History of the song "Weapon Of Choice" (2000)
Содержание
Let's take our minds off music and talk about a more "light" and fun phenomenon, such as music videos! Hundreds, maybe thousands of music videos can easily qualify for the Oscars! But there is one music video that conquered all the world charts twenty years ago... We're talking about "Weapon Of Choice" by Norman Cook, better known as Fatboy Slim.
The backstory to the "Weapon Of Choice" music video.
This is the clip that deserves the attention of the general public. And there are two reasons for that! Firstly, it was directed by Spike Jonze - the same Spike Jonze whose genius belongs to the undoubtedly gorgeous, though very strange film "Being John Malkovich" (1999).
And secondly, the main and, in fact, the only role in the clip was played by Christopher Walken, the main screen villain of the late twentieth century! When "Weapon Of Choice" was aired, many people wondered: how did Norman Cook manage to attract such a popular film star? And not just attract him, but also make him dance and do various choreographic tricks! Then many people decided that there was a mystery in this story....
But in fact, "the box simply opened". For clarity of the picture is enough to delve into Walken's biography. Despite the popularity, success and participation in famous films such as "The Deer Hunter" and "War Dogs", Christopher has never been able to realise his rich potential, to express his passion for... Actually, about this a little later.
The real success fell on him with the release of "Dead Zone" - an adaptation of the famous novel by Stephen King. The film was followed by grim roles of "ambiguous", or absolutely negative characters ... Of the most vivid such characters Walken can remember the "Hessian Horseman" from "Sleepy Hollow" and crazy gangster Hickey from "Single Hero". It is worth noting that in addition to "Weapon Of Choice" actor starred in other videos, for example in "Bad Girl" Madonna. But even there his character was not one of the nicest ....
And so we come back to the question: so what did Christopher Walken have a passion for, and why didn't he have the opportunity to shine with his potential? It would seem so strange to hear this from an actor... Alas and ah. Even in his youth, our hero performed in musical revues, and at acting school he was top of the class in tap (tap dancing)! Walken's big dream was a role in a musical, where he would finally be able to perform a couple of dance numbers ... Unfortunately, on the set of his choreographic abilities are not actually required.
"Approach" to dance Walken managed to only two projects: in the noir musical "Pennies from Heaven", and in the film "Blast from the past". But all this was not the main role, to which so aspire to every self-respecting actor ...
And so Fatboy Slim offered him a role in a music video. We can say that Cook fulfilled Walken's long-standing dream! Of course, the actor didn't even have to be persuaded to realise it. So there's no mystery in the "Weapon Of Choice" clip. Well, except for the stunning success....
Release and Achievements
In the end, the music video for "Weapon Of Choice" brought Norman Cook (DJ Fatboy Slim) 6 (!!!) awards at the MTV Video Awards!
Shortly after its release, the video was recognised as the best director and cinematography of the year! The clip won awards for best editing and design, as well as (to Walken's delight) for best choreography! Throughout the video, the actor dances in an empty hallway... It turned out very noir, in the style of Christopher Walken!