The Duellists (Dir. Ridley Scott, 1977) | Interview with actor Keith Carradine

[@TruckingToPlease]

Keith's recollection of the production of this film was so eloquent and to the point. As if they just wrapped filming it. Very humble and offering high praise to his craft, coworkers and production crew. You'd be hard pressed to find a modern actor that could come across as genuine and articulate as Keith. Truly a master performer.

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

What a very nice way to put it Mr. "Trucking to Please"! I do agree 100% with you. The whole cast was magnificent and I think this was Riddley Scott's finest film ever. The incredibly beautiful photography and the atmospheric effects remind me of "Barry Lyndon"

[@moisturisedgnome1181]

Yeah this was a wonderful reminisce on a truly great piece of filmmaking. Keith is a true gent

[@ruanniemann2604]

Im thinking he has told the story a few times.

[@carlossaraiva8213]

He has always been an unsung hero of american cinema.

[@rubberband1510]

Hi Keith

[@reynardus1359]

An absolute masterpiece. The whole movie looks like a beautifully painted canvas. One of my favorites of all time.

[@thecocktailian2091]

As a narrative I did not feel it was particularly strong. But in the visual aspect, I concur it was as if it were a classic painting brought to motion. Kieth mentioned sumptuous, a very apropos word.

[@ThomasD66]

A still life. In motion. Set to music. One of the last movies I saw at old full size projection theater.

[@alanconway94]

The Duellists is, as has often been said, a masterpiece. For me, pretty much flawless. Napoleon is not a patch on it. Having seen it once, I have no desire to see it again. I've watched The Duellists once a year since I first saw it on BBC2, in the early 1980s. I will continue to do so.

[@Diego000793]

I wholeheartedly agree with you

[@gregchijoff9959]

Me too! Alongside with Barry Lyndon!

[@nobodynothing00000]

Napoleon must have been a tax write off. Ridley has amassed an amazing fortune. Why else make such an absurd movie?

[@alanconway94]

@@nobodynothing00000 Not sure. Maybe he just felt like employing loads of people?

[@nobodynothing00000]

@@alanconway94 nice point also. I have a lot of negative opinions about money laundering in movie industry but there are great guys out there

[@sarahmarks6743]

He is an actor of the highest calibre. Never a bad performance , very underrated in America but more importantly a humble well rounded soul.

[@pavkis9249]

Keith Carradine is such a nice guy and movie is truly a masterpiece.

[@user-st4gq2ox8m]

With Mr. Carradine's knowledge, what kind of film could he make and leave us with? Just asking.

[@OverSooll]

A masterpiece narrated by a classy, talented and sincerely humble Keith

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

Absolutely!!!

[@Chilly_Billy]

One of my favorite actors.

[@lennarthagen3638]

David Keith? Keith David? Keith Flint?

[@rmkiels]

Narrated by Stacy Keach

[@jollyjohnthepirate3168]

Fantastic movie. The history nerd in me always recommends this one. Unfortunately, no one usually knows anything about this masterpiece.

[@imixmuan9081]

One of my top five. Brazil, Ran, Kagemusha, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, The Duellists. Not in that order. Great time for movies (78-88).

[@pbuk9654]

Wow. He really picks up every detail and recalls it like it happened yesterday. Carradine speaks very highly about everyone involved in the production. He speaks so generously. A very admirable man.

[@griffith500tvr]

The duellists is one of my top 10 movies of all time. Kubricks Barry Lyndon fits perfectly into this list.

[@citizenVader]

Funny.. I just saw making of Barry Lyndon, and wrote there is only one other movie that has captured the period, as it is. It's frame by frame almost a picture as we see the pictures were made in the time it's depicted.

[@Rosebudbublegum]

Barry Lyndon was a shit except for the cinematography,

[@clivedavies5618]

By coincidence the same actress plays the girl friend of Harvey Keitel in the opening of "Duellists" and Ryan O Neil's in the opening of "Barry Lyndon"

[@citizenVader]

@@clivedavies5618 nice detail..

[@davidanderson6100]

Liked it a lot, the sad thing is that the movie wouldn't be made today, no robots or monsters.

