The Duellists

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Cast & Crew

Keith Carradine
D'Hubert

Harvey Keitel
Feraud

Albert Finney
Fouche

Edward Fox
Colonel

Cristina Raines
Adele

Robert Stephens
Gen. Treillard

Tom Conti
Dr. Jacquin

John McEnery
Chevalier

Ridley Scott
Director

Gerald Vaughan-Hughes
Writer

Joseph Conrad
Writer

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Critic Reviews for The Duellists

Audience Reviews for The Duellists

• Dec 07, 2013

  Ridley Scott's feature film debut is perhaps his most distinctive. Set in the Napoleonic age, the film follows the feud of two army officers, a feud that lasts nearly 16 years, encompassing several duels. It's a mature effort, one that relies on its great cast and cinematography for its dramatic heft. It's a film that represents some of Scott's best tendencies, while also illustrating his later growth. The Duelists is not a thriller by any stretch of the imagination. It's a drama, and a fine period piece. The story is surprisingly simple and yet inexplicable. The actions of Feraud appear obfuscated, a man driven by an intense hatred and bizarre notions of honor, which simply mask for immense insecurity. In this sense, Harvey Keitel is unsettling, inhabiting his character in a way that is hard to pin down. The low-key, gentlemanly Keith Carradine is the perfect juxtaposition, and makes for one of the most successful elements of the film. The film's visual sense is almost impeccable. Scott brings his characteristic visual ingenuity to full effect, reminiscent almost of Stanley Kubrick, in that it's the scenes visual tendencies that drive the film. The period piece elements are also well down, capturing a beautiful yet flawed era. The film does have its problems, however. Scott is never able to achieve the level of dramatic engagement or tension here as he does in his later films, a symptom of a sluggish pace, but also of a script that is elusive in its characterizations. We see interesting characters, yet we're never completely let in. Scenes linger a bit too long, and tension rarely builds itself. Overall, an interesting and impressive film debut. 3.5/5 Stars
  Jeffrey M Super Reviewer
• Jan 23, 2013

  Ridley Scott's The Duellists is an impressive period piece and a stunning first full length feature of a director who would carve himself a unique style and become one of the best directors in cinema. The film shows the early stages of what would make Ridley Scott a stunning director. The Duellists is a compelling picture that mixes drama and action in the Napoleonic era. The cast do a fine in their performances and Keith Carradine and Harvey Keitel are wonderful to watch on-screen. I really love period dramas as they reflect the most interesting aspects of history. The film looks great, is well acted and the plot is sure to appeal to cinema buffs that enjoy history based movies. The look of the film was heavily influenced by Stanley Kubrick's Barry Lyndon, and the result is a movie that looks absolutely wonderful. The sets and costumes are authentic to the time period and the result is a film that definitely belongs on the list of the best looking and best told historical dramas. Ridley Scott's direction is wonderful as well, and the film has effective pacing that you involved in the action and drama and above all, the well layered story. If you enjoy Ridley Scott's body of work, give his debut a look, it is well worth watching due to its cast, story and look. The film's obvious strong points are the sword fights, which make up the core of the story. This is a highly engaging film that is among the very best of period pieces. The Duellists is only rivaled by Kubrick's Barry Lyndon, also worth seeing. Both are fine pieces of cinema, but this one has a bit more action, which may appeal more viewers that enjoy a better paced movie rather than a massive epic.
  Alex r Super Reviewer
• Feb 23, 2011

  At the beginning I was growing a little bored with this film, a lot of talk and nothing much interesting at that. Slowly you do get a sense of the two main characters and who they are, what they want, and there is the plot. Two soldiers at each others throats through the Napoleonic era from a simple silly cross of words. It sounds almost stupid but the story shows great human emotion as you follow Carradine's character, watching him grow weary and tired of the feud. Whilst at the same time Keitel is perfect as the egotistical and virtually combat obsessed Feraud who loves a good duel. Feraud's quick temper and short fuse causing the main quibble and many others throughout the story. As time passes we see both characters change and grow in terms of attitudes and maturity as well as looks and styles throughout the age. This is where we see Ridley Scott's attention to detail and his master of visual art. The film looks stunning all the way through from start to finish, the costumes are lavish and accurate right down to the buttons on the men's tunic's (certainly looks that way anyway). The sets are small but look highly authentic whilst the landscapes of Europe are sensational! How Scott got the shots as he wanted is beyond me because it looks as though he made a deal with God for some, he must have waited some time for just the right weather to arrive. Whats more amazing is this was all achieved with no CGI assistance of course. Its all very real which makes it even more impressive and shows just what you can do if you put in some hard graft and really really care about what your doing without simply relying on the lazy digital way out. You would never guess this was made 34 years ago now, the stunning visuals and story play out just as well as any modern historical epic. The sword fights may be few and far between but look perfectly realistic, it really does look as though the men are really having to think about their next move, what they're gonna do next to try and survive. No fancy over the top movements, stunts or showboating for the camera here, its all very strategic looking. I loved the way D'Hubert pauses just before the start of one duel to simply sneeze. Intended? I don't know but its a nice little touch that just makes the moment that little bit more realistic...and aristocratic. Seeing as this was Ridley Scott's first film its a hell of start and really shows his potential. The only thing I would say is the film makes you wanna see more of the history going on around the main characters, alas you don't really see much. Its tantalising and hints at it making you want more but the story feels a tad restricted at times. Watching these two chaps bicker like children over nothing in a very polite way can get a tiny bit stale, but overall you still can't help but adore what you're seeing.
  Phil H Super Reviewer
• Jan 13, 2011

  Drawn out to the point of boredom.
  Marion R Super Reviewer

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