The Enduring Appeal of Maigret: A Legacy of French Detective Fiction
For over nine decades, the pipe-smoking Commissaire Jules Maigret has captivated audiences in France and beyond. From his literary debut to numerous cinematic and television adaptations, the character created by Georges Simenon continues to resonate with viewers. The recent launch of “Maigret And The Dead,” starring Denis Podalydes, underscores this enduring popularity, following Gérard Depardieu’s portrayal in 2022.
A History of Incarnations
Simenon’s creation has been brought to life by a diverse cast of actors, numbering over a dozen in France alone. The character’s appeal extends internationally, with interpretations in the United Kingdom, Japan, and even the Soviet Union. Iconic portrayals by Bruno Crémer and Jean Richard remain particularly memorable for French audiences.
Simenon’s Vision of Maigret
Georges Simenon held strong opinions about how his detective should be portrayed. He favored Pierre Renoir’s 1932 performance, appreciating his depiction of Maigret as a quintessential civil servant. He also admired Michel Simon, calling him an “extraordinary Maigret.” While acknowledging Jean Gabin’s charisma, Simenon felt he lacked the authentic, unpolished quality of a working police officer.
Simenon emphasized the importance of an actor’s “weight” – not necessarily physical size, but a commanding presence. He believed Maigret should inspire a sense of unease in those he questioned, simply by uttering a polite request to sit down. He also stressed that Maigret wasn’t an intellectual, but rather intuitive, “bovine,” and adept at “sniffing out” people’s true natures.
Jean Gabin: The Cinematic Benchmark
Jean Gabin’s three films – Maigret tend un piège (1958), Maigret et l’affaire Saint-Fiacre (1959), and Maigret voit rouge (1963) – are considered a high point in Maigret adaptations. Directed by Jean Delannoy and featuring dialogue by Michel Audiard, these films were commercially successful, with Maigret tend un piège attracting 2.6 million viewers upon release. Gabin’s performance set a standard that influenced subsequent interpretations for decades.
Bruno Cremer: The Definitive Television Maigret
Bruno Cremer’s portrayal in a long-running television series (1991-2005) is widely regarded as the most faithful adaptation of Simenon’s novels. His Maigret was imposing yet humane, thoughtful, and deliberate in his investigations. The series, a European co-production, consisted of 54 episodes and offered a nuanced exploration of the character.
Michel Simon: Simenon’s Personal Favorite
Despite appearing as Maigret only once, in a 1952 film sketch, Michel Simon earned Simenon’s highest praise. The author reportedly exclaimed, “That’s him! That’s him!” recognizing Simon’s ability to embody the character’s imposing stature and inherent humanity. Simenon considered Simon an “extraordinary Maigret” and held a deep admiration for the actor.
Gérard Depardieu and the Modern Maigret
Gérard Depardieu’s 2022 portrayal offered a darker, more melancholic capture on the character. Director Patrice Leconte described Depardieu’s Maigret as someone “without certainty,” navigating investigations with a “slow obsession.” While well-received, Depardieu’s recent legal troubles may preclude future appearances in the role.
Jean Richard: A Popular, Yet Critiqued, Maigret
Jean Richard starred in 88 episodes of a television series that ran from 1967 to 1990. While immensely popular, Simenon later criticized Richard’s interpretation, finding it too influenced by American gangster films and lacking the proper decorum for a high-ranking police official.
Albert Préjean: Early Adaptations Under Occupation
Albert Préjean portrayed Maigret in three films produced during the German occupation of France. These adaptations, while historically significant, haven’t achieved the same lasting impact as later interpretations, and Préjean’s reputation was later tarnished by his wartime activities.
Pierre Renoir: The First Cinematic Maigret
Pierre Renoir was the first actor to portray Maigret on screen, in Jean Renoir’s 1932 adaptation of La Nuit du carrefour. The film was a collaborative effort between the Renoir brothers and Simenon himself, aiming to capture the atmosphere of the novel.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who created Commissaire Maigret?
- Georges Simenon, a Belgian novelist, created Commissaire Jules Maigret.
- Which actor did Simenon consider his favorite Maigret?
- Michel Simon was Simenon’s preferred actor to portray Maigret.
- How many actors have played Maigret in France?
- Over a dozen actors have portrayed Maigret in French cinema.
- What qualities did Simenon look for in a Maigret actor?
- Simenon valued an actor’s commanding presence, intuitive nature, and ability to portray a realistic, unglamorous police officer.
Pro Tip: Explore the works of Georges Simenon to gain a deeper understanding of the character’s origins and motivations.
What is your favorite portrayal of Commissaire Maigret? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
