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I still think it’s his best film, a masterpiece. Fun fact, in Ridley Scott’s ‘directors commentary’ on the film when it was released on dvd he says that when they were shooting in the Dordogne he was asked by the locals what the film was about. When he told them about the duellists and Conrad’s book they were like, ‘oh yeah, we know that story, one of the protagonists was from this town’.
Ridley Scott had says he no idea that Sarlat-a-la-Canada had any historical connection to Conrads book when he ended up in the Dordogne. He said it was just a spot to get a bunch of shooting done with a river, hills and woods. Throw in some chateaux and old farm buildings dotted about, and most especially an easily accessible town and a hotel for the crew. It was a random chance pick from the ‘visual art director’ scouting about to cover a lot of scene options as they had limited time on the tightest of budget. Indeed the art director dressed up the hotel’s dinning room with muslin drapes for a bunch of the interior scenes. He only had something like three or four weeks with the relatively unknown (low budget) actors in Europe before the Christmas holiday or he’d pay a shit load of compensation to them if they didn’t fly back home in time for Yule, this was contract which Scott had underwritten himself in order to secure the $900,000 loan. I believe it’s why the scenes from the retreat from Moscow were shot in Scotland just before Keith Carradine and Harvey Keitel flew back to the states. University students filled in as extras and the Student Union were making soup out of a bus to feed the crew. Missing the full Cossack scene Mr. Scott had intended, he reused a clip from one of his old TV adverts shown in the UK for the fleeing rider. I think he was at the top of his trade as an advertising film director in England when he flew out to the Hollywood to make his pitch for making his first movie.
@@LangstoniusRex Historically a major reason for duels is one party demanding satisfaction when being offended. Today we have a cancel culture when someone has been offended.
The Duellists proves that movies set during the Napoleonic Wars don't need huge battle set pieces if done right. This movie is practically the spiritual successor to Stanley Kubrick's Barry Lyndon in bringing the atmosphere of the two eras of early modern history (early 19th century in the Duellists and mid-18th century in Barry Lyndon) onto the big screen. The details in The Duellists is superb.
I have always thought the same thing. I saw the movie when it first premiered and now watch it periodically on DVD. Almost every scene is a beautiful work of art.
I can't believe this came up on my feed. The Duelists is the movie that I always say is my favorite movie. This is a fantastic movie, thanks for the recognition.
The scene where Carradine is shaking with fear as he sits his horse before the "compliment to the cavalry" duel with sabres was superb. A brave man in a absurd and horrible situation. This was an excellent movie, head and shoulders over the garbage produced nowadays.
I thought that scene nearly ruined the movie. It was completely unrealistic in every way. Contrary to being afraid, he wanted the duel, and wasn't the least bit afraid. Fighting is what he did for a living, by choice. No man like that is ever afraid of a fight, even if he knows the outcome will be his death. These are men who walk right into cannon fire, musket fire, and a thousand swords, and do so without hesitation. Shaking with fear is pure BS, and so completely unrealistic that it should be cut. It's in the film only for effect, and that's always stupid thing to do with a character.
@@jamesaritchie1 Have you ever been in combat, life or death the outcome? I'm guessing from your comment that you haven't. Bravery has nothing to do with it, only a fool or a sociopath doesn't know fear before combat. Contrary to your comment it was probably the most realistic scene in the movie.
@@jamesaritchie1 I love boxing but I was still full of nerves before every bout as most fighters are. If nobody was watching I would probably have allowed myself to visibly shake from nervous energy if not "fear" per say.
@@jamesaritchie1 Minor difference, which you appear to have overlooked: In a battle, you are part of a mass of men, a piece of a larger machine. The cannon fire isn't directed at YOU, the muskets aren't pointed at YOU. The notoriously inaccurate weapons of the opposing force are aimed at the mass of men, of which you, individually, comprise a very small part. In a duel, YOU are the target. The weapon of your foe directed at you, and you alone. And while on foot one can maneuver and dodge, weave, parry and riposte, on horseback, it is a far different matter. Also, the speed and mass of the moving beast adds to the danger of those passing sword blows; limbs - and heads - can be lost during such exchanges. Instead of the blow being just the swing of a blade by a man's arm, there is now the speed of galloping horse, giving power to the blows, making each swing far deadlier. So, yes...the fear would be MUCH greater to anyone who's been in both combat and duels, because he would know all of those factors, and he would be well aware that if a single blow were to land in one of those mounted passes, it will very likely be deadly.
@@emansnas Easy chief.... REAL Men just punch one another in the face a couple of times and move on. Idiots hold grudges for 20 years over something so trivial
Which I suppose brings up another point.... It's usually considered wise to exercise some 'mindfulness' when choosing who to defend... and of course when choosing who to attack. My query, as it were, was after all directed to SuperMich66... who based on their comment appears to be a shallow smartass POS
As A French, if I may, this is indeed one of my favorite US movies. Both impressive and aesthetically powerful. It also gives some aesthetic French flavours, indeed. Thank you for these historical explanations. I w as not aware it was a true story.
They filmed it in France where the two officers lived too. It is a British film yet tells and shows a French Aesthetic, Spirit and Essence. Even though Napoleon was essentially Italian. An Italian who wore 4711 German cologne. Which is very available today. Quite affordable as well and surprisingly refreshing.
I remember watching a show about duels and one thing the historians pointed out was if the duelists survived the encounter they often became friends. In a sense it should make sense that they would be friendly pen pals because while enemies they grew to respect one another meeting each one on equal terms with the each other at times getting the best of the other. It's the odd thing about fights, if it is a good fight where each other meets and fights on honorable terms why should there be animosity?
@@igordrm Its almost like "manliness" is a thing n shit. And is OK to me a man. Please ask your gender studies teacher about it the next time you see it.
That is why grade school and HS makes an adult out of you. I remember being bullied and I stood up for myself. We fought to a tie, we stopped hitting each other we were both exhausted. After that I never got bullied because I stood up and could whoop. I also took on a local bully in our neighbor hood who was 4 years older. I literally went crazy at the fight and pulled out a razor, my friends jumped me and held me down thinking I had lost it. After that the older bully left me and my friends alone thinking that I was crazy. I had actually done that on purpose knowing that he would steer clear of me later. Plan worked and we had no bullies in our neighbor hood at all.
Yea, i mean i thought it was odd how the film Fournier was so unreasonably hostile for just a minor grievance. Maybe that was added in the book for dramatic effect as well.After battling a guy for decades there has to develop a connection there.
Same exact thing happened to me when I was in Middle School. One guy was known to be hands-down the best fighter in school. He teased me one day, and I snapped, and attacked him. He kept knocking me to the ground (he had the reach of a freaking gorilla), but I kept getting back up. Finally, our gym teacher broke it up, dragging me - snarling and growling - away from the guy. Later, he approached me and asked me why I didn't just stop. "I don't quit", I told him. "That's cool" was all he said. We talked a bit, found we actually had a lot in common, and became great friends. Because of a fight. Because we were guys, and that's how guys sorted shit out. And there wasn't anything "toxic" about it. Just two guys, working some stuff out, and then putting it behind us, being friends from that point on.
One of my favorite movies of all times. It is an under-rated masterpiece. Making this classic on a budget of only 1 million dollars is a testament to the brilliance of Ridley Scott.
One of my favorite historical dramas. Harvey Keitel and Keith Carradine's dynamic in it is so good. And the cinematography is some of Ridley Scott's best. Can't wait for his Napoleon film with Joaquin Phoenix.
And yet . . . Scott's choices for the roles were Oliver Reed and Michael York. Not hard to guess who would play who. But the producer had Keitel and Carradine available, and Scott had to use them instead. Both had come off a string of films with the best directors of the time-- Keitel with Scorsese and Carradine with Altman-- and were at the top of their game. In one scene Edward Fox, as a colonel, sits down in the presence of Keitel, playing a brigadier general; Keitel reverted to to his Marine training and ad-libbed "Get your backside off that table!"
@@vitkriklan2633 I don't think his strength is in the scifi genre really. He has some good ideas with it and while the first couple of Aliens and Blade Runner were good, everything else has been real hit or miss with that genre. But Gladiator, 1492, his cut of Kingdom of Heaven, all good to great historical dramas. Not to mention Hannibal, Thelma & Louis, and Black Hawk Down. I wouldn't discount him over his Alien franchise alone.
Actually his next film is again about another duel based on a true story but set in medieval France. I fear this may be his last film as the circle seems to have closed.
"This explains why 2 highly-trained men did not kill each other in over 20 duels. They did not really want to kill each other. But they DID seriously wound each other on a regular basis." Man, these guys were hardcore bros.
I believe that duel to death is actually a Later misconception , This is where the saying to draw first blood ,then duel would be over Even duel with pistols s ,the pistols they use were do inaccurate hardly ever any body died at the duel ,normally later on as result of infection
French Hussards were some of the most feared warriors of the era. If not the. It is said that if you managed to reach 30 years old as a Hussard you were teased for being someone who avoided risk.
