good drinks!

Maigret, yes, but not as many of us knew him!

[Tony-Holmes · 6/10 · 15 January 2023]

I see that quite a few reviews on here have hailed Rowan Atkinson as Maigret, playing an unusual straight role. He hasn't done many of these shows, suggesting that he's not that fond of them, or the producers have noticed that they wren't that well received overall??

As most have noted, the locations are usually done in Hungary, which doubles pretty well for the Paris from Simenon's era (the Michael Gambon series in the 90s also featured Hungarian locations, also much of the cast and crew).

This doesn't detract from the enjoyment from the viewer, what DOES cause some concern is that Atkinson just isn't right in the lead role, he doesn't look like the Maigret from the books, and he is also so quiet and thoughtful that he could have played a wooden totem pole too. The Maigret in the books, and earlier versions played by Rupert Davies, and Gambon, liked a little joke now and again, but apparently Atkinson thinks playing straight means playing grim?

These shows are also FAR TOO LONG. They're almost 2 hours, which means there is no pace, and what seems to be large chunks of padding. Another issue is that almost all scenes are very dark, perhaps the money spent on using more film was saved on light bulbs?

These shows aren't terrible, but the folk praising Atkinson should see the versions done by Davies (albeit in low-budget 60s B&W with some shaky scenery!) and by Gambon (90s, bigger budget, and some classy supporting cast) - both are much better.

One of the best TV-dramas

[paco-j-navarrete · 9/10 · 20 January 2017]

I liked it so much because of the slow but tense rhythm of the history, the details of the characters, Atkinson being very accurate of the very heart of Maigret, but even more, giving power to the character. The secondaries and cast are very good too.

Only Poirot and a handful of TV mystery dramas can compare with this.

On the other side, the only thing I can say is that it looks like London, not like Paris, besides the effort they do to translate everything on the screen to french and use of the stone paved streets.

Congratulations to the team, the script and everyone else.

I hope the today's TV learned something.

A masterclass on how TV drama should be made.

[khunkrumark · 10/10 · 2 January 2017]

A masterclass on how TV drama should be made.

Every camera angle is a painting and not a second is wasted.

(Take note, BBC... there is no need to insert noisy music, misplaced minorities and left wing ideology to make first class drama.)

This time, the second outing of the latest re-boot, Maigret (Rowan Atkinson) almost takes a back seat to the events and characters that surround him. It's a low-energy drama that sees a heavy emphasis on characters and almost none on action.

Also, there isn't much of a story to sink yourself into and unlike the Foyle mysteries, there doesn't seem to be that slow crescendo of suspense that leads to a final act.

This style of drama probably won't appeal much to many people under thirty years old!

But for me, this was a treat... the meticulous yet understated set details (the cars were old and dirty, NOT showroom new and shiny clean!), the disarming harmony between Maigret and Mrs Maigret, the music (which mostly stayed in the background where it should be)... it was British TV drama at it's finest.

I hope that the team that went into this production stay together long enough to churn out a few more just like it. Merry Christmas, me!

Underwhelming

[orinocowomble · 4/10 · 27 December 2016]

Pleased as I am to find that Rowan Atkinson can play straight roles, the Maigrets who have gone before(Cremer, Gabin, Gambon and co) have no competition in the new series. In spite of some excellent performances (Madame Maigret radiates decency and warmth while scarcely saying a word, whether she's serving drinks,comforting a widow or simply giving Maigret an extremely speaking look), "Maigret's Dead Man" never rises from the floor due to lackluster directing. All those distorted shots, lurid lighting and "artistic" camera angles gave me the impression that John East had seen Moulin Rouge far too often.

Even though we are treated to some background detail that those who have read the original novels will find pleasing (as for example Maigret's love of a hot coal fire to roast himself before in order to think a case through), too many things were ever so slightly wrong. I can't blame it on the fact that Hungary has to do duty for postwar Paris; the Bruno Cremer series was also shot in Central Europe, but at least they got the lighting and architecture right for Paris. The direction was slow and lackluster, the police officers supposedly masquerading as habitues in a local bistro stuck out a mile in their gabardines and hats, and the film went on for far too long. A judicious use of sound stages would have served the purpose much better.

A strange offering for Christmas Day, what with torture and mass murder, sociopaths and showgirls. With such a volatile mixture, how did it all turn out so very bland?

Maigret's Dead Man

[djpl-719-841133 · 10/10 · 13 May 2017]

Interesting set of reviews, I have just got round to watching this episode and loved it. Rowan Atkinson interpreted the detective as he wanted to, differently but without losing the essence of the character. i had read about the settings not being in Paris but that certainly wasn't a distraction. Like most Television shows, this latest version of the famed detective was and wont be favoured by everyone, that is the way of things. However I can't fault Rowan Atkinson's performance, he did it his way and that was just fine. Oh and Paul D. from Belgium, loved your last line. I agree, no one says Bob like Rowan :-)

Excellent

[sandywelter · 10/10 · 27 June 2018]

Rowan Atkinson, so far, is my favorite Maigret. This particular show was an excellent production.

A very good crime movie

[modghan · 9/10 · 30 May 2019]

Very good movie with awesome filming , acting and story. High recommended move to see in this genre.

There is no point to this

[edmundgrieg-80388 · 2/10 · 6 May 2020]

I watched the first Atkinson Maigret and thought it...okay.

