Fans of crime literature no doubt recognize the name Georges
Simenon. Creator of the much-loved Inspector Maigret, the late Simenon is
considered one of the greatest crime fictionalists in modern history. The oft
adapted author’s work is again heading to the silver screen with Stain in the
Snow, directed by Scot filmmaker David MacKenzie (Young Adam) for Studio
Hamburg International.
The story follows the seedy exploits of Frank Friedmaier, a
disturbed young man who at nineteen is already a seasoned criminal. Fatherless
with a brothel-running mother, his cold and callous nature leads him down a
path of self-torture – subject matter perfectly juxtaposed against the backdrop
of Nazi-occupied France.
Mackenzie should be right at home with Simenon’s bleak, hard-edged style having
explored similar depths in his previous films. The project has the blessing of
Chorion, the executors of Simenon’s estate, and is actively involved in the
scripting process along with SHI. the novel has previously been adapted to the
screen (rather poorly) in 1952’s La Neige Etait Sale by Luis Saslavsky.
The modestly budgeted film ($11-$14 million according to THR)
has yet to be cast. It’s not clear if the German production will be in German,
French (as originally written), or English. Perhaps we’ll see Jamie Bell (Billy
Elliot) reteam with his Hallam Foe director… he’s just about the right age and
could pull of the complex character of Frank quite well. Of course that is
complete conjecture on my part. MacKenzie is currently putting the finishing
touches on his U.S.
debut, the Ashton Kutcher rom-com Spread (which, by the by, sounds atrocious).
