Christopher Walken, an actor synonymous with intense dramatic roles and a uniquely quirky persona, might seem an unlikely dance icon. Yet, his mesmerizing performance in Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice” music video has solidified his place in popular culture as just that. Directed by the visionary Spike Jonze, this short film, clocking in at just under three minutes, has captivated audiences since its release in 2001, long before YouTube dominated online video consumption. Even now, decades later, the official video boasts over 60 million views on YouTube, a testament to its enduring appeal. This review delves into what makes this video, and Christopher Walken’s dance within it, so unforgettable.
When “Weapon of Choice” first aired, it was a sensation. Played repeatedly on television, it sparked countless imitations, becoming a foundational piece of early internet meme culture and inspiring numerous “homages.” Its popularity hasn’t waned; the comments section on YouTube buzzes with continued appreciation, and parodies still surface regularly. In 2021, a 4K high-definition restoration breathed new life into the video, ensuring its relevance for a new generation. An article from Radio X in April 2022, titled “Did Christopher Walken Really Dance In Weapon Of Choice?” further underscores the enduring fascination with Walken’s performance and the video’s creation.
For those unfamiliar, the video’s narrative is simple yet evocative. Christopher Walken portrays a weary businessman, slumped in a hotel lobby, seemingly defeated by the drudgery of corporate life. The monotonous hum of a vacuum cleaner fills the air, amplifying his sense of ennui. Suddenly, music drifts from a radio on a cleaning trolley, subtly changing the atmosphere. The businessman, initially just nodding to the rhythm, gradually rises and begins to sway. Then, unexpectedly, he explodes into dance.
What follows is a whirlwind of kinetic energy. Walken dances up and down escalators with surprising agility, races through the lobby concourse, executes a flawless handless cartwheel, and leaps onto a table, scattering brochures with a joyful kick. A wide, genuine smile spreads across his face as he revels in this moment of liberation. He dances through mirrored corridors, into an elevator, and even dives over a mezzanine railing, momentarily taking flight. Suspended in the air before a large painting of a ship at sea, his expression is one of pure elation. Just as abruptly as it began, the fantasy ends. He returns to earth, both literally and metaphorically, and with a lingering glance at the space where his dance unfolded, he wearily retreats back to his chair and his somber reflections.
This performance stands out as a highlight in Walken’s extensive career. For many viewers, accustomed to seeing him as a menacing villain or a figure of dark intensity, witnessing him dance with such abandon is utterly unexpected. This surprise has even led to speculation that a body double or CGI was used for the dance sequences. While it’s true that stand-ins were employed for a few of the most physically demanding stunts, such as the jump from the table, the balcony dive, and the cartwheel (reportedly due to Walken’s knee issues), the vast majority of the dancing is undeniably Christopher Walken himself. Rumors circulated at the time about the bruising he sustained from the wires used to achieve the flying sequences, adding to the dedication he brought to the role.
The initial impact of “Weapon of Choice” was palpable. When the video was first shown in public spaces like shopping centers, people stopped in their tracks, mesmerized by its sheer originality and Walken’s captivating performance. Its cultural footprint even extended to Australia, where free-to-air TV Channel 9 created a station advertisement in 2002 directly inspired by the video. Using the same Fatboy Slim track and a similar hotel setting in Sydney, the ad featured newsreaders and other network personalities unexpectedly breaking into dance, echoing Walken’s moves, including table-top dancing and cartwheels (performed by stand-ins, of course).
What many might not know is that Christopher Walken is not a novice dancer playing a role; he is a trained and accomplished dancer. His background in tap dance dates back to his childhood, and he showcased his skills in films like “Puss in Boots” and “Pennies From Heaven.” His early career was deeply rooted in musical theatre before his transition to dramatic acting in the late 1960s. Fans of “Saturday Night Live” might recall his memorable dance performances on the show, most notably a 1992 sketch where he danced with multiple partners to Irving Berlin’s “Let’s Face the Music and Dance.” In fact, it was this very SNL appearance that sparked Spike Jonze’s idea to cast Walken in “Weapon of Choice.” Even in his non-musical film roles, Walken has often subtly incorporated dance-like movements, hinting at this underlying talent.
“Weapon of Choice” earned widespread critical acclaim, including six MTV Video Music Awards in 2001. VH1, a UK music television channel, declared it the best music video of all time in April 2002, based on a survey of musicians, directors, and music industry professionals. Walken himself has acknowledged in interviews that “Weapon of Choice” is arguably the most popular work he has ever been a part of. Interestingly, the music in the video is a slightly shorter and slower rendition of the track from Fatboy Slim’s album “Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars.” The 2021 restoration also included a subtle remix of the music. The video’s artistic merit was further recognized through screenings at art galleries and film festivals, including Resfest and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in Brisbane, highlighting its crossover appeal beyond mainstream music video culture.
Within its brief three-minute runtime, “Weapon of Choice” is packed with visual and emotional depth. Walken delivers a virtuosic and energetic tap dance performance, especially impressive considering he was 58 years old at the time of filming. His physicality is remarkable; he moves with fluidity and confidence, displaying a remarkable connection to his body that lends the performance a sense of freedom and authenticity. Walken’s signature blend of controlled chaos, dynamism, and precision is on full display. His inventive use of hotel props like luggage trolleys and architectural elements like escalators and tables adds a playful dimension to the choreography. He even incorporated a move inspired by watching raccoons near his Connecticut home, as he mentioned on Conan O’Brien, showcasing his quirky creativity.
Beyond the dance itself, the video subtly tells a story of suppressed desires and the yearning for escape. Walken’s character embodies a man trapped by routine and societal expectations, who momentarily breaks free into a fantasy of liberation before being pulled back to reality. The Marriott hotel setting in Los Angeles, with its sterile modern corporate design and dimly lit atmosphere, ironically becomes the stage for this explosion of personal expression, creating a stark contrast between the character’s inner world and his external environment. The dynamic camera work further enhances this contrast, adding a layer of playfulness to the somewhat sinister corporate backdrop. The mirrored walls, specifically constructed for the video, amplify the visual spectacle and perhaps symbolize the character’s self-reflection during this transformative moment.
In a technical analysis from a now-unavailable source cited in the original article, Audrey Doyle highlighted the use of computer software in creating the video’s seamless visual effects. Software like Combustion and inferno from Sea Level played a crucial role in removing the wires and support structures that enabled Walken’s aerial sequences. The 3D recreation of the hotel lobby in inferno allowed for the seamless compositing of Walken’s performance, even with complex perspective changes and movements.
For those wanting to delve deeper, a DVD compilation of Spike Jonze’s music videos and short films includes “Weapon of Choice,” offering a special bonus: a commentary track by Christopher Walken himself, reportedly his first and possibly only DVD commentary, providing further insight into this iconic piece of video art.
“Weapon of Choice” is more than just a music video; it’s a cinematic gem that showcases Christopher Walken’s multifaceted talent and Spike Jonze’s directorial brilliance. It’s a testament to the power of unexpected creativity and the enduring appeal of a truly original artistic vision, perfectly captured in a three-minute dance.
