The year was 1977. At the time no
one heard of or knew about Ridley Scott. However, after the
release of The Duellists people started to notice the
talent in him. This film is a great character study of two
completely different men in a time plagued by grim life and
violence. Keith Carradine and Harvey Keitel are excellent as
D'Hubert and Feraud, respectively.
The Duellists takes place
during the grand, sweeping Napoleonic age and spans well over
ten years. When D'Hubert, an officer in the French army,
unwittingly insults another officer a life-long hatred results.
The other officer, Feraud, has a bad temper and is prone to
violent acts. Both these men cross swords time and time again in
an attempt to achieve justice and preserve their respective
honor. The film spends a fine two hours chronicling these fights
and their struggle to gain the upper hand.
Ridley Scott and his production
team captured beautiful landscapes on film. These landscapes
accentuate the film's violent and mysterious time period. They
also created exciting fights and moments of intense action.
The Duellists is a stunning visual achievement.
However, the story and script
takes center stage. Without the intellectual characters and
dialogue, The Duellists would have suffered a major
setback, but this is not the case. This film succeeds on many
levels and really deserves much more recognition among Scott's
other praised films.
8
out of 10
The
Video
Presented in
the 1.85:1 format, the picture looks good considering its age.
Picture quality is pretty good, but tiny, black scratches are
noticeable throughout the film. Enhancing the picture are the
beautiful sets and locations used.
8
out of 10
The
Audio
The Dolby Digital track makes
great use of the front and rear speakers. The lovely sound
design and sound effects flourish well over the many fighting
duels. This track impressed me very much and deserves praise.
9
out of 10
The
Extras
Labeled a special collector's
edition, The Duellists is filled with worthy and exciting
extras.
- Commentary by Director Ridley
Scott
- Commentary and Isolated score by
Howard Blake
- Duelling Directors: Ridley Scott
and Kevin Reynolds featurette
- "Boy and Bicycle" - Ridley
Scott's first short film
- Photo Galleries
- Storyboards
- Theatrical trailers
8
out of 10
Overall
The Duellists
is a very good film. It's as simple as that. The two central
characters are portrayed well by Carradine and Keitel. Scott has
created a visually stunning film. Picture and audio quality
impressed.
