The music video for Fatboy Slim’s track “Weapon Of Choice” remains iconic, largely thanks to the mesmerizing performance of a certain Hollywood actor. But many viewers have asked: did Christopher Walken really dance in that video? The answer is a resounding yes, and the story behind his appearance is as captivating as his moves.
Directed by the visionary Spike Jonze, known for his groundbreaking work with artists like Bjork and Weezer, the “Weapon Of Choice” video, released in 2001, immediately grabbed attention. Featuring the intensely charismatic Christopher Walken gracefully dancing through the lobby of a deserted hotel, the video raised eyebrows and sparked curiosity. Was this the same Christopher Walken known for his roles in gritty films like Pulp Fiction and The Deer Hunter? Indeed, it was, and his dance background is central to understanding this unexpected yet brilliant casting choice.
Christopher Walken’s journey didn’t begin solely on the silver screen. Before becoming a celebrated actor, Walken trained extensively in dance at the Washington Dance Studio. For a period, a career in dance seemed to be his destined path. While acting eventually took precedence, his passion for dance never truly faded. He subtly incorporated dance into his acting roles and famously showcased his moves on Saturday Night Live, catching the eye of Spike Jonze.
Jonze, having previously collaborated with Fatboy Slim on the “Praise You” video featuring a guerilla-style dance group, sought to elevate the concept for “Weapon Of Choice.” He recounted in a 2018 interview with The Nine Club his vision of contrasting the mundane hotel environment with an extraordinary fantasy. “I just imagined my dad at all these hotels… the mundane, repetitive, numbing quality of that. The idea was like the fantasy that kind of comes out of that.”
Norman Cook, the man behind Fatboy Slim, shared in an interview with Higher Frequency the serendipitous moment Walken’s involvement came about. Walken expressed to Jonze his desire to capture his dancing on film while he still could. Jonze immediately saw the potential and pitched the idea of “Mr. Walken tap-dancing in the video” to Cook, who enthusiastically agreed.
For Walken, this project was a dream realized. He later confessed in an interview with The Hollywood Interview his lifelong love for musicals, particularly movie musicals. “If somebody asks me if I want to go see a show, my choice is almost always musicals. I think if I was in the movies at an earlier time, I might have been in a lot of musical movies.” “Weapon Of Choice” offered him that stage, albeit in a music video format.
Christopher Walken in Fatboy Slim's Weapon Of Choice video. Picture: YouTube
The video was filmed at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Los Angeles shortly before Christmas in 2000. Although Norman Cook was initially slated for a cameo, he remained in the UK as his wife, Zoe Ball, was about to give birth to their son. Despite Cook’s absence from the set, he was thrilled with the final product. He remarked to Higher Frequency on the video’s ironic nature and the delightful contrast of seeing an actor known for playing intense characters engaging in “silly un-psychopathic dancing.”
Walken himself found the experience enjoyable. He praised “Weapon Of Choice” as a “very catchy tune” with a beat conducive to tap dancing, noting the rhythmic similarities between tap dancers and drummers.
The “Weapon Of Choice” video became a critical and popular success, earning six MTV Music Video Awards in 2001 and the Grammy Award for Best Music Video in 2002. Its enduring appeal is evident in its over 54 million views on YouTube.
In 2021, the video underwent a stunning 4K restoration, spearheaded by Oliver Maingay of Vanderquest. This upgrade allowed viewers to appreciate Walken’s dance performance in even greater detail. The restoration process involved scanning the original 35mm film and meticulously removing visual artifacts like wires and rigging that were used to create the video’s iconic flying sequences. The restorers even subtly added a portrait of Fatboy Slim to enhance the visual narrative.
Spike Jonze On Directing Christopher Walken – Fatboy Slim – Weapon Of Choice
The restored “Weapon Of Choice” video not only showcases Christopher Walken’s impressive dance skills but also highlights the enduring creativity of Spike Jonze and the infectious energy of Fatboy Slim’s music. It stands as a testament to the power of unexpected collaborations and the magic that happens when Hollywood charisma meets groundbreaking music video direction. The next time you watch “Weapon Of Choice,” remember that yes, Christopher Walken truly danced, and in doing so, created a timeless piece of visual and musical art.
The making of Fatboy Slim's Weapon Of Choice video
