Dancing Christopher Walken: Unpacking His Iconic ‘Weapon of Choice’ Performance

Spike Jonze, the visionary director behind memorable music videos for artists like Bjork, Weezer, and Beastie Boys, cemented his reputation with Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice” in 2001. The video became instantly iconic, largely due to the mesmerizing presence of acclaimed actor Christopher Walken. But a question lingered in many viewers’ minds: did Christopher Walken really dance in that hotel lobby, seemingly defying gravity? And was he actually flown on wires across the ceiling? Let’s delve into the story behind this groundbreaking music video and uncover the truth about Christopher Walken’s captivating dance performance.

Walken, known for his intense and often enigmatic roles in films like True Romance, Pulp Fiction, and The Deer Hunter, might seem an unlikely candidate for a dance-heavy music video. However, Spike Jonze tapped into a lesser-known aspect of Walken’s past: his extensive dance training. Before Hollywood beckoned, Walken honed his skills at the Washington Dance Studio, even contemplating a career in dance. While acting ultimately became his primary path, his passion for dance never truly faded.

This hidden talent occasionally surfaced throughout his acting career. In 1981, Walken showcased his dance abilities in the film adaptation of the musical drama Pennies From Heaven. Furthermore, his recurring appearances on Saturday Night Live frequently provided opportunities for him to display his unique dance moves. It was these SNL performances that caught Spike Jonze’s eye, planting the seed for their future collaboration.

Jonze, having previously collaborated with Fatboy Slim (Norman Cook) on the acclaimed “Praise You” video featuring the “Torrance Community Dance Group,” sought to elevate his next dance-focused project.

Fatboy Slim – Praise You [Official Video]

Jonze explained his concept to The Nine Club in 2018, describing a vision inspired by the mundane experience of airport hotels. He envisioned “the fantasy that kind of comes out of that” repetitive and numbing environment, leading to the idea of dance as an escape.

Norman Cook recounted the pivotal phone call from Jonze after discussing the video concept with Walken. Walken expressed his desire to capture his dancing on film while he still could. Jonze immediately contacted Cook, exclaiming, “Mr. Walken tap-dancing in the video!” Cook’s enthusiastic response sealed the deal, setting the stage for an unforgettable collaboration.

For Christopher Walken, “Weapon of Choice” was more than just a music video; it was a realization of a long-held dream. As he later revealed, musicals held a special place in his heart. “If somebody asks me if I want to go see a show, my choice is almost always musicals,” Walken admitted. He even mused that in an earlier era of cinema, he might have found himself in numerous musical films.

The video shoot took place at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, just before Christmas in 2000. While Norman Cook was initially планировал to make 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 was thrilled with the final product. He highlighted the irony and humor of seeing an actor renowned for playing intense characters engaging in “silly un-psychopathic dancing.” This unexpected juxtaposition became a key element of the video’s charm and widespread appeal.

Walken himself found the experience enjoyable and effortless. He praised “Weapon of Choice” as a “very catchy tune” with a “deliberate almost drum-like beat,” perfectly suited for tap dancing. He even drew a parallel between tap dancers and drummers, emphasizing the rhythmic nature of the dance form.

Christopher Walken in Fatboy Slim's Weapon Of Choice video. Picture: YouTube

The “Weapon of Choice” video resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. It garnered six MTV Music Video Awards in 2001 and the Grammy Award for Best Music Video in 2002. To date, it has amassed over 54 million views on YouTube, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.

In 2021, the video underwent a stunning 4K High Definition restoration, spearheaded by Oliver Maingay of Vanderquest. The restoration process involved scanning the original 35mm film and meticulously enhancing the visual quality. Maingay explained that the team carefully addressed the original footage, removing visible wires and rigs used for Walken’s aerial sequences. They even subtly added a portrait of Fatboy Slim to a blank wall, enhancing the video’s connection to the artist.

Image: A comparison still showcasing the difference between the 4K upgraded version and the standard version of “Weapon of Choice,” highlighting the improved clarity.

The 4K restoration allows viewers to appreciate Christopher Walken’s remarkable dance performance with even greater clarity and detail, ensuring that his iconic moves continue to captivate audiences for generations to come. “Weapon of Choice” stands as a testament to the power of unexpected collaborations and the enduring magic of Christopher Walken’s dancing talent, forever immortalized in this unforgettable music video.