Well in the movie they only have 4 real duels and they absolutely are planning to kill eachother. Or at least feraud is. But its not uncommon that they dont coz the duel is over when a man in unable to continue and usually if the first good cut dont kill you, it puts you out of the contest.
As a competitive fencer, I instantly appreciated this film when it came out in 1977. It won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Some credit needs to be given to William Hobbs, the fight director in this film, and a number of other gems of the time, including Roman Polansky's "Macbeth" (1970). Hobbs always made a cameo appearance in the films in which he served as fight director. That's him warming up D'Hubert before the second duel. I studied it, read the Josephy Conrad story, etc. You've done a very good review here. I got a copy as soon as it was available on VHS in the 1980s and now have it on DVD. I fenced on the national circuit and taught at the Rennaissance Faire (NorCal) for 20 years, also performing and serving as fight director a few times. I can tell you that "The Duelsts" was considered the fencer's sword film, and among those of us who began what became "Classical Fencing," later on, regularly referred to and quoted this film; ""On the watch, sir! Always on the watch! They all don't fight like fine gentlemen!"
This is a really great video. Thanks so much for the background history of the Conrad story and the film. I had the privilege to participate in the 200th anniversary of Waterloo in Belgium in 2015, as a French 5eme Hussard. A truly magical experience and one I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Seeing “The Duellists” many years ago sparked my desire to create the uniform and participate in Napoleonic reenactment. I truly think it’s Scott’s best film. Again, merci!
Few little interesting facts about the movie .. 1- The cellar duel they had chicken wire on the stone walls so you saw sparks flying which where hooked up to a electrical supply . Any time Kietel or Carradine would touch the wall they would get shocks down their arms . 2- During the picketing by the river scene you see 2 suns as the actors moved into camera shot not the camera onto the actor 3-This IS without doubt the best film ever made about Napoleons army .
@@Aregon972 Most swords of the Napoleonic period had wire-wrapped hilts -- braided wire wound over leather, sharkskin, rawhide, etc. -- the wire being anchored at both ends to the tang, ergo not electrically insulted in the least. Reproduction swords are made the same way because it's a very strong form of construction. Swords intended for stage fights in live theatre are often made of non-ferrous metals because they clang and ring in a dramatic fashion and they're considered less dangerous than steel swords. I have seen many of these and used a few on stage. They weren't insulated. However, in film work, the swords are often more realistic in material and construction, which makes them more dangerous. Choreography, editing, and optical effects are used to keep the performers safe. For example, when the POV is from behind one of the protagonists looking toward the other, i.e. in line with the fight rather than perpendicular to it, the filmmaker can use a 2x or 3x telephoto lens to compress the perspective, making the performers seem closer to each other than are in fact. Electric épées used in Olympic fencing are insulated, but not because there's a danger of significant shock. However, the cellar duel was fought with cavalry sabres, not fencing swords. Unless you have firsthand knowledge of this production, as property master, for instance, I would assume those swords were made in the traditional manner, if for no other reason than safety. If I were designing that fight I would rig the swords with wires running up the sleeves and down the trouser legs of the performers leading to a good ground, to ensure an arc when the swords contacted the walls. That alone would protect the duellists from significant shock. However, as added protection, I would have them wear one or two layers of surgical glove on their sword hands.
@@Aregon972 so YES .. the hilts on period swords are backed with metal which connects directly onto the blade .. I have several Napoleonic period swords in my collection and the grips are all wood with a leather or shark skin covering with a steel or brass backing on the top side of the hilt ... trust me they DO conduct electrical current .
@@mashbury However, in the case of a traditional katana the grip is made from wood covered with sharkskin then wrapped with braided silk. The complete grip is fixed to the tang with only a tapered wooden peg. If the swordsman holds the weapon properly -- i.e. with the strong hand about an inch below the tsuba, he's electrically insulated.
@@enscroggs STRANGELY... I don’t think French Light Cavalry of any era used Katana swords that much ... but HEY ... what the hell do I know .. only been using swords of this era for like 30 years .. 😳🤔
William Hobbs was the fight director. As in his work on "The Three/Four Musketeers", some of the moves were later discovered to be ahistorical, but his main directive was to make it look like they were really trying to kill each other, and not just Flynning. tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Flynning
@@steveparadis2978 I'd rather take anachronistic techniques (because at least they're real techniques, just the wrong time period) than spinning around and having swords cut through armor like butter. Just my 2 cents.
...I went to a small 'art theater' in Manhattan ca 1977 or '78 to see this...at the time I was an avid painter of military miniatures with a special interest in Napoleon's Hussars...I'd just begun an hussar figure by Series 77 and decided to paint it in the uniform of the 7th - red breeches, Green dolman & pelisse w/red barrel sash...one of the details in the film d'Hubert's girlfriend weaving his hair and putting musket balls in the braids impressed me...that was done to provide an extra measure of 'protection' against sword cuts delived on horseback by an hussar's opponent...thanx
I grew my hair out due to my historical interest (to recreate historical hairstyles) and wore these hussar braids some times, largely due to this movie; they do indeed get quite solid, and I can really imagine them blocking or softening a blow, especailly if one weaved something like a stick or iron into them somehow.
In my top 10 list of movies. I was fortunate enough to see "The Duellists" in a theater during the first release. I owned the VHS tape at one time and still have the DVD in multiple versions. Stunning movie visually and the cast is superb.
My favourite film! Beautifully shot, and with superb acting from all involved. A true masterpiece. Thank you so much for sharing a fascinating glimpse into the historical background behind its creation.
Hello film analyst ! - I was one of the few people who visited the theater in 1977 to watch “ the duelists” . I had no idea this film was by Ridley Scott until seeing your review today, - I was interested in fencing during the 1970’s, and so I was drawn to this film. ~ I appreciate seeing the review & deeper background history, some forty plus years later. . I have mixed feelings about history outlawing duels. In some strange way, I kind of appreciate them ! 🤺.
The younger generation like myself, has, while no vocal interest in insults in this particular comment section, still a good taste in all things which men have created - if you know where to ask. Unfortunately; I shall now track you down and demand a duel from you Sir Sunburst Twelve for you have dared to not only insult the honour of my generation but also my personal intellect. Only death can satisfy such an outrageous offence. Prepare to meet your god Monsieur. We shall meet in the fields near la rue de Rhin Napoléon at Strasburg, at dawn one month from now. Sabres or pistols, take you pick. I will have my satisfaction either way.
@@Arcaryon Tis a sad and weak time we live in when the youth are insulted by the phrase "younger generation". Sir, your skin is thin. Venga quien venga.
@OrcaBob 27 Stop trying to confuse people and facilitate knowledge synthesize new ideas. In the script of The duelist, one of the men says "now let me tell you my idea". These men were veterans and sons of revolutionary republicans, they embraced respectful process of expression and debate, and they were expanding a revolutionary empire with revolutionary ideals. They preferred respectful debates. Those that try to confuse others for no reason, are insecure punks.
Prior to "The Duellists" Ridley Scott was known primarily as a maker of music videos, consequently, he was compelled to make his debut feature on a budget of just $900,000 dollars, and he spent it very wisely indeed. I read somewhere that the uniforms, horse equipment, headgear, etc. came from a collection made for Stanley Kubrick's unrealized epic "Napoleon", the greatest movie never made.
@@ianseaweed They look really fantasic, thanks to Kubrick's uncompromising approach to filmmaking. He wanted to shoot the interiors of "Napoleon" using candlelight and the exteriors in locations where nothing visible in the shots dated to later than 1815. His "Barry Lyndon" (a favorite of mine, btw) was essentially a full-scale technical rehearsal for "Napoleon". After going to the trouble of inventing a new f:0.7 cine lens and location scouting all over Ireland and Western Europe for scenes without even a hint of the 20th century visible on the horizon, he wasn't about to scrimp on the uniforms of the Emperor's light cavalry peacocks.
Thanks for sharing the background of this great movie. Ridley Scott's early films are much better than his latest one (Napoleon 2023). Give him a small budget he'll surprise the hell out of you. Give him a great budget, his ego takes over. Harvey Keitel's conviction to duel Keith Carradine drives me nuts. He is always Mr. Wolf for me. Joseph Conrad's short stories inspires 2 great war movies that i know of, Apocalypse Now and this one. He wrote about the Southern France, the Rhone Valley specifically. It makes me want to move there.
A little detail on the scene that jumpstarts the feud: Kartel's character Gabriel isn't just insulted over receiving the order, but from Carradine's character Armand's careless method of delivering it and embarrassing him in front of a woman. It's the little subtexts like this that separate great films like this from the merely good.
After some 50 years watching films, painting pictures or listening to so much garbage being said, it’s the historical nuances that delivered. Not just the beauty of the cinematic effects, lighting or precision of the dialogue that elevates this film. It’s as you say, the little subtexts that elevate it.
