Artist: Fatboy Slim | Album: Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars (2000) | Song: Weapon of Choice
Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice” music video is a groundbreaking work of art that has captivated audiences and influenced music videos for years to come. The video features actor Christopher Walken dancing and flying through a hotel lobby, creating a surreal and captivating visual experience that perfectly complements the song’s upbeat, infectious energy.
Directed by Spike Jonze, the “Weapon of Choice” video was released in 2001 and quickly became a viral sensation. The video features Walken, who is known for his distinctive acting style and unique physical presence, dancing and jumping around the empty lobby of the Marriott Hotel in Los Angeles.
The video’s most memorable moment comes when Walken suddenly starts to fly, soaring through the air and performing intricate dance moves with effortless grace. The sequence is a masterclass in visual effects and choreography, seamlessly blending computer-generated imagery with live-action footage to create a truly mesmerizing experience.
The “Weapon of Choice” video is notable not just for its stunning visuals, but also for its groundbreaking approach to music videos as an art form. At a time when music videos were becoming increasingly formulaic and predictable, the “Weapon of Choice” video showed that music videos could be much more than just a promotional tool for a song.
The video won numerous awards, including six MTV Video Music Awards and a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video. It has also been credited with influencing a generation of music videos, with many artists and directors citing it as a major source of inspiration.
In addition to its technical achievements, the “Weapon of Choice” video also showcases the unique talents of Christopher Walken, who proves himself to be a remarkably gifted dancer and performer. Walken’s combination of athleticism, grace, and quirky charm make him a perfect match for Fatboy Slim’s irreverent, high-energy music.
Overall, the “Weapon of Choice” music video is a true masterpiece of its form, showcasing the best of what music videos can achieve as an art form. Its impact can still be felt today, nearly 20 years after its release, and it remains a must-see for music fans and lovers of great visual storytelling alike.