...which made French crowds flock to it in the theaters in 1985 and if you're looking for something of the same intensity as "Tandem" (1987) or "L'Homme Du Train" (2002), you can pass by. It doesn't mean that this film has to be decried. On the contrary. You just have to take it for what it is. A deft, energetic buddy movie interspersed with unexpected twists, suspenseful chases and stunts and a sharp humor into the bargain. Everything you could wish for to spend a comfortable evening in front of the telly without reservations. The film was created in the wake of a fashion which made Francis Veber's specialty and consolidated his popularity: the mismatched pair of men (see "la Chèvre", 1981). "Les Spécialistes" follows the rules of the game. The first contacts between the two men are rather cold due to incompatibles dispositions but what comes next takes another dimension. In spite of bickering and despondency caused by the madness of their break-in, friendship will link the two men. A certain psychological depth adds to a good definition of their persona, especially Paul (I don't want to continue because I could reveal some spoilers).
Reviews at the time reported that Leconte wasn't very at ease in the shooting of the film. Actually, when he shot it, he had already left behind him strictly laugh-filled comedies like "Viens Chez Moi, J'Habite Chez Une Copine" (1981) which owed a lot to Michel Blanc (he took part in the scenario of the film) and tried a new cinema direction not to be typecast in comedies. However, although this action-packed story is especially the work of a producer, Christian Fechner, it encapsulates some characteristics which will help to cement Leconte's signature. Precisely, the duo of men which he will construe again in some future works (the two marvelous movies I mentioned earlier). And he has already the gift to work with first-class scenarists like Patrick Dewolf. His effort is bestowed with witty cues that command admiration.
One shouldn't forget the two main actors which contribute in making the film a little winner. Gérard Lanvin and Bernard Giraudeau are on top form. The latter had already acted under Leconte's direction ("Viens Chez Moi...") and would later ("Ridicule", 1996).
Leconte once declared that this film was the watershed in his career and not its successor, "Tandem". Be that as it may, the seeds are sown and will grow from his next film in which serious things will start.