I absolutely love the ending of the movie when the adversary's obsession with honour and duelling is used against them. "I have submitted to your notions of honour long enough. You will now submit to mine." - best quote of the movie for me
That reminds me of the classic quote from Flashman, "My good sir. I didn’t presume to tell you where to aim your shot; don’t tell me where I should have aimed mine."
I had this film recommended to me by a professor at my university who saw me reading a book about Napoleon and Wellington. It did not disappoint. It's probably in my top 10 now.
This is an impressive movie, I remember it first being reviewed on release. Those reviews were at best muted, the slow brooding pace was not well liked. One element not mentioned here was the attention to detail of the changing styles of uniforms and hairstyles during the period of the narrative. Masterful cinematography.
This is THE perfect film. How did Sir Ridley and crew accomplish this masterpiece? So beautiful one never wants the film to end. The acting is superb. Total submergence into character. The ending...Keitel totally captured Feraud's realization that he had been wrong in his actions and attitude, that his life's view and philosophy were over. Powerful! As long as I have King Kong and The Duelists on that Desert Isle I am good to go.
One of my favorite momies of all time...as a French lawyer and historian i can say that " Duellists" depicts perfectly the moral and ethos background of the Napoléon era....and the photography OMG. Deeply nutrish by the Master of pantins like Caspar David Friedrich Watteau, David, Hubert Robert....film criminelly underrated and should be teached in history collèges.
One of my favourite films. The haunting flute/oboe music during the epilogue is exquisite. And my favourite line in any film "Fouche (played by Albert Finney): General Feraud, alive or dead, is not worth a moment's gossip."
Harvey Keitel is a legend. So much understed actor. This man put a start to Ridley Scott's and Quentin Tarantino's careers and then he just humbolly stepped back to working on a movies he like to play in. He never chose filmmakers because they had successful movies but choses filmmakers who have a vission. Even if they poor and unknown. This man deserve a memorial.
Travelled to the British Film Institute to see this film before its general release. Having watched it again many times since I canbassure you that the sabre duel in the cellar was longer and even more bloody in the original. Stunningly filmed from the first appearance of the little girl driving her ducks to the last scene. A masterpiece of acting, script, location and costumes.
The Duelists is one of the greatest and most underrated movies. I LOVE the relationship Keith Carradine and Harvey Keitel; it is such a great character study in honor and mania; it is just AWESOME! My answer to all of our political BS in the US right now would be to bring dueling back. If your mouth had the consequences of a sword fight from horseback at the end of it; you might think twice about what you say and how you say it!
I saw this movie when I was 6 years old during summer vacation, parents were out and I had been playing Atari got board and watched tv this movie was on and at the end the sun was coming up and matched the light coming from the window. I'll never forget that, I grew up a bit that night.
Have to admire the two men, to have 20 duels always with quarter given? That's respect and damn good sportmanship. Must have been tempting to just finish it instead of having another bloody swordfight next year, also a nice gesture that the final victor didn't kill his helpless nemesis
@@wall8080 it starts innocently enough....with shooting empty beer cans of each others heads....and then somebody gets an ear grazed and the it's on.,...pellet guns are dangerous too.
Gabriel Feraud was a deranged man; obsessive with some level of Anti-Social Personality Disorder. He forced Armand d’ Hubert in to these duels with the intent of murdering him. It was not truly about honour, although d’ Hubert was innocent and honourable. Feraud was just possessed and insane. The ending of the final duel was an incredible act of mercy and honour by d’Hubert towards a man he could have justly killed. Possibly my favourite film of all time. I think in my mid twenties I watched it about ten times in a single year.
@@wattlebough The other thing to remember is the era and nation in which it took place: Napoleon was a "corporal" up from the ranks, and now Emperor. He started allowing the so-called "lower orders" into the Officer ranks, and Feraud was one such: what we would have called a "low-class" man suddenly given the status normally attributed to gentlemen only. As such, he guarded his new status jealously. Hence why he took offence at the *tiniest* perceived slight. D'Hubert was a high-born gentleman, and was already well versed in the protocols, manners, and customs of his station, and I think he understood Feraud's predicament, which is why he was never the aggressor.
The cool thing about the duelists is it's a metaphor for the Napoleonic Wars. The final scene is a reference to Napoleon at St. Helena. Spending the last years of his life in exile.
It literally took me decades to see all of this movie (ah the times before VHS, DVD and the internet). It really is a gem of a movie and should be in everyone's private movie library.
Last duel in France was in 1967, with swords, between Gaston Deferre, mayor of Marseille and French MP, and René Ribière, also MP. Deferre won, at second blood.
Very interesting background. Inspired by your narration, I've ordered Conrad's novel, "The Duel". In my elder years with failing hearing, I tend to enjoy books over movies.
The small crew doubled as extras in many scenes to make up the numbers. It is a superb, beautifully made film in every respect, a true classic that l never tire of watching.
@@BobandBear1 The scenes “In Russia” where actually filmed in Scotland and some of the extras came from the film and tv course students at Edinburgh University Ridley Scott told them it would be good experience for them and as a sign of good will he’d not charge them for taking part .. clever ... very clever ..
@@mashbury Aye, he's a shrewd filmmaker is our Ridley !. I read an interview with him after Gladiator came out. Referring to the battle scene in Germania, he initially wanted the scenes filmed there, then thought, well a forest is forest wherever you are. What's the point in carting everything over there ?. Can't remember where he eventually filmed it, but it turned out to be an attention grabbing opener. Given the 'Sword & Sandal' subject matter, which hadn't been in vogue for 40 odd years, it was an extremely bold move that, to put it mildly, turned out alright !.....as did the music.
@@BobandBear1 It was filmed near Alice Wood at Farnham in Surrey as it was due to be felled and the Forestry Commission where happy to let Scott do anything he wanted so long as it was all restored afterwards and they got the timber he cut down .. How do I know all this ? Because I was one of the Roman Cavalrymen during this shoot .. was a great months work 👍👍
This movie and the Deluge are brought up a lot as having the most realistic sword fighting on film. That isn't actually what makes the movie good though, it's certainly nice but if you haven't seen it I do recommend watching it.
One of the best made films I've ever seen. Virtually every scene looks like a 19th century work of art. Even Stanley Kubrick was probably a little jealous.
Thanks for the video. One of my favorite films for sure and definitely Ridley Scotts best. It's unfortunate that more people haven't seen it but this video will help bring it to a wider audience. 👍🇦🇺
Ridley Scott has captured the dour atmosphere of Joseph Conrad’s story very well. It is also very French. The swordmanship is presented as the studied action of professionals better than is typically done in cinema; even the exhausted indoor sabre slashing is convincing. This is reminiscent of a duel is Kurosawa’s “Rashomon”. Other good swordplay in film is seen in “The Great Race” in which Tony Curtis wields a fencing sabre ;Gene Kelly makes a fun D’Artagnan; and Mandy Patinkin in “Princess Bride” is Gene Kelly reincarnate. Now I’ve got to watch Errol Flynn again. Cracking stuff!
I love this film. Beside the fascinating character studies, the wonderful acting, and the amazing fight choreography, every frame could be hung on a wall & called a work of art. Also, the proposal scene between D'Hubert & Adele is a wonderful example of actors brilliantly dealing & rolling with an unexpected circumstance (that is, their horses growing ever more... uh... fond of each other).
This movie was required watching for my Fencing class. My instructor was very impressed by the quality of the duels in the movie. I can say with a semblance of certainty, that this movie is one of the most accurate portrayals of actual individual combat you'll likely see. Phenomenal movie...
And I noticed it on my dvd shelf last night and thought 'must watch that again', and this morn I have this video as suggested viewing. Strange days indeed.
@@cheesesk7450 As Jim Morrison of the Doors put it; *'Strange days have found us , Strange days have tracked us down, They're going to destroy, Our casual joys..'* The Doors, the deepest band EVER, Bloody Prophets. In a 1970 interview Jim predicted the music of the future would be 'poetry spoken over electronic beats' No wonder bands like Led Zeppelin, the Doors and Hendrix continue to fascinate us like the Beatles. Genius lasts. Just ask Mozart, Bach or Shakespeare.
I have watched this movie over and over. The haunting music, the melancholic scenery. I watched the Duellists in 1978 and am still awed by its majesty. Howard Blake's music is/was mesmerizing
It's not just about honour. When you watch the men around Fournier, he affects their attitude towards Dupont. After Dupont is injured in the second duel, they suggest that honour is satisfied, Dupont is a decent chap and that they should shake hands and make up. Fournier rejects that, and by final duel his seconds are almost as antagonistic towards Dupont as Fournier is. It's a study of obsession, and of someone who could be a borderline psychopath.
