Spike Jonze, the visionary director behind acclaimed music videos for Bjork, Weezer, and Beastie Boys, reached new heights of creativity with Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice.” Released in 2001, the video immediately captured global attention, primarily due to the mesmerizing presence of Hollywood icon Christopher Walken. But the burning question remained: did Christopher Walken, known for his intense acting roles, truly dance in the “Weapon of Choice” video, and was that really him defying gravity on wires?
Christopher Walken in Fatboy Slim's Weapon Of Choice video. Picture: YouTube
While Walken had solidified his reputation in Hollywood through powerful performances in films like “True Romance,” “Pulp Fiction,” and “The Deer Hunter,” director Spike Jonze tapped into a lesser-known facet of the actor’s past. Long before his cinematic fame, Walken had trained extensively in dance at the Washington Dance Studio. For a period, a career in dance seemed imminent for the young Walken, before he ultimately transitioned to acting. However, his passion for dance never truly faded. He showcased glimpses of his talent in the 1981 film adaptation of “Pennies From Heaven” and through memorable appearances on “Saturday Night Live,” where his dance skills caught Jonze’s eye.
Jonze, having previously collaborated with Fatboy Slim (Norman Cook) on the groundbreaking “Praise You” video, which featured the spontaneous “Torrance Community Dance Group,” sought to elevate his next dance-focused project.
Fatboy Slim – Praise You [Official Video]
“I wanted to revisit dance, but move beyond the lo-fi amateur aesthetic and create a genuinely produced piece,” Jonze explained in a 2018 interview on The Nine Club. He envisioned a concept inspired by the mundane experience of his father’s frequent hotel stays near airports. “I imagined the fantasy that might emerge from the repetitive, numbing atmosphere of these hotels,” Jonze elaborated. This concept perfectly set the stage for Walken’s unexpected dance showcase.
Norman Cook himself recounted the serendipitous casting of Walken. “[Spike] told Spike, ‘I would love to capture my dancing on film while I’m still capable,'” Cook shared. Jonze immediately contacted Cook, exclaiming, “Mr. Walken tap-dancing in the video!” to which Cook enthusiastically replied, “Yes!”
Spike Jonze On Directing Christopher Walken – Fatboy Slim – Weapon Of Choice
For Christopher Walken, the “Weapon of Choice” video was more than just a project; it was a realization of a long-held aspiration. “Musicals have always been my favorite – particularly movie musicals,” Walken revealed in an interview. “If I’m choosing a show, it’s almost always a musical. Had I started in movies earlier, I might have starred in numerous musical films.”
The iconic music video was filmed at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Los Angeles shortly before Christmas in 2000. While Norman Cook was initially slated for a cameo, the impending birth of his son, Woody, kept him in the UK.
The making of Fatboy Slim's Weapon Of Choice video
Cook expressed immense satisfaction with the final product. “I see a great deal of irony in it,” he commented. “Witnessing an actor I deeply admire, known for playing intense, often psychopathic characters, engaging in such lighthearted, uncharacteristic dance moves brought a smile to my face and to everyone else’s.”
Walken himself found the experience effortless and enjoyable. “It’s an incredibly catchy tune,” he remarked about “Weapon of Choice.” “Its deliberate, almost drum-like rhythm is perfect for tap dancing. They say tap dancers are essentially drummers.”
The “Weapon of Choice” video achieved phenomenal success, securing six MTV Video Music Awards in 2001 and the Grammy Award for Best Music Video in 2002. It has also amassed over 54 million views on YouTube, cementing its place in music video history.
In 2021, the original footage underwent a meticulous 4K restoration, spearheaded by Oliver Maingay of Vanderquest. Maingay explained the restoration process: “Our initial excitement about a 4K remaster of Weapon Of Choice quickly led to practical considerations, especially determining the extent of post-production versus what was captured on set.” The 4K scan of the original 35mm film enabled restorers to refine the visual effects, minimizing the visibility of wires used for Walken’s flying sequences and even adding subtle details like a Fatboy Slim portrait.
Christopher Walken’s captivating dance performance in “Weapon of Choice” is more than just a music video highlight; it’s a testament to his versatile talent and Spike Jonze’s directorial brilliance. The video remains an iconic piece of pop culture, celebrated for its innovative concept and Walken’s unforgettable moves.
