Saw this on Talking Pictures channel (UK - old films and TV) who are now showing this early-90s French version (inc sub-titles), after they had been running all 4 of the original Maigret series (BBC, early 60s).
THIS French version gets quite a bit of praise, I see, as being "more realistic". Reviewer Bob considers the French actor (Cremer) as being "better than Rowan Atkinson".
Well, let's get to 'realistic' in a minute. On the latter point, well, most Maigret fans would consider Atkinson the least of the 3 British versions (Davies & Gambon the preceding ones) as though Atkinson does his best, the version he wanted to show - or perhaps was directed to do - just doesn't match up. His Maigret is a rather glum, taciturn chap, and he doesn't have the physical bulk - to replicate the Simenon description - of the others. Nor does RA show any of the little jokes and quips of Maigret, AND - his films are quite long, a very slow pace that frankly gets the viewer becalmed at times.
THIS French version, well, it's different again. Cremer IS a big burly Maigret, and plods about, slowly & thoughtfully. I didn't find the subtitles a distraction (they're quite a large font size!), and the direction seems fine. Prague (I gather) doubles very well for the locations too.
THE QUIBBLE I would have is that THIS Maigret does so much on his own - if trusty aide Lucas was in it, I blinked and missed him! - and that is just NOT real to the books. At this first sight, the acting and presentation are fine, but I have doubts about 'realistic', as this chap is at the Atkinson end of the 'glum, taciturn' spectrum, and I'm not sure they've got the team aspects right? This first episode (that I've seen as yet) doesn't help on the 'realistic' front, as the ending has been grossly changed from the book! I can't see any good reason for this, they weren't saving time for sure, but I'll know more after a few more episodes.