Yes, his second who kept turning up like a bad penny all the time. I wanted the story to change just a bit and have Dupont slap him around, challenge him to a duel, and kill him or at least seriously injure him. To see how he likes it for a change
I enjoyed Crowe’s telling. I feel that if we got the sequel it would show what we wanted. It was a bit dragging, but just like Black Hawk Down it was a different style than Scott usually goes for so i welcomed it. Just my 2 cents But yes you wouldn’t believe it was made by the same director unless you knew better
@@BarbadosBeerFestival It's a pure joy for the eyes. And the story is great too. Each shot is soo well framed you reckon the director cut his teeth on commercials.
@@Luca-bv5ic sure. He was one of my favourite directors. That's why when I saw this (aelarsen.wordpress.com/2016/11/08/robin-hood-the-battle-on-the-beach/) I really felt Scott is no more....
I love this movie. The use of the landscape is amazing. It reminds me of that other time-period movie: Barry Lyndon. But, unlike Barry Lyndon, which was more like a superbly filmed chronology of an XVIII century opportunist, The Duelists left me with a bitter and disturbing feeling. How can these two men fueled their lives over a sense of resentment and---huh--"honor"--over the span of decades. The movie left in my palate a feeling of empty, useless obsession, seeing their resented attitudes toward each other to continue throughout a significant period of their lives. I remember reading in College the fate of Polynices and Eteocles, the two brothers born from the incestuous, son/maternal marriage between King Oedipus and Jocasta. Their hate was so deep and so enduring, to the point where they both decided to duel each other in battle, in order to determine the outcome of their Nation-State's future. Needless to say, the battle was so brutal and so fierce, and in the end, both of them inflicted each other wounds so serious, that they died in each other's arm from that duel, still hating each other, and still happy that the one brother had killed the other untill their last breath. I remember that day, when I finnished reading that book, I learned a new sense of deep hate that people might carry. This movie reflects that dreadful feeling.
Must admit, reading the title I did think that it meant, the actual fight scenes "duels" in the film itself were more real.. did not know it was based off real events, still fascinating..
.That movie is wonderful and every time I find it on TV I watch it again and enjoy it ... I did not know that the director had such a low budget to make it ... It shows that works of art do not always need mountains of money to be created. The photography and the setting are spectacular and the work of the actors is superior. The General who surrendered in the Battle of Bailén, in Andalusia, Spain, was defeated by the Spanish Army, in that battle for the Spanish side, José de San Martín participated when he was a young captain and fought in charge of a regiment. After that same battle, the officer requested his discharge and came to Buenos Aires to form the Army and the Grenadier Regiment with which he fought during the war of independence and liberated Argentina, Chile and Peru, reaching the rank of General and also Governor. of Peru for a while ... In Argentina he is considered "the Father of the Nation". I congratulate you for the video. I send you my regards from Buenos Aires
"The difference between reality and fiction is that fiction has to be believable." I picked that up in a writing workshop 20 years ago and never forgot it.
Thank you for your research on this film I've watched three times a year since 1986 ( I was a video clerk) and also being a fan of the novella. Well done sir, you are a compliment to the Calvary!
Perhaps dueling is a tradition that is ripe for a comeback. Surely it's more civilized then some of the things I have seen people do to each other in the name of revenge these days.
One of my favourite films of all time, if only for its credible recreation of an era and mores. The scene where the old down-at-heel Bonapartists meet up with D'Hubert to offer the challenge for the final duel is a classic.
Just liked and subscribed. You did a marvellous job here I think. THANK YOU!! I adore this movie, knew about Conrad's novel but not the complete true background.
Please watch this film in French...The French voices are perfect and don,,,t betray the two main characters and fantastic actor....Suave voice of Carradine and agressive, énergétic and tormented of Keitel The Eglish version is perfect too but better in French because it was the time of every European élites and rumeurs communicated in French , even in Russia....moreover in the end of the film many phrases of the artistocrat are sounding like La Rochefoucauld, Chamfort, even Racine....épitome of French style and ethos of the Napoléon era ( mixing the XVII and XVIII ème classicisme with the reviviscence of Roman antiquity...." le style Empire: for furnitures, architecture, painting but mainly for way of acting
If you enjoyed this you might enjoy my analysis of real history behind the 2004 King Arthur film staring Clive Owen ua-cam.com/video/jaEhjMWaSv8/v-deo.html
My breakdown of the real martial arts behind the Karate Kid: ua-cam.com/video/QcJ3h0g0_N4/v-deo.html
The Real Culture & Ninja History behind Naruto: ua-cam.com/video/lVUxytLlJx4/v-deo.html
& The Real Pirate History Behind One Piece: ua-cam.com/video/UAoCC2pXWmU/v-deo.html
Thanks for stopping by!
I love how a picture of the revanant was used when talking about toning down the truth, when half the movie never actually happened or was untrue
Do, Kingdom of Heaven next
Cartoons. Just so you know, when adults learn that other adults watch cartoons their respect for that person diminishes by a fair amount.
I still think it’s his best film, a masterpiece. Fun fact, in Ridley Scott’s ‘directors commentary’ on the film when it was released on dvd he says that when they were shooting in the Dordogne he was asked by the locals what the film was about. When he told them about the duellists and Conrad’s book they were like, ‘oh yeah, we know that story, one of the protagonists was from this town’.
Have to agree about it being a masterpiece and an extremely good example of what can be done on a limited budget.
Ridley also added filters to cameras 's lenses.. Every frame looks like a painting..
Maybe that’s why they shot it there =.O
Ridley Scott had says he no idea that Sarlat-a-la-Canada had any historical connection to Conrads book when he ended up in the Dordogne. He said it was just a spot to get a bunch of shooting done with a river, hills and woods. Throw in some chateaux and old farm buildings dotted about, and most especially an easily accessible town and a hotel for the crew. It was a random chance pick from the ‘visual art director’ scouting about to cover a lot of scene options as they had limited time on the tightest of budget. Indeed the art director dressed up the hotel’s dinning room with muslin drapes for a bunch of the interior scenes.
He only had something like three or four weeks with the relatively unknown (low budget) actors in Europe before the Christmas holiday or he’d pay a shit load of compensation to them if they didn’t fly back home in time for Yule, this was contract which Scott had underwritten himself in order to secure the $900,000 loan.
I believe it’s why the scenes from the retreat from Moscow were shot in Scotland just before Keith Carradine and Harvey Keitel flew back to the states. University students filled in as extras and the Student Union were making soup out of a bus to feed the crew. Missing the full Cossack scene Mr. Scott had intended, he reused a clip from one of his old TV adverts shown in the UK for the fleeing rider. I think he was at the top of his trade as an advertising film director in England when he flew out to the Hollywood to make his pitch for making his first movie.
@@ianseaweed Interesting
Imagine internet trolls being forced into a duel over insulting someone's honor!
I have a dream....
Imagine people being forced to duel someone when they feel offended instead of getting them fired from their jobs.
@@xifel72 that makes less sense.
You tried it tho...
@@LangstoniusRex Historically a major reason for duels is one party demanding satisfaction when being offended. Today we have a cancel culture when someone has been offended.
@@xifel72 yeah but is one guy supposed to duel the twitter legions? lol.
That might make for a good ppv though...
The Duellists proves that movies set during the Napoleonic Wars don't need huge battle set pieces if done right. This movie is practically the spiritual successor to Stanley Kubrick's Barry Lyndon in bringing the atmosphere of the two eras of early modern history (early 19th century in the Duellists and mid-18th century in Barry Lyndon) onto the big screen. The details in The Duellists is superb.
A bit of The Count of Monte Christo too.
It was a brilliant & beautiful film, possibly his best, unlike the disgusting whitewash that was his "Kingdom of Heaven".
The uniforms, clothes and haircuts are very historically accurate, like the fighting techniques.
It is uncomparably better than Barry Lyndon in terms of script. Visually it's also better, more picturesque.
This movie is much better than Barry Lyndon in every way. It's still remembered today as a masterful film while Barry Lyndon is pretty much forgotten.
this picture is a masterpice every scene is to be framed as a fine oil painting , the light ,the colours superb
I was just thinking something along the same lines. Truly a wonder.
He does the same thing in Blade Runner.
I watched many times from the day it came out
I have always thought the same thing. I saw the movie when it first premiered and now watch it periodically on DVD. Almost every scene is a beautiful work of art.
Yes the wholesome beauty of nature's scenery; starkly contrasted against the vile ugly pettiness of Man aye....
I can't believe this came up on my feed. The Duelists is the movie that I always say is my favorite movie. This is a fantastic movie, thanks for the recognition.
The scene where Carradine is shaking with fear as he sits his horse before the "compliment to the cavalry" duel with sabres was superb.
A brave man in a absurd and horrible situation. This was an excellent movie, head and shoulders over the garbage produced nowadays.
I thought that scene nearly ruined the movie. It was completely unrealistic in every way. Contrary to being afraid, he wanted the duel, and wasn't the least bit afraid. Fighting is what he did for a living, by choice. No man like that is ever afraid of a fight, even if he knows the outcome will be his death.
