Partners

Partners is a 1982 buddy cop comedy-drama that delves into the dynamic relationship between two mismatched Los Angeles police officers, who are forced to work together under unusual circumstances. The film, featuring Ryan O'Neal, John Hurt, and Kenneth McMillan, provides a unique twist to the traditional cop genre with its comedic overtures intertwined with a crime-solving plot.

Directed by James Burrows, who was highly regarded for his work in television, including creating and directing episodes of sitcom classics such as "Cheers" and "Taxi," the movie eventually exhibits his flair for character-driven narrative and comedic timing. "Partners" embarks on its story in the shadow of an unsolved murder mystery that’s both gripping and complex, tying in elements of sexuality and social norms which were quite daring for its time.

Set against the vibrant and sometimes seedy backdrop of early 1980s Los Angeles, we are introduced to Sgt. Benson (played by Ryan O'Neal), the quintessential macho and straight-laced police officer who excels at his job and takes pride in his conventional, no-nonsense approach to law enforcement. In stark contrast, is his newly assigned partner, Officer Kerwin (portrayed by John Hurt), a gentle, somewhat timid, and openly gay clerk from the records department.

The unlikely pairing arises from the department's need to infiltrate the gay community to solve a series of puzzling murder cases that have left the local police bewildered. Believing that an officer from within the community would be better placed to glean information and garner trust, the solution to partner a stereotypical "straight" cop with an openly gay officer leads to a series of misadventures and explorations of personal prejudices and identity.

Much of the humor in "Partners" arises from the situational comedy stemming from the culture clash of Benson and Kerwin. As they navigate this new partnership, they are forced to occupy a shared living space, and pose as a couple to cement their cover within the gay scene of Los Angeles. What ensues is a series of comedic escapades and misunderstandings, each serving as a stepping stone towards mutual respect and an authentic partnership.

Ryan O'Neal's Benson struggles to overcome his discomfort and ignorance about the gay community. Through his interactions with Kerwin and the colorful array of characters they meet in their investigative journey, Benson grapples with his preconceived notions and is often the butt of the film's running gags.

On the other end, John Hurt’s portrayal of Kerwin is a blend of subtlety and depth. He interprets the nuanced character who, while comfortable with his own identity, must also navigate the challenges posed by homophobia and the stigmatization of the gay community, especially in the context of early-'80s attitudes. His patience with Benson's lack of understanding provides a thoughtful commentary on tolerance and acceptance.

Kenneth McMillan rounds out the cast as Captain Wilkins, their exasperated superior who both doubts and underestimates the potential success of this unorthodox undercover assignment, providing another layer of comedic tension as he manages the duo’s often comedic antics.

The plot follows the traditional buddy-cop arc with the two central characters embroiling themselves in a series of clues and leads, which are peppered with hijinks and confrontations. The film does not shy away from addressing the patterns of discrimination and bigotry within the police force and society at large, framing these serious issues within an accessible narrative format that can range from tongue-in-cheek to earnest.

Cinematography and art direction in "Partners" capture the distinct vibe of the early '80s, from the flashy fashion to the pulsing nightlife, providing a time capsule of a bygone era. The movie benefits from these authentic details, enhancing the believability and immersion into the world where Benson and Kerwin must operate and succeed.

Despite the film's entertaining premise and the strength of its leading actors, "Partners" received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics praised John Hurt's performance but often noted the film did not fully exploit its potential to challenge homophobic stereotypes, flirting with progressive ideas without fully embracing them. The comedic elements, while a highlight, sometimes relied on dated and broad caricatures, a sign of the times not yet willing to approach LGBTQ+ themes with the nuance and sensitivity more common in later decades.

"Partners" is an attempt to fuse police procedural with social commentary and comedy, creating a narrative that strives to entertain while subtly pushing the audience to question and confront their own biases. For those interested in the evolving portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in media and the buddy cop genre's role in exploring complex relationships, "Partners" exists as a curious cultural artifact, reflective of the era in which it was created.