The Duellists (1977)
In 1800, as Napoleon Bonaparte rises to power in France, a rivalry erupts between Armand and Gabriel, two lieutenants in the French Army, over a perceived insult. For over a decade, they engage in a series of duels amidst larger conflicts, including the failed French invasion of Russia in 1812, and shifts in the political and social systems of Europe.
- Ridley Scott
- Patricia Eberhard
- Peter Kohn
- David Wimbury
- Terry Marcel
- Melinda Rees
- Kay Fenton
- Gerald Vaughan-Hughes
- Joseph Conrad
Rating: 7.3/10 by 542 users
Alternative Title:
Les duellistes - FR
Os Duelistas - BR
Os Duelistas - PT
Pojedynek - PL
Los duelistas - ES
I duellanti - IT
デュエリスト／決闘者 - JP
The Duellists - US
デュエリスト／決闘者：1977 - JP
Duellistene - NO
Los duelistas - MX
Country:
United Kingdom
United States of America
Language:
English
Pусский
Runtime: 01 hour 40 minutes
Budget: $900,000
Revenue: $0
Plot Keyword: fencing, cossack, napoleonic wars, based on short story, pistol duel, sword duel, 19th century, waterloo, strasbourg
After what can only be described as the most minor of misunderstandings, the decent "d'Hubert" (Keith Carradine) is forced to duel with the hot-tempered "Feraud" (Harvey Keitel). That ends inconclusively and now the narrative leads us through a series of re-matches set against a tale of their trials and tribulations during the rise and fall of Napoleon in early 1800s France. Joseph Conrad wrote a characterful story and Ridley Scott makes full use of that with a focused, frequency pithy and entertaining, dialogue and two measured and engaging leading performances with plenty of entertaining swordplay. The supporting cast is as A-list as you're ever likely to get in a non-romantic period drama. Albert Finney and Edward Fox, Tom Conti and an on form Robert Stephens as well Cristina Raines' charming effort as "Adèle" contribute well. All are dressed perfectly amidst settings that suit this gritty and battle-worn story perfectly, too. It's a cunningly devised theme, this - it has the obvious storyline, but also takes well aimed swipes at pomposity, the futility of war, and the stupidity of man - all in a manner that resonates cleverly, even now. It was clearly produced on a limited budget, which is apparent from time to time with the continuity (never one of Scott's strong suits) or with some overused extras amongst the soldiers - but, overall, it is a testament to what can be done in a relatively short film, with a good story and cast and some creative leadership behind the camera.