These are men who walk right into cannon fire, musket fire, and a thousand swords, and do so without hesitation. Shaking with fear is pure BS, and so completely unrealistic that it should be cut. It's in the film only for effect, and that's always stupid thing to do with a character.
@@jamesaritchie1 Have you ever been in combat, life or death the outcome? I'm guessing from your comment that you haven't. Bravery has nothing to do with it, only a fool or a sociopath doesn't know fear before combat. Contrary to your comment it was probably the most realistic scene in the movie.
@@jamesaritchie1 lmao all the things you mentioned you never seen personally, every man feels fear. Any that say he doesn't is a liar.
@@jamesaritchie1 I love boxing but I was still full of nerves before every bout as most fighters are. If nobody was watching I would probably have allowed myself to visibly shake from nervous energy if not "fear" per say.
@@jamesaritchie1 Minor difference, which you appear to have overlooked:
In a battle, you are part of a mass of men, a piece of a larger machine. The cannon fire isn't directed at YOU, the muskets aren't pointed at YOU. The notoriously inaccurate weapons of the opposing force are aimed at the mass of men, of which you, individually, comprise a very small part.
In a duel, YOU are the target. The weapon of your foe directed at you, and you alone. And while on foot one can maneuver and dodge, weave, parry and riposte, on horseback, it is a far different matter. Also, the speed and mass of the moving beast adds to the danger of those passing sword blows; limbs - and heads - can be lost during such exchanges. Instead of the blow being just the swing of a blade by a man's arm, there is now the speed of galloping horse, giving power to the blows, making each swing far deadlier.
So, yes...the fear would be MUCH greater to anyone who's been in both combat and duels, because he would know all of those factors, and he would be well aware that if a single blow were to land in one of those mounted passes, it will very likely be deadly.
For the record I would most certainly fight someone for 20 years if they cut in line.
I see no other way too.
SuperMich66 - Psychotic? So you believe it psychotic to stand up for one's rights then...
@@emansnas Easy chief....
REAL Men just punch one another in the face a couple of times and move on.
Idiots hold grudges for 20 years over something so trivial
@@JustHazardous But of course... why would you think I'd disagree... you seem to have missed my point
Which I suppose brings up another point.... It's usually considered wise to exercise some 'mindfulness' when choosing who to defend... and of course when choosing who to attack. My query, as it were, was after all directed to SuperMich66... who based on their comment appears to be a shallow smartass POS
The final shot in that movie is one of the most exquisite ever. In fact, the entire film is photographic masterpiece.
And according to Scott, it was pure coincidence that the sun broke through the clouds, serving up that gorgeous shot.
@@bjornh4664 , viva the sun and coincidence. :)-
As A French, if I may, this is indeed one of my favorite US movies. Both impressive and aesthetically powerful. It also gives some aesthetic French flavours, indeed. Thank you for these historical explanations. I w
as not aware it was a true story.
I believe it's a British film.
C’est vrai
American actors, probably so it would sell in America, but the director is British and he usually worked with a British crew I believe.
It is indeed a British film
They filmed it in France where the two officers lived too.
It is a British film yet tells and shows a French Aesthetic, Spirit and Essence.
Even though Napoleon was essentially Italian.
An Italian who wore 4711 German cologne. Which is very available today. Quite affordable as well and surprisingly refreshing.
I remember watching a show about duels and one thing the historians pointed out was if the duelists survived the encounter they often became friends. In a sense it should make sense that they would be friendly pen pals because while enemies they grew to respect one another meeting each one on equal terms with the each other at times getting the best of the other. It's the odd thing about fights, if it is a good fight where each other meets and fights on honorable terms why should there be animosity?
In Homer's Iliad there is also this respect between rival heroes.
@@igordrm Its almost like "manliness" is a thing n shit. And is OK to me a man. Please ask your gender studies teacher about it the next time you see it.
That is why grade school and HS makes an adult out of you. I remember being bullied and I stood up for myself. We fought to a tie, we stopped hitting each other we were both exhausted. After that I never got bullied because I stood up and could whoop. I also took on a local bully in our neighbor hood who was 4 years older. I literally went crazy at the fight and pulled out a razor, my friends jumped me and held me down thinking I had lost it. After that the older bully left me and my friends alone thinking that I was crazy. I had actually done that on purpose knowing that he would steer clear of me later. Plan worked and we had no bullies in our neighbor hood at all.
Yea, i mean i thought it was odd how the film Fournier was so unreasonably hostile for just a minor grievance. Maybe that was added in the book for dramatic effect as well.After battling a guy for decades there has to develop a connection there.
Same exact thing happened to me when I was in Middle School. One guy was known to be hands-down the best fighter in school. He teased me one day, and I snapped, and attacked him. He kept knocking me to the ground (he had the reach of a freaking gorilla), but I kept getting back up. Finally, our gym teacher broke it up, dragging me - snarling and growling - away from the guy. Later, he approached me and asked me why I didn't just stop. "I don't quit", I told him. "That's cool" was all he said. We talked a bit, found we actually had a lot in common, and became great friends.
Because of a fight. Because we were guys, and that's how guys sorted shit out. And there wasn't anything "toxic" about it. Just two guys, working some stuff out, and then putting it behind us, being friends from that point on.
One of my favorite movies of all times. It is an under-rated masterpiece. Making this classic on a budget of only 1 million dollars is a testament to the brilliance of Ridley Scott.
it's 93% rated at rotten tomatoes so its not underrated
@@theshuriken Maybe I should have written that it did not get the widespread viewership it deserved.
One of my favorite historical dramas. Harvey Keitel and Keith Carradine's dynamic in it is so good. And the cinematography is some of Ridley Scott's best. Can't wait for his Napoleon film with Joaquin Phoenix.
I'm afraid you'll be let down. Ridley Scott isn't the old Ridley anymore as he proved many times now with the Allien franchise.
And yet . . . Scott's choices for the roles were Oliver Reed and Michael York. Not hard to guess who would play who. But the producer had Keitel and Carradine available, and Scott had to use them instead. Both had come off a string of films with the best directors of the time-- Keitel with Scorsese and Carradine with Altman-- and were at the top of their game. In one scene Edward Fox, as a colonel, sits down in the presence of Keitel, playing a brigadier general; Keitel reverted to to his Marine training and ad-libbed "Get your backside off that table!"
@@vitkriklan2633 I don't think his strength is in the scifi genre really. He has some good ideas with it and while the first couple of Aliens and Blade Runner were good, everything else has been real hit or miss with that genre. But Gladiator, 1492, his cut of Kingdom of Heaven, all good to great historical dramas. Not to mention Hannibal, Thelma & Louis, and Black Hawk Down. I wouldn't discount him over his Alien franchise alone.
@@vitkriklan2633 So the abortion scene in Prometheus is not Ridley Scott at the top of his game? Sorry mate, but he still has it when it matters.
Actually his next film is again about another duel based on a true story but set in medieval France. I fear this may be his last film as the circle seems to have closed.
"This explains why 2 highly-trained men did not kill each other in over 20 duels. They did not really want to kill each other. But they DID seriously wound each other on a regular basis."
Man, these guys were hardcore bros.
I believe that duel to death is actually a Later misconception ,
This is where the saying to draw first blood ,then duel would be over
Even duel with pistols s ,the pistols they use were do inaccurate hardly ever any body died at the duel ,normally later on as result of infection
Fire Eaters!!!!
Basically Joker and Batman
French Hussards were some of the most feared warriors of the era. If not the. It is said that if you managed to reach 30 years old as a Hussard you were teased for being someone who avoided risk.
Well in the movie they only have 4 real duels and they absolutely are planning to kill eachother. Or at least feraud is.
But its not uncommon that they dont coz the duel is over when a man in unable to continue and usually if the first good cut dont kill you, it puts you out of the contest.
As a competitive fencer, I instantly appreciated this film when it came out in 1977. It won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Some credit needs to be given to William Hobbs, the fight director in this film, and a number of other gems of the time, including Roman Polansky's "Macbeth" (1970). Hobbs always made a cameo appearance in the films in which he served as fight director. That's him warming up D'Hubert before the second duel. I studied it, read the Josephy Conrad story, etc. You've done a very good review here. I got a copy as soon as it was available on VHS in the 1980s and now have it on DVD. I fenced on the national circuit and taught at the Rennaissance Faire (NorCal) for 20 years, also performing and serving as fight director a few times. I can tell you that "The Duelsts" was considered the fencer's sword film, and among those of us who began what became "Classical Fencing," later on, regularly referred to and quoted this film; ""On the watch, sir! Always on the watch! They all don't fight like fine gentlemen!"
The real duel here is to convince the dumb UA-cam algorithm that this video is covered under Fair Use.
It's possible it will get demonotized but I hope it can at least stay up. It's more important for me to share the video.
@@StoryDive Thanks for making it, I enjoyed the video. Was not familiar with this film or aware of the backstory.