[@aldosam5317]

An extremely classy gentleman and great actor

[@vincentderrico8034]

At the time this came out , I was beginning training as an academic fencer, so I went to see it. This was also before I also became an actor, which I eventually performed many roles onstage with blades. Now, when I watch this film, it means so much more to me and this documentary simply blew me away. My gratitude for showing this is never ending.

[@momentumflux8863]

seems like you lead a good, fulfilling life. When I read your comment I felt a sense of weight. Wish you all the best, man! :)

[@MrJackWorse]

Had no idea this was Scott's first movie. That and the small budget make it even more impressive. Such a good movie.

[@guntertorfs6486]

Very articulate actor without even a sheen of fakeness or pretence , unlike some other ' artistes' and thespians.

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

Very true. A great actor and an even greater man. Dignified and without any affectation or pretence, a true gentleman

[@ronbo11]

His entire family were so well-trained and disciplined as actors, starting with the amazing father, John Carridine. I love watching Walter Hill's "The Long Riders" to see the Carradines as the Cole brothers, the Keach boys as the James brothers, the Quaids as the Millers and the Guest sons as the Ford brothers. Perfect casting for the James-Younger Gang.

[@griffith500tvr]

Keith was always one of my favourite actors, clearly audible here is also an intelligent mind.

[@TheWolfgangfritz]

The accomplishments of Ridley Scott just boggles the mind! To showcase such a masterpiece as your entry into the world of cinematography shows very clearly that one is in the presence of genius! Even now (2023) at the age of 85 he is still in top form presenting a new film almost every two years. He has almost 30 films to his name and everyone has been stunning!

[@nobodynothing00000]

he had made commercials for over 20 years before he directed his first feature

[@Noir62]

I wish there existed a similar interview with Harvey Keitel. It would be nice to see what he felt during the filming.

[@petethehawk5186]

You just don’t get movies like this today. Highly crafted, beautiful, subtle and yet powerful as well. One of my absolute favorites.

[@cezarsellsrealestate1005]

Whenever there’s another remake of “Three Musketeers” everybody knows who wrote the book. Such great story as the one told in “The Duelists” also deserves to mention the creator of the original novel. Without his talent and ability to masterfully use English, which was not his native language, without his legendary attention to detail, there would be one masterpiece of cinematography less. The story was researched and written by none other than Joseph Conrad aka Józef Korzeniowski. Great story chosen by great director certainly led here to choosing the right cast and crew. And then to abundance of truly artistic results.

[@goobfilmcast4239]

The atmosphere and aesthetic of the movie draws you in.......it will be watched with great admiration 75 or 100 years from now.

[@MB-oc1nw]

As a Napoleonic enthusiast I can say this film really captured the period in every regard....an absolute visual feast

[@JohnInTheShelter]

One of the BEST Ridley Scott films. I bought it on VHS because I SO loved ALIEN and BLADE RUNNER... And I LOVED it. If you love Scott, you really, really. REALLY need to see this. Almost half a century later, it remains one of Scott's very best movies.

[@MasterJediDude]

Keith Carradine is one of the best, under-appreciated actors out there. I’d like to see more of his talent shown these days. He’s always been an amazing man, kind and well-spoken. I’d love to see him in the new Amazon production for Warhammer 40,000, along with Henry Cavill.

[@blumenthol]

He appears to have an appreciation for historical accuracy - that is refreshing coming from Hollywood. Great movie all the way around.

[@John-gr4td]

Out performed 95% of the movies in the last 10 years with billions in the budget.. Great movie filled with great actors..

[@gbgentry9295]

I love Keith Carradine. He is such a class act.

[@lobstermash]

I think he's a good judge of scripts - he seems to almost always be in good films. I can only remember once seeing him in a bad film, can't remember what it was. Another reliable indicator is John Cusack - if he's in it it will be worth watching.

[@48thRonin...]

I finished watching this wonderful film this evening, Just about perfect. Top 10 for sure.

[@njuham]

Up there with One-eyed Jacks.

[@mikael8763]

@@njuham and barry lyndon

[@SAVikingSA]

This film is a hidden gem, but you have to be a very particular sort of viewer to really enjoy it. It's definitely not a casual popcorn date night movie.

[@squamish4244]

It is a history buff's film.

[@kingjoe3rd]

I don't even think you need to be a "history buff" to enjoy it but it certainly helps to know certain details especially when it comes to specific events like the harrowing retreat from Russia.

