Magritte's murder mystery: surreal art and a deadly secret
A dead aristocrat, a lavish party, and a cast of infamous surrealist artists – this Belgian drama throws a delightfully dark twist into the cosy crime genre. René Magritte, brilliantly brought to life by Pierre Gervais, finds himself embroiled in a baffling murder investigation, forcing him to confront his own troubled past.
A brush with darkness: art and intrigue collide
‘This Is Not a Murder Mystery’ masterfully blends the familiar comfort of a classic whodunnit with the unsettling aesthetic of the surrealist movement. The premise – a private showcase featuring artists like Dalí, Ernst, and Magritte himself – sets the stage for a deliciously twisted affair, where every brushstroke, every shade of color, could conceal a deadly secret. The opening scene, with Magritte awakening to a gruesome tableau, is instantly captivating – a chilling recreation of his iconic ‘The Lovers’ painting.
The detective's unusual partner
DCI Thistlethwaite and DC Quant, a surprisingly effective duo, provide a refreshing counterpoint to Magritte’s artistic sensibilities. Quant, portrayed with a seductive charm, allows the eccentric detective to meticulously examine the crime scenes and interrogate his suspects. It’s a partnership built on mutual respect – and perhaps a little bit of playful skepticism. Magritte's relentless pursuit of the truth, fuelled by a haunting memory of his mother’s death, adds a layer of emotional depth to the proceedings.
Decoding the masterpieces
The show’s cleverest element lies in its incorporation of actual surrealist artworks. Each murder is meticulously staged as a twisted homage to the artists involved, with clues hidden within the details of their celebrated pieces. From repoussoir paintings to lobster telephones – a reference to Magritte’s own iconic artwork – the show is a treasure trove of artistic Easter eggs for discerning viewers. The show’s creator cleverly employs techniques like repoussoir, highlighting the limitations of observational investigation and exposing the biases inherent in artistic interpretation. “Artists speak a specific language – let me be your interpreter,” Magritte declares, offering his unique perspective to the bewildered detectives.
A glamorous, grisly affair
Beyond the murders and the art, ‘This Is Not a Murder Mystery’ delivers a visually stunning experience, drenched in the decadent glamour of the 1930s. The costumes are exquisite, the sets are lavish, and the performances are uniformly strong. Iñaki Mur’s tremulous portrayal of Dalí and Florence Hall’s ethereal depiction of Lee Miller are particularly noteworthy. Despite the inherent darkness, the show maintains a surprising level of charm, punctuated by moments of dry wit and sardonic observation. However, be warned: if the ending fails to deliver a dramatic ‘I was framed’ confession, your investment of time will be sorely misplaced.