That'll keep you busy for the next twenty years
This is a really great video. Thanks so much for the background history of the Conrad story and the film. I had the privilege to participate in the 200th anniversary of Waterloo in Belgium in 2015, as a French 5eme Hussard. A truly magical experience and one I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Seeing “The Duellists” many years ago sparked my desire to create the uniform and participate in Napoleonic reenactment. I truly think it’s Scott’s best film. Again, merci!
Few little interesting facts about the movie ..
1- The cellar duel they had chicken wire on the stone walls so you saw sparks flying which where hooked up to a electrical supply .
Any time Kietel or Carradine would touch the wall they would get shocks down their arms .
2- During the picketing by the river scene you see 2 suns as the actors moved into camera shot not the camera onto the actor
3-This IS without doubt the best film ever made about Napoleons army .
1 - I highly doubt it. Swords have insulated handles, so no.
@@Aregon972 Most swords of the Napoleonic period had wire-wrapped hilts -- braided wire wound over leather, sharkskin, rawhide, etc. -- the wire being anchored at both ends to the tang, ergo not electrically insulted in the least. Reproduction swords are made the same way because it's a very strong form of construction. Swords intended for stage fights in live theatre are often made of non-ferrous metals because they clang and ring in a dramatic fashion and they're considered less dangerous than steel swords. I have seen many of these and used a few on stage. They weren't insulated. However, in film work, the swords are often more realistic in material and construction, which makes them more dangerous. Choreography, editing, and optical effects are used to keep the performers safe. For example, when the POV is from behind one of the protagonists looking toward the other, i.e. in line with the fight rather than perpendicular to it, the filmmaker can use a 2x or 3x telephoto lens to compress the perspective, making the performers seem closer to each other than are in fact.
Electric épées used in Olympic fencing are insulated, but not because there's a danger of significant shock. However, the cellar duel was fought with cavalry sabres, not fencing swords. Unless you have firsthand knowledge of this production, as property master, for instance, I would assume those swords were made in the traditional manner, if for no other reason than safety. If I were designing that fight I would rig the swords with wires running up the sleeves and down the trouser legs of the performers leading to a good ground, to ensure an arc when the swords contacted the walls. That alone would protect the duellists from significant shock. However, as added protection, I would have them wear one or two layers of surgical glove on their sword hands.
@@Aregon972 so YES .. the hilts on period swords are backed with metal which connects directly onto the blade .. I have several Napoleonic period swords in my collection and the grips are all wood with a leather or shark skin covering with a steel or brass backing on the top side of the hilt ... trust me they DO conduct electrical current .
@@mashbury However, in the case of a traditional katana the grip is made from wood covered with sharkskin then wrapped with braided silk. The complete grip is fixed to the tang with only a tapered wooden peg. If the swordsman holds the weapon properly -- i.e. with the strong hand about an inch below the tsuba, he's electrically insulated.
@@enscroggs STRANGELY... I don’t think French Light Cavalry of any era used Katana swords that much ... but HEY ... what the hell do I know .. only been using swords of this era for like 30 years .. 😳🤔
When I watched this I honestly assumed the actors were really dueling.
... the world before CGI
William Hobbs was the fight director. As in his work on "The Three/Four Musketeers", some of the moves were later discovered to be ahistorical, but his main directive was to make it look like they were really trying to kill each other, and not just Flynning.
tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Flynning
@@steveparadis2978 I'd rather take anachronistic techniques (because at least they're real techniques, just the wrong time period) than spinning around and having swords cut through armor like butter.
Just my 2 cents.
They kinda were actually duelling.
...I went to a small 'art theater' in Manhattan ca 1977 or '78 to see this...at the time I was an avid painter of military miniatures with a special interest in Napoleon's Hussars...I'd just begun an hussar figure by Series 77 and decided to paint it in the uniform of the 7th - red breeches, Green dolman & pelisse w/red barrel sash...one of the details in the film d'Hubert's girlfriend weaving his hair and putting musket balls in the braids impressed me...that was done to provide an extra measure of 'protection' against sword cuts delived on horseback by an hussar's opponent...thanx
I grew my hair out due to my historical interest (to recreate historical hairstyles) and wore these hussar braids some times, largely due to this movie; they do indeed get quite solid, and I can really imagine them blocking or softening a blow, especailly if one weaved something like a stick or iron into them somehow.
In my top 10 list of movies. I was fortunate enough to see "The Duellists" in a theater during the first release. I owned the VHS tape at one time and still have the DVD in multiple versions. Stunning movie visually and the cast is superb.
Me the same, I'm watching always at the TV when it's broadcasted though
Me too, never tried to watch.
My favourite film! Beautifully shot, and with superb acting from all involved. A true masterpiece. Thank you so much for sharing a fascinating glimpse into the historical background behind its creation.
Hello film analyst ! - I was one of the few people who visited the theater in 1977 to watch “ the duelists” . I had no idea this film was by Ridley Scott until seeing your review today, - I was interested in fencing during the 1970’s, and so I was drawn to this film. ~ I appreciate seeing the review & deeper background history, some forty plus years later. . I have mixed feelings about history outlawing duels. In some strange way, I kind of appreciate them ! 🤺.
The Duelist is simply one of those works that ages like wine, and the younger generations will pick every piece of it apart!
The younger generation like myself, has, while no vocal interest in insults in this particular comment section, still a good taste in all things which men have created - if you know where to ask.
Unfortunately; I shall now track you down and demand a duel from you Sir Sunburst Twelve for you have dared to not only insult the honour of my generation but also my personal intellect. Only death can satisfy such an outrageous offence. Prepare to meet your god Monsieur. We shall meet in the fields near la rue de Rhin Napoléon at Strasburg, at dawn one month from now.
Sabres or pistols, take you pick. I will have my satisfaction either way.
@@Arcaryon Tis a sad and weak time we live in when the youth are insulted by the phrase "younger generation". Sir,
your skin is thin. Venga quien venga.
@@Arcaryon
How about handbags at dawn Tinkerbell
@OrcaBob 27 Stop trying to confuse people and facilitate knowledge synthesize new ideas. In the script of The duelist, one of the men says "now let me tell you my idea". These men were veterans and sons of revolutionary republicans, they embraced respectful process of expression and debate, and they were expanding a revolutionary empire with revolutionary ideals. They preferred respectful debates. Those that try to confuse others for no reason, are insecure punks.
@@danugo6742 What? At thirty paces and filled with chicken feathers?
Prior to "The Duellists" Ridley Scott was known primarily as a maker of music videos, consequently, he was compelled to make his debut feature on a budget of just $900,000 dollars, and he spent it very wisely indeed. I read somewhere that the uniforms, horse equipment, headgear, etc. came from a collection made for Stanley Kubrick's unrealized epic "Napoleon", the greatest movie never made.
Ridley Scott claims a large chunk of his budget was spent on the costumes, but it was worth it.
@@ianseaweed They look really fantasic, thanks to Kubrick's uncompromising approach to filmmaking. He wanted to shoot the interiors of "Napoleon" using candlelight and the exteriors in locations where nothing visible in the shots dated to later than 1815. His "Barry Lyndon" (a favorite of mine, btw) was essentially a full-scale technical rehearsal for "Napoleon". After going to the trouble of inventing a new f:0.7 cine lens and location scouting all over Ireland and Western Europe for scenes without even a hint of the 20th century visible on the horizon, he wasn't about to scrimp on the uniforms of the Emperor's light cavalry peacocks.
Music videos in ‘77?
Ridley Scott started as a set designer for Kubrick
@@enscroggs I didn’t know any of this, no wonder the costumes were so good, and real shame about Kubrick’s Napoleon!
Thanks for sharing the background of this great movie. Ridley Scott's early films are much better than his latest one (Napoleon 2023). Give him a small budget he'll surprise the hell out of you. Give him a great budget, his ego takes over. Harvey Keitel's conviction to duel Keith Carradine drives me nuts. He is always Mr. Wolf for me. Joseph Conrad's short stories inspires 2 great war movies that i know of, Apocalypse Now and this one. He wrote about the Southern France, the Rhone Valley specifically. It makes me want to move there.
One of Scotts best films, his love of history is clear and his story telling amazing!!!!
That film is stunning. The fight choreography is amazing- heavy cavalry sabres, light dueling swords and finally pistols.
A little detail on the scene that jumpstarts the feud: Kartel's character Gabriel isn't just insulted over receiving the order, but from Carradine's character Armand's careless method of delivering it and embarrassing him in front of a woman. It's the little subtexts like this that separate great films like this from the merely good.
Yes, it's true. I sort of simplified it.
After some 50 years watching films, painting pictures or listening to so much garbage being said, it’s the historical nuances that delivered. Not just the beauty of the cinematic effects, lighting or precision of the dialogue that elevates this film. It’s as you say, the little subtexts that elevate it.