None of the characters have any...characteristics, not even the eponymous detective. They are merely vehicles by which we plod through the story: A-B-C etc.

There was a moment where Maigret says 'I don't know' when asked why he was doing something. This was genuinely the most interesting part of this adaptation, because it showed that the detective is flawed, and not hyper-smart, like most tv detectives.

They go to the place, then they do the thing that takes them to the next place, then the next... Since we know who the killers are, one can expect some 'howcatchem' stuff. Perhaps tension is in the chase.

No. The killers show up here. Then there about 30 minutes later. Then one shoots somebody and ends up dead. Why? Exactly. Then there's a horse track. Why? Why not? Then he's in a cell, and I'm thinking 'there's twenty more minutes of this! What were they thinking!?

A duped woman shows up far too late to make any impact. Was the script/screenplay written by a computer? There are some lines which actually sound like they are bad translations. Which, of course, they aren't, this kind of thing doesn't need that kind of attention to detail...it's too plain for that. It's only quest is to progress through A-B-C etc.

Apparently this is set in Paris. Apparently it was filmed somewhere else. It genuinely does not matter. You could change the names and set it in space. The setting is completely absent. It doesn't even matter that it is a period piece. If Maigret had a mobile phone, it would make absolutely no difference; you wouldn't even need to change the script.

So is it about the character? Which one? The Maigret one? He just plods through each incredibly minor discovery ...and...everyone...talks...very...quietly...and...slowly...as...if...they...were...padding...out...the...episode...to...make...it...feature...length.

Perfect re-creation of 1950s Paris

[robertemerald · 8/10 · 4 May 2019]

This is a way better instalment than Maigret Sets A Trap, which was so predictable as to be barely held up by some of the cream of English acting talent. Maigret is an interesting idea. There are no French accents here. One has to wonder what British actors are doing playing Frenchmen in France, but such a scenario has been shown to work well in certain circumstances. It worked really well in Spartacus and Rome for example, although in Spartacus serious attempt was made to reflect Latin. It works well here too. Great trouble has been made to reflect the times and culture. No doubt ladies delighted at their fashions, and men felt the part in their suits. Rowan Atkinson is well cast, and does a good job, though I doubt he'll win any awards, the role isn't that demanding and probably reflects his true character more than does his comedy. There was another TV series similar in intent to this one some years back called Jericho. I thought that had real authenticity, if slightly exaggerated, especially when looking at urban London bonhomie of the 1950s. Here's a thought: Isn't it refreshing to watch a detective series where the lead detective is NOT undergoing some unbelievably distracting trauma at home? That's both Jericho and Maigret (as far as I've seen). And for that alone I most certainly welcome this new player to my tv screen.

Brilliant!

[wynmucca · 9/10 · 18 January 2019]

Well-written, beautifully filmed and excellent acting.

Dead man stumbling

[safenoe · 8/10 · 30 November 2020]

I'm now finally catching up on the Maigret series with Rowan Atkinson, and I'm watching them in order. I like the Parisian atmosphere projected, even though it was filmed in Hungary. No Mr. Bean here, with Rowan playing one of his most serious roles in his esteemed acting history.

John Light (the erstwhile husband of Neve Campbell) is very malevalent in his role as a con artist/murderer who tries to outwit Maigret.

I know some find the English accents jarring, with no attempt to speak or sound French! I wonder how French audiences responded to this series as they did with Allo, Allo. It would be kind of like English audiences watching the French do Midsomer Murders or The Sweeney.

Horribly boring, bad acting, without inspiration

[tafilint2003 · 1/10 · 25 March 2017]

This is probably Rowan Atkinson's worst role and the whole script looks as if it was written by a child. I wouldn't recommend watching it, unless you want to waste the precious time of your life on rubbish. The only practical application of this movie is to serve as a cure for insomnia. I felt asleep 4 times in the first 30 minutes.

Superb

[Aravinthar7 · 9/10 · 24 February 2021]

9/10 Slow-burn Thriller ends well..! A victim calls Maigret before he was killed.Maigret solves it.

Wonderful

[billsoccer · 8/10 · 30 December 2020]

Very well written and surprisingly - remembering "Mr Bean" - very well acted. The period is mid 1950's, so modern police niceties don't exist yet. Murders occur many miles apart with seemingly different motives and we don't get the connection till it's almost over. VERY entertaining. The main characters are clearly British speakers. But, so what? The Hungarian setting nicely stands in for Paris and it's countryside

Very entertaining

[sacdielbandhoesing · 9/10 · 5 May 2021]

I never read the books, but very much did enjoy this episode.

How to destroy a novel by Simenon...

[nic6529 · 5/10 · 2 July 2019]

Unfortunately we cannot see Maigret, his wife, his police top manager, his methods, Maigret's food and drinks, Maigret's social and low-class attitude, the reverence toward him from his colleagues, the French Code of Criminal Procedure and police organization and so on and so forth. Nothing is left here of Simenon's new way of writing crime stories, the so-called "European detective stories" as opposed to the American and British wave (Poe, Conan Doyle, Christie). This is the worst film on Maigret I have ever seen. This film is nothing more than an actioner based on Simenon's story.

Mr. Bean It Ain't

[kpassa · 9/10 · 30 December 2021]

I am used to seeing Rowan Atkinson playing the fool. Not this time. In a dramatic role he was brilliant. We enjoyed the story, the characters, the costumes, the period. We look forward to seeing more of this series.