The Duellists [Region 2] |  | Director: Ridley Scott
Actors: Keith Carradine, Harvey Keitel, Albert Finney, Edward Fox, Cristina Raines
Category: DVD
Buy Used: $18.99
Rating:  98 reviews
Sales Rank: 169819
Format: Pal
Languages: English (Original Language), Russian (Original Language)
Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Region: 2
Discs: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Running Time: 100 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
EAN: 5014437828439
ASIN: B000085RNP
Theatrical Release Date: May 19, 1978
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Amazon.com essential video
First film by director Ridley Scott barely got released in this country in the mid-1970s, but stands up, despite the rather noticeable accents of its stars. That's because Brooklynite Harvey Keitel and Westerner Keith Carradine are playing a pair of officers in Napoleon's army--oops! The plot centers on Carradine insulting Keitel and Keitel demanding vengeance. But every time they get into the middle of one of their duels, war breaks out or something else happens to interrupt. Keitel, however, is too pig-headed to let it drop and dogs Carradine over the course of 20 years. Strong performances otherwise and amazing cinematography, as well as a cast that includes Albert Finney, Edward Fox, and Tom Conti. --Marshall Fine
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| Customer Reviews: Read 93 more reviews...
 Barry Lyndon's worthy heir. December 6, 2008
Todd Ehlers (McGregor, Iowa United States)
Ridley Scott's first film is lush and wonderful. If Stanley Kubrick had not released his Barry Lyndon, this film would be the consummate representative of the era on film. Nevertheless, it is a worthy #2.
Especially surprising, but welcome, is the spare exposition. The tale unwinds almost organically. We understand fully the complex relationship of the two protagonists far more by show than telling.
Then the film "just happens" to develop its way into Russia. In the winter. During the Napoleonic campaign! And rather than bog the plot down with any political reference to the iconic age they are in, the characters carry on their strange, lifelong feud.
Harvey Keitel is intense. A mere stare from his honor-plagued face are enough to put a punch in the viewer's gut and wonder how the next phase of the conflict will play out. Keith Carradine has probably never been finer. His almost comical, tired, fated acceptance of what has become a manacle to his life is terrific. Always great to see Albert Finney and Edward Fox in supporting roles, both strong, and both so immersed in character that both could escape the notice of anyone without a program guide.
The tame--but luscious--post-lovemaking scenes between Carradine's D'Hubert and Laura (Diana Quick) are darn close to the quality of John Alcott's work on Barry Lyndon.
Add my five to the list August 5, 2008
Kenneth D. Gartrell (Boston, MA USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a GREAT film. Buy it, watch it -- again and again. Someone said it is based on a story by Joseph Conrad. I am not sure of this, but I do know there is good reason to believe that this story, or something very much like, it happened in real life.
Most people know who Ridley Scott is, and what his movies are. While this movie is smart and beautiful in every detail, I think it is important to remind people that this was Scott's first movie outside his advertising career, and it is not on the scale of Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven.
Nevertheless, it is a great film -- even though it was produced for less than $400,000 in 1977 dollars.
The French in the early years of the Age of Napoleon were fanatic duelists. There were many deaths in duels when the Army was encamped -- especially in 1804 and 1805, when the Grand Armee' was sick of drilling and parades while waiting to invade England at Boulogne sur Mer, and again in 1806/1807, during the occupation of Bavaria after the success at Austerlitz, but before the triumph over the Prussians at Jena.
The French Hussars (the Second and the Seventh are featured in this film) were notorious for riding up to the lines of the British enemy in Spain and asking for a single combat duel just to break the boredom of the wait between battles.
A great deal is said about the psychology and progression of the French culture during the Age of Napoleon. This movie gives a penetrating account of that. This is a movie that will be watched many times with great enjoyment, and will spark lots of good conversation with friends.
I do advocate it *most* earnestly... ;] July 7, 2008
D. J. Bowler (Federal Way, WA United States)
Halfway between playing a pimp in the immortal _Taxi Driver_ and portraying every other kind of legendary character, Harvey Keitel got involved in a Ridley Scott project with Keith Carradine and the rest is collector's edition history.
Set in France during the Napoleonic Era, two young soldiers get into a fight over the usual nonsense and their vendetta spans a generation. Great action scenes, romance and the scarcely believable (to me anyway) feat of capturing the _light_ of Central Europe... It has been called "a staggeringly beautiful film" and with that assessment I will not contend... Yes, "I do advocate it most earnestly" :)
The greatest dueling film ever made. June 11, 2008
Anami P. Laurie
The plot concerns two Hussars in Napoleon Bonaparte's army. One is an extremely honorable fellow, the other is a despicable Gascon. Feraud, the Gascon, becomes offended when d'Hubert, the honorable fellow, places him under arrest (for dueling!) in the company of a woman. Feraud's displeasure leads him to duel d'Hubert many times, from before Napoleon becomes emperor, to after "the Ogre's" exile. But encounter after encounter proves inconclusive, as Feraud will only be satisfied by d'Hubert's death.
This film, said to be "a true story", was actually based upon a story by Joseph Conrad called "The Duel". However, "The Duel" was inspired by true events. The movie is almost entirely faithful to the book, except for the fact that Feraud is a delusional fruitcake in the book, whereas he is a bloodthirsty maniac in the film.
Over all, in the film and book alike, Feraud is a metaphor for Bonaparte, while d'Hubert is a metaphor for the rest of Europe. Feraud continues to pursue d'Hubert in duels, which are symbolic of wars. Inaccurate, as, Russia and Spain excluded, Bonaparte fought all of his wars defensively, and his attackers were often encouraged and funded by Britain. But, as the saying goes, "History is written by the victors". Aside from all that, Feraud excellently embodies all of Napoleon's negative traits: pertinacity, egotism and delusion.
Down to the basics: The movie is incredibly accurate as far as the period goes. The costumes, the hair styles...and especially the duels. You will simply never see more realistic swordplay in a movie. In addition, the plot is superb, the acting realistic and the ending fantastic. If you enjoy the Napoleonic period, duels, beautiful camera work or simply a great story then this film is something I recommend.
Much underrated classic. March 30, 2008
Baby Cromwell (Nottingham, England)
A much underrated classic. Though at first Keitel and Carradine may seem an odd choice for the roles, they are actually inspired. Set throughout Europe during the Napoleonic regime, Carradine plays the sober, dutiful officer merely sent to apprehend an erring peer. Unfortunately for him, the officer in question happens to be a stunted, obsessive nutcase, who takes the act as a real personal attack. Carradine plays the calm, obliging foil for Keitel's nasty runt surprisingly well, as they survive various battles, only for Keitel to 'kick off' with another assault. Top marks for both actors, and that it is played out with a certain grace (rather than full-on) gives it, in my humble opinion, a greater 'gravitas'. Pretty good, actually.
Yours,
Baby Cromwell, Nottingham, England
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