My dad showed me this movie when I was in high school . I loved the shots in this film, a very underrated movie indeed.
I absolutely love the ending of the movie when the adversary's obsession with honour and duelling is used against them.
"I have submitted to your notions of honour long enough. You will now submit to mine." - best quote of the movie for me
That reminds me of the classic quote from Flashman, "My good sir. I didn’t presume to tell you where to aim your shot; don’t tell me where I should have aimed mine."
Very underrated film
It's a beautiful film but Harvey K.'s accent almost ruined it for me.
I had this film recommended to me by a professor at my university who saw me reading a book about Napoleon and Wellington. It did not disappoint. It's probably in my top 10 now.
One of my all-time favorite films, the setting, the story, the duels and cavalry, in heart and soul.
This is an impressive movie, I remember it first being reviewed on release. Those reviews were at best muted, the slow brooding pace was not well liked. One element not mentioned here was the attention to detail of the changing styles of uniforms and hairstyles during the period of the narrative. Masterful cinematography.
This is THE perfect film. How did Sir Ridley and crew accomplish this masterpiece? So beautiful one never wants the film to end. The acting is superb. Total submergence into character. The ending...Keitel totally captured Feraud's realization that he had been wrong in his actions and attitude, that his life's view and philosophy were over. Powerful! As long as I have King Kong and The Duelists on that Desert Isle I am good to go.
One of my favorite momies of all time...as a French lawyer and historian i can say that " Duellists" depicts perfectly the moral and ethos background of the Napoléon era....and the photography OMG. Deeply nutrish by the Master of pantins like Caspar David Friedrich Watteau, David, Hubert Robert....film criminelly underrated and should be teached in history collèges.
One of my favourite films. The haunting flute/oboe music during the epilogue is exquisite. And my favourite line in any film "Fouche (played by Albert Finney): General Feraud, alive or dead, is not worth a moment's gossip."
Harvey Keitel is a legend. So much understed actor. This man put a start to Ridley Scott's and Quentin Tarantino's careers and then he just humbolly stepped back to working on a movies he like to play in. He never chose filmmakers because they had successful movies but choses filmmakers who have a vission. Even if they poor and unknown.
This man deserve a memorial.
This film is spectacular and has tremendous depth
One of a kind
As a frenchman I have to give props on the pronunciation of the names. Well done guy.
Travelled to the British Film Institute to see this film before its general release. Having watched it again many times since I canbassure you that the sabre duel in the cellar was longer and even more bloody in the original. Stunningly filmed from the first appearance of the little girl driving her ducks to the last scene. A masterpiece of acting, script, location and costumes.
This movie has some of the best swordplay scenes not to mention variations of sword combat in cinematic history.
Thanks for the upload!!!
The Duelists is one of the greatest and most underrated movies. I LOVE the relationship Keith Carradine and Harvey Keitel; it is such a great character study in honor and mania; it is just AWESOME!
My answer to all of our political BS in the US right now would be to bring dueling back. If your mouth had the consequences of a sword fight from horseback at the end of it; you might think twice about what you say and how you say it!
I saw this movie when I was 6 years old during summer vacation, parents were out and I had been playing Atari got board and watched tv this movie was on and at the end the sun was coming up and matched the light coming from the window. I'll never forget that, I grew up a bit that night.
Have to admire the two men, to have 20 duels always with quarter given? That's respect and damn good sportmanship. Must have been tempting to just finish it instead of having another bloody swordfight next year, also a nice gesture that the final victor didn't kill his helpless nemesis
I’ve gotten in drunken scraps with my friends but shooting guns at each other is a bit much
@@wall8080 it starts innocently enough....with shooting empty beer cans of each others heads....and then somebody gets an ear grazed and the it's
on.,...pellet guns are dangerous too.
Gabriel Feraud was a deranged man; obsessive with some level of Anti-Social Personality Disorder. He forced Armand d’ Hubert in to these duels with the intent of murdering him. It was not truly about honour, although d’ Hubert was innocent and honourable. Feraud was just possessed and insane. The ending of the final duel was an incredible act of mercy and honour by d’Hubert towards a man he could have justly killed. Possibly my favourite film of all time. I think in my mid twenties I watched it about ten times in a single year.
Sounds like there was a diminishing supply of opponents and both were into the arrangement.
@@wattlebough The other thing to remember is the era and nation in which it took place: Napoleon was a "corporal" up from the ranks, and now Emperor. He started allowing the so-called "lower orders" into the Officer ranks, and Feraud was one such: what we would have called a "low-class" man suddenly given the status normally attributed to gentlemen only. As such, he guarded his new status jealously. Hence why he took offence at the *tiniest* perceived slight. D'Hubert was a high-born gentleman, and was already well versed in the protocols, manners, and customs of his station, and I think he understood Feraud's predicament, which is why he was never the aggressor.
The cool thing about the duelists is it's a metaphor for the Napoleonic Wars. The final scene is a reference to Napoleon at St. Helena. Spending the last years of his life in exile.
It literally took me decades to see all of this movie (ah the times before VHS, DVD and the internet). It really is a gem of a movie and should be in everyone's private movie library.
Can't remember where I found it, but this is one of my ALL TIME favourite movies. Such a masterpiece.
Last duel in France was in 1967, with swords, between Gaston Deferre, mayor of Marseille and French MP, and René Ribière, also MP. Deferre won, at second blood.
Jesus Christ!!!
Very interesting background. Inspired by your narration, I've ordered Conrad's novel, "The Duel". In my elder years with failing hearing, I tend to enjoy books over movies.
At 3:50 they show one of my favorites paintings of the Napoleonic era: "The murder of Frodo Baggins". Sublime composition.
Ha! it does look like him lol
he was wearing mythril....
This cracked me up 🤣🤣🤣
Great video analysis. Really enjoyed the true story behind one of my favourite movies. Well done mate. 👍😊
This and Barry Lyndon have a lot of similarities from a cinematography and period feel. I hadn't realised Scott had such a low budget on this.
Nor me
The small crew doubled as extras in many scenes to make up the numbers. It is a superb, beautifully made film in every respect, a true classic that l never tire of watching.
@@BobandBear1 The scenes “In Russia” where actually filmed in Scotland and some of the extras came from the film and tv course students at Edinburgh University Ridley Scott told them it would be good experience for them and as a sign of good will he’d not charge them for taking part .. clever ... very clever ..
@@mashbury Aye, he's a shrewd filmmaker is our Ridley !. I read an interview with him after Gladiator came out. Referring to the battle scene in Germania, he initially wanted the scenes filmed there, then thought, well a forest is forest wherever you are. What's the point in carting everything over there ?. Can't remember where he eventually filmed it, but it turned out to be an attention grabbing opener. Given the 'Sword & Sandal' subject matter, which hadn't been in vogue for 40 odd years, it was an extremely bold move that, to put it mildly, turned out alright !.....as did the music.
@@BobandBear1 It was filmed near Alice Wood at Farnham in Surrey as it was due to be felled and the Forestry Commission where happy to let Scott do anything he wanted so long as it was all restored afterwards and they got the timber he cut down .. How do I know all this ? Because I was one of the Roman Cavalrymen during this shoot .. was a great months work 👍👍
This has been one of my favorite films since its release. I always wondered the details that inspired it. Excellent background. You've got a new sub!
This movie and the Deluge are brought up a lot as having the most realistic sword fighting on film. That isn't actually what makes the movie good though, it's certainly nice but if you haven't seen it I do recommend watching it.
That's what they always say about the Deluge, but isn't realistic sabre dueling a bloody activity where both participants easily end with some cuts?
@@2adamast realism in terms of the choreography, using real guards and moves, striking at the person's head not over it or at the legs or something.
@StoryDive thank you for reviewing this masterpiece of a movie.
One of the best made films I've ever seen. Virtually every scene looks like a 19th century work of art. Even Stanley Kubrick was probably a little jealous.
Everyone talks about the beauty of the scenes, but the girl toward the end that he married is one of the finest women i've laid eyes on.
One of my favorite movies on that period. After this i watched every Kitel movie
I've loved this movie for years. It's truly a great flick.
Also, let me just add; we should bring dueling back! Make Dueling Great Again, as it were.
MDGA---yes !!
Thanks for the video. One of my favorite films for sure and definitely Ridley Scotts best. It's unfortunate that more people haven't seen it but this video will help bring it to a wider audience. 👍🇦🇺
Ridley Scott has captured the dour atmosphere of Joseph Conrad’s story very well. It is also very French. The swordmanship is presented as the studied action of professionals better than is typically done in cinema; even the exhausted indoor sabre slashing is convincing. This is reminiscent of a duel is Kurosawa’s “Rashomon”. Other good swordplay in film is seen in “The Great Race” in which Tony Curtis wields a fencing sabre ;Gene Kelly makes a fun D’Artagnan; and Mandy Patinkin in “Princess Bride” is Gene Kelly reincarnate. Now I’ve got to watch Errol Flynn again. Cracking stuff!