[@rudolphschmidt313]

@@squamish4244 That is so cringe I can't believe you really just said that. I bet you go out of your way to tell ppl you're a "history buff" when really you just know basic shit everyone should know.

[@squamish4244]

@@rudolphschmidt313 I just meant that people who like history are probably going to appreciate the film the most. Jesus Christ, take a chill pill Rudolph.

[@artlover1477]

@@rudolphschmidt313 Hey Rudy, I consider myself a "History Buff" and I agreed with his statement.

[@cheeseandonions9558]

I love how smart people can express themselves smartly...

[@Maza675]

Lol. If this was an intentionally funny comment, then bravo.

[@alfonsorodriguez799]

First saw it by chance in HBO in 1984 in my hotel in Charleston, SC, while waiting for my military flight to Germany the next day. I was back then an army captain. This film is in one word, “glorious”. Hardly found in streaming services anymore so I bough my own copy. Looking as a big budget film and being the opposite, it is a great example of mastery of film making by one of the top film directors of all time. A CLASSIC!🎉

[@Skammee]

Veteran actor Keith Carradine was superb in the role of Armand d'Hubert . Interesting the film was made for very little money and how Keith says it helped with the quality of the film which is a testament to the director and everyone else involved . He even mentions how having an unlimited budget is not always a good thing . Very good overview of the film by Keith .

[@southwerk]

One of the great films of my life. I was deeply impressed.

[@biffphuddle6581]

One of my favorite films. As a history buff... reenactor... and former military man myself this film really sends you back in time... it captures both the romantic and tragic spirit of the Napolianic age.

[@stretmediq]

One of the best actor interviews I've ever seen 👏

[@wrennobrien2077]

The story about the coach being painted two colours and shot from different angles is magic. "Necessity is the mother of invention "

[@matthewh.9544]

Keith was fantastic with his generous contribution. You can hear his father's voice instantly.

[@fabiengerard8142]

👌

[@nicksambidesjr.7537]

He was marvelous in Deadwood. Really gave the project an infusion of class when it needed it.

[@c3aloha]

Also Fargo TV series

[@JeffreySykes]

Agree! I first saw him as a kid in the tv miniseries Chiefs. He played the villain Foxy Funderburke.

[@TheGIT13]

Just came across this interview and had to post a comment to support what others have already said. The Duellists is a masterpiece of film making and Keith Carradine did a wonderful job of recalling so many fine details of the making of the movie. Keith is a truly humble and excellent gentleman and actor, and this interview has helped reinforce the love I already have for the movie. His shout out to Bill Hobbs was particularly appreciated by me as I have collected a number of movies over the years specifically because Bill did the fight choreography. Finally, for anyone who hasn't watched The Duellists, do yourself a favour and watch it, and then maybe do yourself a further favour and watch Barry Lyndon.

[@darkcommission]

One of the most beautiful aspects of this film are the set piece scene openings where the actors and the set are arranged as in an oil painting. True excellence in a directorial debut and on such a low budget too. Magnificent.

[@deaterk]

My sentiments mirror yours! I have made this exact statement when recommending the film to uninitiated friends.

[@dalkapur]

Agreed 100%. Strangely Keith does not refer to this.

[@meg2231]

he's incredibly articulate. I could probably listen to him breakdown any film haha I was entranced

[@Deckr0mancer]

This film absolutely has gotten better and better with time

[@rw8147]

Absolutely one of my favorite films. So glad to see these reminisces.

[@ginojaco]

A superb monologue from an excellent actor about a matchless film. 🙂

[@bristleconepinus2378]

the cinematography on this film was fantastic, so spare and setting the mood of the film. their ego's were as large as their hats

[@timtate226]

This is a wonderful and special movie. I would love to see it on the big screen. Cinematics are beautiful; like 18th century paintings almost.

[@paulcheney3636]

A fantastic film. I never miss a chance to recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it

[@realhorrorshow8547]

I've loved this film for 40 years - not old enough to see it originally - I love it still. Not least for the accuracy of its swordsmanship.

[@bronsonhilliard6841]

This remains, in my mind, Scott's best film. Great characters. Amazing scenes. Most of the movie looks like a painting.

