The Duellists

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Summary: Fantastic Period Piece based on a true story
Review: Ridley Scotts first movie...his second was Blade Runner and his 3rd was Alien...Cinematography is excellent...must see.

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Summary: Ridley Scotts' masterpiece
Review: Superb film. Scott was touched by the hand of god when he made this, The greatest film that Stanley Kubrick didn't make. I rest my case.

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Summary: Visually breathtaking period drama
Review: No point in running through the basic plot again - other reviewers have done this very well. What makes this film stand out is the stunning visual qualities and exceptional art direction - typical of directors who started in advertising doing commercials, but rarely seen from directors with more traditional cinematographic backgrounds. There are also some very clever bits of direction that add to the effect - the original 'disagreement' happens so quickly that, as you watch the film, it is hard to remember what it was actually about. You are reminded of this when one of the protagonists makes the same point in the film. I disagree about the American accents intruding - for once, they are not too bad and anyway wouldn't marr the excellent performance from Harvey Keitel. When Ridley Scott dies, this is the film he will be remembered for.

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Summary: Scott's Napoleonic Epic is a must see.
Review: Ridley Scott made this film in the mid-70's prior to going into the big time with such hits as "Alien." While obtaining film making experience by making commercials, he learned to visually pack an image and do so with exciting details. "The Duelist" was made on a shoe string, but looks like it cost 10-20 times as much. Every dollar is on the screen. The sets and costumes are excellent. The camera style--dramatic and romantic-- often captures scenes that looked like they have been painted by David, a major French painter of that period. Exteriors show period chateaus in early morning light under blue skies, while the interiors are bathed in candle light. The sword play is wonderfully visualized as both men fight each other in a series of duels over many years. Both Carradine and Keitel are excellent as two officers serving under Napoleon that must live by a code--no matter how that severe code of honor affects their lives in war or peace time. This excellent action film is a jewel. See it. Hopefully, it will come on DVD soon.

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Summary: Scott's first film a stunner
Review: Overshadowed by his later, more successful works, The Duelist is one of Scott's finest films. Scott is frequently damned with faint praise about his abilities as a visual stylist. What's missing is his attention to theme, character and story details. While some of his narratives can be muddled (look at Someone To Watch Over Me or even his classic Blade Runner as examples), he never loses sight of character and theme and their importance to his films.

This film, along with Alien, Thelma & Louise and Blade Runner ranks as one of his best films.

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Summary: Sweeping in scope with breathtaking cinematography.
Review: Ridley Scott's first major motion picture, and on my lists of favorites. Unfortunately, I never saw "The Duellists" in the theaters, but I do get an inkling of what it must have been like. Everytime I've viewed this film, I've shaken my head in awe at the majesty of the scenery. It makes films known for their cinematography to pale in comparison. As far as the story goes, it's a good one about two soldiers during the Napoleon era who after a disagreement, fight duel after duel with each other throughout their military careers with no resolution (neither soldier dies during the duels). I disagree with most people's view of the two lead actors (Carradine and Keitel). I think both did a fine job, especially Carradine. There is a scene where he is preparing for battle against Keitel and is on horseback. We see his whole body shiver uncontrollably and his teeth chatter for several seconds. It's a wonderful moment. I have no problems giving this film 9 out of 10. It's a visual masterpiece.

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Summary: Watch for the pageantry and beauty of the time period!
Review: I was transported back in time as I watched the movie. I became a part of the feud; between these two men. The costumes and sets were fantastic and the swordplay authentic. I would recommend this to anyone who loves history and swordplay. Highlander fans will especially appreciate the movie, its seems as though the producers of Highlander got some ideas from The Duellists.

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Summary: CULT MOVIES 44
Review: 44. THE DUELLISTS (drama, 1977) The time is France, 1800. During the Napoleonic Wars Lt. Feraud (Harvey Keitel) wounds a man after a duel. His superior dispatches Lt. D'Hubert (Keith Carradine) with a message that he's to be brought under house arrest, since the wounded man is cousin to a Major. For no apparent reason, Feraud takes offence at D'Hubert's "insult", and seeks his satisfaction in a duel. Feraud is furthered angered when he loses the duel and seeks to continue the duels. Extended by 15 years (and every so often disrupted by the war), their duels become increasingly personal and savage. The 2 finally meet in a climactic showdown.