Thanks for a very interesting video. This is one of my favourite films of all time and I think I’ll give it another watch this weekend.
I've been praising this film for years. Visually stunning considering it was done on a small budget.
I like the fact that the movie was sold to the two lead characters as an excuse to eat in a lot of French restraunts
This is wonderful to watch thank you very much for all the good effort put into it :D
I love this film. Beside the fascinating character studies, the wonderful acting, and the amazing fight choreography, every frame could be hung on a wall & called a work of art.
Also, the proposal scene between D'Hubert & Adele is a wonderful example of actors brilliantly dealing & rolling with an unexpected circumstance (that is, their horses growing ever more... uh... fond of each other).
A more recent film in which almost every scene looks like a period painting is Last of the Mohicans.
This movie was required watching for my Fencing class. My instructor was very impressed by the quality of the duels in the movie. I can say with a semblance of certainty, that this movie is one of the most accurate portrayals of actual individual combat you'll likely see. Phenomenal movie...
I just rewatched this last weekend. This was suggested today. This world is becoming too strange for me.
And I noticed it on my dvd shelf last night and thought 'must watch that again', and this morn I have this video as suggested viewing. Strange days indeed.
@@cheesesk7450 As Jim Morrison of the Doors put it; *'Strange days have found us
, Strange days have tracked us down, They're going to destroy, Our casual joys..'*
The Doors, the deepest band EVER, Bloody Prophets. In a 1970 interview Jim predicted the music of the future would be 'poetry spoken over electronic beats' No wonder bands like Led Zeppelin, the Doors and Hendrix continue to fascinate us like the Beatles. Genius lasts. Just ask Mozart, Bach or Shakespeare.
I have watched this movie over and over. The haunting music, the melancholic scenery. I watched the Duellists in 1978 and am still awed by its majesty. Howard Blake's music is/was mesmerizing
It's not just about honour. When you watch the men around Fournier, he affects their attitude towards Dupont. After Dupont is injured in the second duel, they suggest that honour is satisfied, Dupont is a decent chap and that they should shake hands and make up. Fournier rejects that, and by final duel his seconds are almost as antagonistic towards Dupont as Fournier is. It's a study of obsession, and of someone who could be a borderline psychopath.
Yes, his second who kept turning up like a bad penny all the time. I wanted the story to change just a bit and have Dupont slap him around, challenge him to a duel, and kill him or at least seriously injure him. To see how he likes it for a change
all men in 1800 or earlier are psychopaths compared to modern civilized men. Because you're all weak.
The first I watch it in 77,I was blown away by the cinematography,it was beautifully photography,look like 18th century painting.
this movie is a masterpiece. And when you see "Robin Hood" you can't really believe it was directed by the same director....
I enjoyed Crowe’s telling. I feel that if we got the sequel it would show what we wanted. It was a bit dragging, but just like Black Hawk Down it was a different style than Scott usually goes for so i welcomed it. Just my 2 cents
But yes you wouldn’t believe it was made by the same director unless you knew better
Damn.. I got to watch this movie..
@@BarbadosBeerFestival It's a pure joy for the eyes. And the story is great too. Each shot is soo well framed you reckon the director cut his teeth on commercials.
He did also make Blade Runner, Alien and Gladiator though. He may be inconsistent but when he gets it right he REALLY gets it right.
@@Luca-bv5ic sure. He was one of my favourite directors. That's why when I saw this (aelarsen.wordpress.com/2016/11/08/robin-hood-the-battle-on-the-beach/) I really felt Scott is no more....
An utterly excellent movie. I bought it on DVD & can watch it again & again, I never tire of it.
I love this movie. The use of the landscape is amazing. It reminds me of that other time-period movie: Barry Lyndon. But, unlike Barry Lyndon, which was more like a superbly filmed chronology of an XVIII century opportunist, The Duelists left me with a bitter and disturbing feeling. How can these two men fueled their lives over a sense of resentment and---huh--"honor"--over the span of decades. The movie left in my palate a feeling of empty, useless obsession, seeing their resented attitudes toward each other to continue throughout a significant period of their lives. I remember reading in College the fate of Polynices and Eteocles, the two brothers born from the incestuous, son/maternal marriage between King Oedipus and Jocasta. Their hate was so deep and so enduring, to the point where they both decided to duel each other in battle, in order to determine the outcome of their Nation-State's future. Needless to say, the battle was so brutal and so fierce, and in the end, both of them inflicted each other wounds so serious, that they died in each other's arm from that duel, still hating each other, and still happy that the one brother had killed the other untill their last breath. I remember that day, when I finnished reading that book, I learned a new sense of deep hate that people might carry. This movie reflects that dreadful feeling.
Very informative and no fussing around. Keep up the good work!
Must admit, reading the title I did think that it meant, the actual fight scenes "duels" in the film itself were more real.. did not know it was based off real events, still fascinating..
"You are arrested for dueling too often"
"Very well. You leave me no choice but to duel myself out of this one".
TIL this sort of friendly rivalry was an actual historical thing
I might have to look for a copy of this movie - the scenes look fit to be on canvas.
True art. The castle (final duel) seems too beautiful to exist.
Amazon has it both streaming and the DVD. Well worth the price.
I watched it on youtube. should be still here.
I have lost count on how many times I have watched this movie. As a fencer I find it fascinating!
.That movie is wonderful and every time I find it on TV I watch it again and enjoy it ... I did not know that the director had such a low budget to make it ... It shows that works of art do not always need mountains of money to be created. The photography and the setting are spectacular and the work of the actors is superior. The General who surrendered in the Battle of Bailén, in Andalusia, Spain, was defeated by the Spanish Army, in that battle for the Spanish side, José de San Martín participated when he was a young captain and fought in charge of a regiment. After that same battle, the officer requested his discharge and came to Buenos Aires to form the Army and the Grenadier Regiment with which he fought during the war of independence and liberated Argentina, Chile and Peru, reaching the rank of General and also Governor. of Peru for a while ... In Argentina he is considered "the Father of the Nation". I congratulate you for the video. I send you my regards from Buenos Aires
"The difference between reality and fiction is that fiction has to be believable." I picked that up in a writing workshop 20 years ago and never forgot it.
One of my favorite films. Each scene is like a painting. Beautiful and exciting. Watch it.
Great short story, great movie. One of my favorites. Haunting. Thanks for the historical background !!!!
Conrad’s short story is titled “The Point of Honor.” Totally free on Kindle or Apple Books.
I saw "The Duelists " in 1979. I loved it then and still enjoy watching it on occasion. Great film!
Do I want to keep fighting???
.....yes, yes I do.
-
“If we stop fighting our enemies, our dreams die!!!”
-Victor Laslow
You might as well question why we breathe. If we stop breathing, we will die. If we stop fighting our enemies, the world will die.
Keitel learned how to handle the swords and look like a pro in just a couple of weeks. Amazing dedication and skill
Nicely done!
Thank you for your research on this film I've watched three times a year since 1986 ( I was a video clerk) and also being a fan of the novella. Well done sir, you are a compliment to the Calvary!
Perhaps dueling is a tradition that is ripe for a comeback. Surely it's more civilized then some of the things I have seen people do to each other in the name of revenge these days.
Think Trump would have the edge over Biden ...
@@mashbury watching two old boomers fight is gonna be hilarious
@@lkcdarzadix6216 If by "hilarious" you mean "glorious" then yes :p
Strangely enough, we "boomers" know how to really Fight......
@@mashbury Only because Biden would forget why he was there in the first place.
Very interesting, thanks for uploading.
Didn't know the film existed. Ridley has directed sooo many movies
Excellent video! I have to not only see this film but, also learn more about these men.
An excellent movie - stumbled upon it once and was totally engrossed.
One of my favourite films of all time, if only for its credible recreation of an era and mores. The scene where the old down-at-heel Bonapartists meet up with D'Hubert to offer the challenge for the final duel is a classic.
"you are under arrest for duelling the -"
"REEEEEEEEEE lets duel"
Just liked and subscribed. You did a marvellous job here I think. THANK YOU!! I adore this movie, knew about Conrad's novel but not the complete true background.
Please watch this film in French...The French voices are perfect and don,,,t betray the two main characters and fantastic actor....Suave voice of Carradine and agressive, énergétic and tormented of Keitel
The Eglish version is perfect too but better in French because it was the time of every European élites and rumeurs communicated in French , even in Russia....moreover in the end of the film many phrases of the artistocrat are sounding like La Rochefoucauld, Chamfort, even Racine....épitome of French style and ethos of the Napoléon era ( mixing the XVII and XVIII ème classicisme with the reviviscence of Roman antiquity...." le style Empire: for furnitures, architecture, painting but mainly for way of acting
For such a limited budget, this film is noteworthy for the historical accuracy of the hussars' uniforms through the period depicted.
Fournier: "I M O F F E N D E D !"
#canceld'Hubert