The music video for Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice” remains a cultural touchstone, largely thanks to the mesmerizing presence of Christopher Walken. But for those who first encountered the clip in 2001, a burning question arose: did Christopher Walken really dance in that iconic hotel lobby? The answer is a resounding yes, and the story behind his appearance is as captivating as his moves.
Director Spike Jonze, known for his innovative work with artists like Bjork, Weezer, and Beastie Boys, was the mastermind behind this visual feast. Jonze, whose real name is Adam Spiegel, had already made waves with Fatboy Slim’s “Praise You” video, but he aimed for something grander, a “real production” as he described it in a 2018 interview with The Nine Club. The concept stemmed from the somewhat mundane experience of airport hotels, those anonymous spaces where travelers often find themselves. Jonze envisioned a fantasy emerging from this repetitiveness, a burst of unexpected artistry within the ordinary.
Christopher Walken, already a Hollywood legend renowned for intense roles in films like Pulp Fiction and The Deer Hunter, might seem an unlikely choice for a dance-heavy music video. However, Spike Jonze was privy to a lesser-known aspect of Walken’s past: his extensive dance training. Before becoming a celebrated actor, Christopher Walken honed his skills at the Washington Dance Studio, even initially pursuing a career in dance. While acting ultimately became his primary path, his passion for dance never waned. He showcased his talents in the 1981 film adaptation of Pennies From Heaven and through memorable appearances on Saturday Night Live, which is where Jonze first witnessed Walken’s dance prowess.
Norman Cook, the man behind Fatboy Slim, recounted the pivotal conversation with Spike Jonze that sealed Walken’s involvement. Jonze relayed Walken’s enthusiasm, “‘I would love to get my dancing on film while I’m still young enough to do it.'” For Walken, this video was more than just a gig; it was a fulfillment of a long-held desire. As Walken himself later revealed, musicals held a special place in his heart, expressing a wish to have been involved in more musical films earlier in his career. “Weapon of Choice” provided him with the perfect stage to revisit his dancing roots.
The Marriott Hotel in downtown Los Angeles became the set for this magical performance just before Christmas in 2000. Although Fatboy Slim himself was intended to make a cameo, the impending birth of his son, Woody, kept him in the UK. Despite Cook’s absence on set, he was thrilled with the final product. He praised the video’s irony, finding it particularly delightful to see an actor famous for playing “psychopaths” engage in such joyful and “un-psychopathic dancing.”
Christopher Walken’s dancing in the “Weapon of Choice” video is not just a performance; it’s a captivating display of his lifelong passion for movement.
Walken found the filming experience effortless, connecting with the track’s rhythm. He noted that “Weapon of Choice” was ideal for tap dancing, appreciating its “deliberate almost drum-like beat.” This rhythmic quality allowed Walken to seamlessly blend his tap skills with the song’s infectious energy, creating a truly unique visual experience.
The “Weapon of Choice” video wasn’t just a critical darling; it was a resounding success. It swept the 2001 MTV Music Video Awards, securing six wins, and clinched the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Music Video. To date, it has amassed over 54 million views on YouTube, a testament to its enduring appeal and Christopher Walken’s unforgettable dance moves.
In 2021, the video underwent a stunning 4K restoration, spearheaded by Oliver Maingay of Vanderquest. This upgrade allowed viewers to appreciate Walken’s choreography in even greater detail. The restoration process involved scanning the original 35mm film, meticulously removing glimpses of wires and rigging used for the iconic flying sequences. The team even subtly added a portrait of Fatboy Slim within the hotel setting, enhancing the video’s visual narrative.
Spike Jonze’s vision for “Weapon of Choice” combined with Christopher Walken’s hidden dance background created a music video that transcended typical promotional material, becoming a piece of art in its own right.
The enduring legacy of “Weapon of Choice” lies in its unexpected pairing of a serious Hollywood actor with a playful dance track. Christopher Walken’s dancing wasn’t a stunt; it was an authentic expression of his artistic self, perfectly captured by Spike Jonze’s imaginative direction. The video serves as a joyful reminder that even the most intense performers have hidden talents and passions waiting to be unleashed, sometimes in the most surprising and delightful ways, like Christopher Walken Dancing in a Fatboy Slim music video.
