Theatrical combat doesn't seem real enough

[Vance Osterhout]

Has any one seen "the Duellists"? I've heard it described as the most realistic fencing on screen. I've watched it a few times and it seems pretty realistic. The fight with Cavalry sabres, Rapiers, sabre on horseback. Very good Napoleanic costuming as well.

[Jaron Bernstein]

Has any one seen "the Duellists"? I've heard it described as the most realistic fencing on screen. I've watched it a few times and it seems pretty realistic. The fight with Cavalry sabres, Rapiers, sabre on horseback. Very good Napoleanic costuming as well.

The first big Ridley Scott film I know this film well. The opening duel (Feroud vs. the mayor's nephew) was actually with small swords and very well done in showing someone who knows what they are doing against a "buffalo". The rapier was largely gone from use by the Napoleonic era. The other one I really liked was the Feroud vs. D'Hubbert with small swords. Watch at the very end of that scene as Feroud voids way off line to the side and pokes D'hubbert in the lung. Scanso della vita as Capo Ferro might have called it.

[Vance Osterhout]

Thanks for the Correction and the movie critique. I'm glad to hear someone who knows better that thinks it was decently done.

[LafayetteCCurtis]

Some time ago I posted an essay about the differences between theatrical and "real" fighting on my blog:

http://l-clausewitz.livejournal.com/313664.html

It's geared more towards the consumption of fiction writers and readers (and movie audiences), but I guess it also does a fair job at summarizing the ideas for a more genral audience. And I'd certainly be glad for any criticism that the ARMAteers (and other people) here can offer for the article.