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 Perhaps younger audiences may find the story somehow outdated.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!
(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 Perhaps younger audiences may find the story somehow outdated.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!