Christopher Walken. The name conjures images of intense stares, distinctive vocal cadences, and often, characters on the edge. But for millions, another image is equally, if not more, iconic: Christopher Walken dancing. Specifically, Christopher Walken dancing in Fatboy Slim’s groundbreaking music video, “Weapon of Choice.” Released at a time when the internet was rapidly evolving, this video became a viral sensation, predating YouTube yet achieving a level of online fame that few could have predicted. Even now, decades later, the official video boasts over 60 million views, a testament to its enduring appeal and Walken’s unforgettable performance. This isn’t just a music video; it’s a cultural moment, a joyous explosion of dance and cinematic artistry that continues to captivate and inspire.
From Stage to Screen: Walken’s Dance Pedigree
For many viewers, Walken’s nimble footwork in “Weapon of Choice” came as a complete surprise. The actor was, and often still is, typecast as a menacing figure, the villain, the outsider. However, this perception overlooks Walken’s deep roots in the world of dance. Long before his dramatic film roles, Walken was a dancer. He began tap dancing lessons as a child and spent years working in musical theatre. Early in his career, his work was almost exclusively on stage in musicals, showcasing his dance talents. Even as he transitioned into dramatic acting in the late 1960s, dance remained a part of his repertoire. Appearances on Saturday Night Live frequently included dance segments, most notably a memorable 1992 performance where he danced with multiple partners to Irving Berlin’s “Let’s Face the Music and Dance.” It was precisely this SNL performance that sparked director Spike Jonze’s vision for “Weapon of Choice.” For those in the know, Walken’s dance in the video wasn’t an anomaly, but a return to a fundamental aspect of his artistic identity. He even subtly incorporates dance into other film roles, a wink to his lifelong passion.
“Weapon of Choice”: A Dance of Liberation and Surrealism
The video’s narrative is deceptively simple, yet rich in subtext. Walken portrays a weary businessman, slumped in a sterile hotel lobby, baggage at his side, seemingly burdened by the weight of corporate life. As the Fatboy Slim beat subtly enters from a cleaning trolley’s radio, a transformation begins. Initially, it’s just a nod, a slight sway. Then, unexpectedly, the dam breaks. Walken erupts into a full-blown dance performance, injecting life and anarchy into the mundane setting. He dances on escalators, leaps across tables, cartwheels through the concourse, and even takes flight, soaring through the hotel lobby in a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. This isn’t just random movement; it’s a technically proficient and emotionally resonant dance. While stand-ins were used for a few of the most physically demanding stunts, Walken himself performed the majority of the dance sequences, including the wire work that allowed him to “fly.” Reports at the time even mentioned bruises sustained from the wires, highlighting his commitment to the performance. The hotel itself, the Los Angeles Marriott, becomes a character in the video, its modern corporate design providing a stark contrast to Walken’s liberating dance. The mirrored walls, specially constructed for the video, add a layer of surrealism and visual dynamism.
A Lasting Impact: More Than Just a Music Video
“Weapon of Choice” transcended the typical music video format; it became a cultural phenomenon. Its initial release saw people stopping in their tracks in public spaces as the video played on screens. Its impact was so significant that Australian television network Channel 9 created an homage in their station advertisement, featuring their newsreaders and personalities mimicking Walken’s moves. The video garnered critical acclaim, winning six MTV awards in 2001 and VH1’s “Best Video of All Time” award in 2002. Walken himself has stated that it’s the most popular work he’s ever been a part of. Even the music, a slightly altered version of the Fatboy Slim track, became inextricably linked with Walken’s dance. The video’s 2021 restoration in 4K further cemented its legacy, introducing it to a new generation and reminding older viewers of its initial impact. It’s a video that has been analyzed, parodied, and celebrated, its influence extending beyond music video circles into broader internet culture and meme generation.
The Technical Dance: Behind the Scenes
The seamless blend of dance, surrealism, and visual effects in “Weapon of Choice” was a technical achievement. While Walken’s dance is central, the video’s magic is also due to the innovative use of technology. As Audrey Doyle noted, computer software played a crucial role in creating the video’s iconic imagery. Due to the extensive wire rigging and support structures needed for the flying sequences, digitally removing them from the footage proved too complex. Instead, the production team recreated the hotel lobby in 3D using inferno software. Walken’s performance was then extracted from the original footage and composited into the 3D environment. This allowed for the clean and surreal visuals, particularly the flying sequences, that define the video. This technical artistry, combined with Walken’s captivating dance, is a key element in the video’s enduring appeal.
Conclusion: An Invitation to Dance
Christopher Walken’s dance in “Weapon of Choice” is more than just a performance; it’s an invitation. An invitation to break free from the mundane, to embrace the unexpected, and to find joy in movement. It’s a reminder of Walken’s multifaceted talent, a celebration of dance in an unconventional setting, and a testament to the power of visual storytelling. “Weapon of Choice” remains a landmark music video, not just for Fatboy Slim or Spike Jonze, but for Christopher Walken, forever immortalized in a dance that continues to inspire awe and delight. It urges us all to perhaps, just for a moment, consider choosing dance.