[@jamesmoore9511]

To me one of the best movies ever - way back then I paid to see it twice in one week and now own the dvd of it, indeed a masterpiece.

[@wz7285]

From the moment I saw it many years ago, I saw it was a Masterpiece!

[@gwcstudio]

One of my favorite films. Ridley Scott's work has been a part of the tapestry of my life.

[@swordfish7165]

I've always loved this film ... in my top 30 ... extraordinary what was achieved on such a small budget ... very gracious & articulate commentary from Keith Carradine.

[@ignacior.3063]

Officially my favourite movie of all time. Carradine's character, Armand D'Hubert, had a huge impact on me.

[@milgeekmedia]

A great documentary about a great piece of cinema. I hung on every word .

[@robertoservadei4766]

One of the best films I've ever seen.

[@davidmacnab5213]

What an amazingly eloquent discussion. I learned so much about one of my favourite movies!

[@dabreu]

I saw it twice. I would like to let Keith Carradine know how much I love to watch in the movies. Because hse said he doesn't like to see himself. I adore! Such a great and charming actor.

[@marvinc9994]

Ridley's experience in making TV commercials (limited-time story-telling on a small budget) REALLY paid off!

[@bkmeahan]

One of my favorite movies of all time. Never would have guessed it was such a small budget film. Just shows what an amazing talent 'Ridley Scott is.

[@halsinden]

what an absolute gem carradine is.

[@donwild50]

I love the one perfect line in the film where a Royalist, newly returned to power after Napoleon's fall, calls D'Hubert on his career with the Emperor's army and infers that in D'Hubert's new rank in the restoration Bourbon army he's being something of an opportunist. He questions how easily D'Hubert has apparently embraced the return of the monarchy. And D'Hubert, who is quite aware of the beliefs of former Napoleonic officers who are now serving the King, pauses briefly and then says "You will find more realists than Royalists in the Army." He knows those Bonapartists are still professional soldiers...who rationally know that Napoleon is gone now...and if they want to remain in the military, they have to support the restored regime, even if they look at it with some disdain.

[@at8630]

This film demonstrates that great movies can be made without big budgets. Keith is a class 'act'or.

[@CsnvLsRnst]

The only thing I would point out about this wonderful interview, is that at 14:10 when Keith Carradine is talking about Christina Raines playing the role of Adele, whoever edited it often confuses Raines with Diana Quick, who plays Laura (D'Hubert's former girlfriend).

[@issyjas3309]

One of the greatest movies ever made, stands repeated watchings as there’s so much going on behind the rivalry.

[@drewlawrence696]

One of my all time favourite films. Great actors, great cinematography, great soundtrack....just great 😊

[@squamish4244]

I had been a fan of Ridley Scott's since I watched Blade Runner when I was about 16 and didn't know about this film until 25 years later, but I'm glad I found it! It is incredible that it was made for so little money but looks so rich. It has great rewatchability.

[@momentumflux8863]

When new people stumble into my life, this is among the first movies I show to amaze them. The magnificent simplicity of the setup allows the strong and wonderful characters to radiate, the fighting scenes are raw, visceral, realistic, aesthetically pleasing and very competently helmed. What a jewel! Nah, enough swooning for today! ^^

[@tudorm6838]

I saw it - the movie - at the cinema. Masterpiece. The best cinematic image of all time.

[@mootpointjones8488]

Wonderful actor, always a pleasure to see his work.

[@georgemm5]

This was great, Thank you so much for doing it and making it available. The Duellists is one of my top 5 favorite films of all time.

[@DavidMoore-bl7gb]

Watched this movie since I was 11 years old.. love it every time.

[@kellyharrison5184]

I just watched this film again after nearly forty years. It REALLY holds up! Gorgeous, suspenseful and well-written.

[@DA-kg4fw]

Great interview. Love hearing about all the behind the scenes work that was done on this film.

[@chrismorrison3696]

There are shots in this film that made me realize that this is the closest I will ever be able to get to that period. Napoleon is never depicted in the film and it doesn't matter. Using ONLY natural lighting there are scenes of such beauty...like the carriage going down the street with the coach master wearing a tall top hat foreshadowing the future. Just a brilliant film. The music is amazing as well.

