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The Duellists (1978)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted: 14
Fresh: 14
Rotten:0
Average Rating: 7.3/10
Runtime: 1 hr 50 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: "To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists, trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued a private contest through the years of universal carnage." Thus wrote Joseph Conrad in the opening... "To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists, trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued a private contest through the years of universal carnage." Thus wrote Joseph Conrad in the opening paragraphs of the story that provides the basis for Ridley Scott's first feature. During the era of the Napoleonic wars, a conflict arises between two of the emperor's cavalry officers when one of them, the aristocratic Lt. D'Hubert (Keith Carradine), is sent by his superior to deliver the message to commoner Lt. Ferraud (Harvey Keitel) that he's to be placed under house arrest for having wounded a man in another duel. Since Ferraud is with a woman at the time, he takes offense at the intrusion and challenges D'Hubert to a duel. Their match, though fierce, is without resolution. Whenever their paths cross, they continue their battle, fighting a series of six duels over the course of 14 years, paralleling Napoleon's major battles of the period. Scott's meditation focuses on the absurd vanity behind the old European code of honor--and the nature of warfare itself. All the distinguishing marks of Scott's later work is already on display here, from the meticulous re-creation of period costume, decor, and behavior to the lush, carefully composed photography. [More]
Starring: Keith Carradine, Harvey Keitel, Albert Finney, Edward Fox
Starring: Keith Carradine, Harvey Keitel, Albert Finney, Edward Fox, Cristina Raines
Director: Ridley Scott
Director: Ridley Scott
DVD Info
Release:
Dec 3, 2002
DVD Features:
- Region 1
- Keep Case
- Widescreen
Audio:
- Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
- Dolby Digital 2.0 - English
- Dolby Digital Mono - French
Additional Release Material:
- Audio Commentary - 1. Ridley Scott - Director
- Audio Commentary with Isolated Score - 1. Howard Blake - Composer
- Trailer - 1. Theatrical
- Featurette - 1. DUELLING DIRECTORS: RIDLEY SCOTT & KEVIN REYNOLDS
- 2. BOY & BICYCLE (Ridley Scott's First Short Film)
Interactive Features:
- Interactive Menus
- Scene Selection
Text/Photo Galleries:
- Storyboards
- Photo Galleries
Reviews for The Duellists
the film improves with multiple screenings, as a viewer becomes less concerned about the outcome of each engagement, and more interested in the passion that is driving it.
A magnífica fotografia, a bela direção de arte e as ótimas atuações se transformam em meros detalhes frente à impressionante estréia de Ridley Scott na direção de longas.
The Duellists registers on the senses like a pointillist work of art, encouraging us to revel in its symmetry and relish its high regard for small details.
the very beauty of the imagery ultimately works to the story’s benefit, as it creates an ironic counterpoint to the irrationality of the ongoing feud
The film's plot contrivances and weak dialogue can be forgiven here simply because the movie is so awesome to look at.
Related Forums for The Duellists
by: Charlie Scheer 7/27/01
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