Critique: Ridley Scott's impressive directorial debut deals with the themes of honor, obsession and violence. However, more importantly, is the message that wars (be it personal or political) are ultimately futile and without merit. As the 2 leads 'duel' they forget who is the aggressor and victim. Battle lines and tactics are forsaken for the ultimate personal satisfaction, death. Scott's direction is very good throughout; keeping us glued to the character's every move. The film's highlight involves the duels, which, are excitingly staged and choreographed. Taking place in open, closed, wet, dry spaces Scott shows skill in creating a tense setting. Period details are also superb. Street scenes and ghettos are realistically captured. Performances are excellent all around. Keitel (as always) is a standout as the 'bully', juxtapointing Carradine's honorable constraint. Based on Joseph Conrad's "The Duelists", the film won many awards including 'Best Debut Film' at the 1977 Cannes film festival.

QUOTE: D'Hubert: "You have kept me at your beg and call for 15 years. I shall never do what you demand of me. I shall simply declare you dead."

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Summary: Visually Stunning
Review: I enjoy watching this film over and over. The period set piece duels are excellently coreographed and the costumes most authentic. Scott's cinematography is the best part of this movie. The supporting cast is very good. I like Alun Armstrong's and Diana Quick's roles the most.

Keith Carradine is somewhat unconvincing and Harvey Keitel reminds me most of his modern thug roles...they do not destroy the movie.

Although Scott is said to have endings that come up short, I think the ending of this film is very riveting and fulfilling.

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Summary: Thought-provoking first effort by Ridley Scott
Review: Ridley Scott's first theatrical release, "The Duellists", is a thought-provoking exploration of the rivalry between two officers in Napoleon's army. The plot is taken from the Joseph Conrad short story, "The Duel", in which two French officers face each other in a series of duels over 15 years. Keith Carradine plays Lt. Armand d'Hubert, a Hussar of Napoleon's cavalry, who is sent on a routine errand to arrest Lt. Gabriel Ferraud (played by Harvey Keitel), for having wounded a man in a duel. Upon hearing of his arrest, Ferraud challenges d'Hubert to a duel, which both survive. Although d'Hubert is reluctant to fight, and though forbidden by his commanding general to confront Ferraud while the army is at war, he cannot avoid the other man's challenges. What was merely a perceived insult on Ferraud's part becomes a matter of honor. In early 19th century military fashion, the duel was an acceptable, if unsanctioned, way of defending one's reputation. D'Hubert, too, seems drawn to the violent encounters, as a way of setting the record straight (if not for Ferraud, at least for the troop). Both men are portrayed as loyal and able soldiers. D'Hubert is laid-back, cautious yet brave, his loyalty to Napoleon tempered by realism. Ferraud is touchy, combative, fanatical. Even after the Emperor's final defeat he remains sure of his devotion. In the final chapter of the film we see d'Hubert settled in quiet married domesticity (and security in the restored King Louis XVIII's army), while Ferraud languishes in obscurity as an outdated Bonapartite. The two men (now generals) will meet for a final time. The outcome is intriguing, and it follows Conrad's story to a melancholy end.

Film reviewers have often criticized Scott's films as having tons of atmosphere but not much meat in the plot or emotional punch at the end. I would say that anyone who is a fan of Ridley Scott films ("Alien", "Blade Runner", "1492" or even "White Squall") should see "The ! Duellists" to find where Scott gets his stunning and unique visual style. The supporting cast, mostly English, does a fine job: Tom Conti as d'Hubert's surgeon friend, Diana Quick as his lover, Robert Stephens as the general, and Albert Finney as a cunning commissar. I rate it a 9 for intellectual vigor and beautiful scenes. END