[@Getoffmycloud53]

Keith Carradine has all right to be proud of this role and movie, it is imo a perfect movie. Story, visuals, cast, acting, music, costumes, dueling - all in balance. Listening to his background story makes me appreciate it even more. One of if not my favorite movie of all time.

[@gregchijoff9959]

Listening to Keith is such a pleasure. Such a recollection, like it was filmed yesterday. And what encyclopaedic knowledge!

[@nigelbarker8726]

"Stay away from him. Stay ahead of him. Put your trust in Bonaparte."

[@Calypso694]

Watched this last year. Simply amazing. We need great duels like this again.

[@DagwoodDogwoggle]

"Sometimes I think films are ruined because they have too much money." Carradine nailed it. George Lucas and Star Wars 1977 anyone?

[@gouvyrock]

great movie-great actors-great music -great director-great images--one of my favorite movies of all time !!!!!

[@alexius23]

Carradine was marvelously articulate….

[@Johnconno]

At getting Diana Quick confused with Cristina Ricci? 😂

[@kingjoe3rd]

​@@Johnconno he said Christina Raines (which was his girlfriend back then) who played Adele in the movie. Diana Quick played his other lover in the movie named Laura.

[@kingjoe3rd]

@@Johnconno whoever edited this though was showing Laura when he was talking about Adele which may has confused some.

[@greva2904]

@@kingjoe3rd It confused me!

[@mauricioduron3193]

​@@Johnconno Keith C. was not involved in the editing.

[@FilCanJay]

The Duellist was such a great movie. It's definitely a top movie before you die.

[@philwaters9751]

Excellent. Thank you daedolon and thanks also the Kieth carradine for that superb commentary. It IS a masterful piece, and Kieths other work, most notably with Alan Rudolph into the 80's deserves a few detailed looks also. I for one would love to hear his comments on much of his back catalogue. He clearly has a sense of perspective often either lacking or hidden under layers of ego when compared to other actors of his time. Thanks again... xxx ;-)

[@Chaos8282]

Always had a great appreciation for this film as a reenactor. 7 years war as opposed to Napoleonic, but still. Really great 3/4 of a century that doesn't get too much attention.

[@pamusso1466]

One of my favorite films since stumbling upon it on cable tv as a teen. Wonderful to see Keith's recollections of its production.

[@timecone57]

Keith has a great memory for sure. Very interesting

[@watchful1168]

This film was brilliant…

[@Hyporama]

Exquisite film. Masterful interview

[@rogeryenf9371]

Keith Carradine what a true gentleman.

[@florescentadolescent8534]

Loved this movie since I was 10 or 11, one of the first we put to VHS, I watched it constantly. LOVED the score.

[@carlossaraiva8213]

Fell inlove with this movie the first time i watched it on VHS back in 1988. I wish Carradine and Scott had worked agsin since as the two are a good match.

[@tonysmith7564]

This is in my opinion one of the best ever short films of Ridley Scotts work. As an ardent fan of Scott and Mr Carradine, I am as he indicated in this film a cineist with a copy of the film on DVD.

[@davidschlageter5962]

The duel on horseback is possibly the best scene in a movie ever. It still gives me chills.

[@leonardoalachecoello4834]

Que película más maravillosa, la historia narrada, las imágenes, colores y ambientes. Es simplemente una de mis favoritas.

[@blueband8114]

This is exactly what I want in a film. A good story that's believable. Great cinematography. Good acting, with no gung ho and CGI nonsense. I've seen this film numerous times, and if it was on right now, I'd watch again.

[@artisaprimus6306]

A great movie, in the Seventies and today. Beautiful locations, sets, costumes, great actors and an amazing story. It's based on a true story which is even more important.

[@braddywarbucks]

Saw it for the first time this week. Fantastic. Its been sitting there for 46 years waiting for me to discover it. :)

[@patrickcannady2066]

It was a good film, I enjoyed it very much. Carradine and Keitel were terrific in it, and every frame was a painting.

[@patrickcannady2066]

I was very familiar with Napoleonic history and military paintings of the era and it made that history breathe for me

[@SpecialK234]

Superb interview. Just watched this for the first time and it’s timeless. Much like Barry Lyndon.

[@sadjaxx]

So wonderful to listen to an intelligent artist seriously discussing his craft.

[@patrickholland6848]

A great actor from a family of great actors. John was a of the all time greats and still is.