The Fugitives : and three for the trio
After having achieved great success with The Goat (1981) and I Buy (1983), Francis Veber decided to reunite again Pierre Richard and Gérard Depardieu in comedy The Fugitives (1986). The difficulties in managing the two actors in The goats evidently he had not felt much for the director, and this third meeting of the pair of actors is proof of that. In the film, Pierre Richard plays once again (and for the last time) François Pignon, this simple and awkward character whose life will be turned upside down. Or rather, it is he who turns the fate of a man who had asked for nothing.
Fresh out of prison, Jean Lucas (Gérard Depardieu), a former bank robber, will try to live an honest life, far from crime. But as soon as he entered the bank to deposit a check, Jean saw the troubles that would come from it. François Pignon, who decided to rob the premises. But Pignon is inexperienced and the police soon surround the place. To escape, Pignon takes Jean hostage. However, given the latter’s reputation, the police believe that Jean is the real criminal in this case. The two men will then escape together.
A success in theaters and on television
When you turn The FugitivesFrancis Veber had to confront himself once again with several complications. In addition to the terrible accident that almost killed actor Jean Benguigui, there was a very relaxed atmosphere on the set a nightmare for the director. But these difficulties were worth it if we consider the success that the feature film had. After having attracted 7 million spectators with La Chèvre, then 4.8 million with I BuyFrancis Veber saw his play The Fugitives gather 4.4 million visitors in France. Even better, in the Soviet Union, where Pierre Richard and Gérard Depardieu were very popular, 22.9 million tickets were sold. Enough to convince the director to shoot the American remake in 1989.
But a comedy over time becomes a real cult. Years after its release, the audience is still there. And The Fugitives It’s one of those movies that always pleases. As its impressive score proves during a television broadcastfour years after its theatrical release. In fact, in 2014, Médiamétrie (via TV 2 weeks) has published the ranking of the best prime time movie audiences since its creation in 1989. In this ranking was found the comedy by Francis Veber 14th place among the most viewed filmswith 13.36 million viewers watching TF1 on March 4, 1990.
Or just before the other adventure of Pierre Richard and Gérard Depardieu, I Buy15th in the ranking with 13.32 million viewers during the broadcast of April 14, 1992 on TF1. Above, this time it was The under-gifted with 13.46 million viewers watched on April 10, 1990 (still on TF1).
Source: Cine Serie
Ray Ortiz is a journalist at Gossipify, known for his coverage of trending news and current events. He is committed to providing readers with accurate and unbiased reporting, and is respected for his ability to keep readers informed on the latest news and issues.
