Making a place for himself among critically acclaimed directors like Christopher Nolan and Martin Scorsese, Denis Villeneuve has turned himself into an extraordinary icon following his take on Dune. While previously the novels were considered “unadaptable” following David Lynch and Alejandro Jodorowsky’s failed attempts, Villeneuve proved his capabilities with his sequels.
Acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve | image: Film at Lincoln Center
Apart from Dune, Denis Villeneuve also has other acclaimed projects like Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, and more under his belt. But much like most filmmakers, even Villeneuve’s proficiency comes from his appreciation for cinematic brilliance. Naming a few of his favorite films of all time during an interview with BBC Radio 1, the filmmaker held one movie in high regard that he even paid homage to in Dune.
Denis Villeneuve’s Appreciation for Cinematic Gems
Following the release of Dune sequels, starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, French-Canadian director...
Acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve | image: Film at Lincoln Center
Apart from Dune, Denis Villeneuve also has other acclaimed projects like Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, and more under his belt. But much like most filmmakers, even Villeneuve’s proficiency comes from his appreciation for cinematic brilliance. Naming a few of his favorite films of all time during an interview with BBC Radio 1, the filmmaker held one movie in high regard that he even paid homage to in Dune.
Denis Villeneuve’s Appreciation for Cinematic Gems
Following the release of Dune sequels, starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, French-Canadian director...
- 3/25/2024
- by Krittika Mukherjee
- FandomWire
Lady Margot is crucial to the Dune universe, though her role was largely omitted in film adaptations. Léa Seydoux's portrayal in Dune: Part Two differs slightly from the character in the book. Seydoux is connected to the failed Jodorowsky's Dune movie through her great-uncle, a producer on the project.
Dune: Part Two introduced audiences to Lady Margot Fenring actress Léa Seydoux, who has an interesting connection to the franchise. Lady Margot plays a crucial role in Prelude to Dune and also appears in Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel. However, Lady Margot was omitted completely from David Lynch’s 1984 Dune movie and has a limited presence in Denis Villeneuve's sequel. Nevertheless, the Bene Gesserit agent is an undeniably important character. Many of Lady Margot’s decisions and actions yield incredibly powerful effects on the Dune universe at large and set various plot events in motion.
Given her absence in Dune: Part One,...
Dune: Part Two introduced audiences to Lady Margot Fenring actress Léa Seydoux, who has an interesting connection to the franchise. Lady Margot plays a crucial role in Prelude to Dune and also appears in Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel. However, Lady Margot was omitted completely from David Lynch’s 1984 Dune movie and has a limited presence in Denis Villeneuve's sequel. Nevertheless, the Bene Gesserit agent is an undeniably important character. Many of Lady Margot’s decisions and actions yield incredibly powerful effects on the Dune universe at large and set various plot events in motion.
Given her absence in Dune: Part One,...
- 3/24/2024
- by Sophia Yakumithis
- ScreenRant.com
Since the release of Denis Villeneuve's two-part adaptation of Dune, much attention was brought to Frank Herbert's original novel of the same name. Herbert's book is regarded by many as one of the most important works of fiction ever written, and as one of the most influential science-fiction stories ever told. The same, however, can't be said for Dune's first film adaptation, directed by David Lynch in 1984. At the time of its release, Dune (1984) received a chilly and even downright hostile reception. Things got so bad that Lynch disowned it, and demanded his name be replaced with "Alan Smithee" in the credits.
In contrast, Dune: Part Two received a much warmer welcome that was even more positive than what its immediate predecessor got. Despite Villeneuve's Dune duology being heralded as the "savior" of modern cinema and sci-fi, it didn't bury the book's previous adaptations. In fact,...
In contrast, Dune: Part Two received a much warmer welcome that was even more positive than what its immediate predecessor got. Despite Villeneuve's Dune duology being heralded as the "savior" of modern cinema and sci-fi, it didn't bury the book's previous adaptations. In fact,...
- 3/23/2024
- by Hannah Rose
- Comic Book Resources
James McAvoy has been in the entertainment industry since he was a teenager. When he made his debut as an actor in The Near Room in 1995, he was not much interested in becoming an actor. However, that changed soon and he ended up going to the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. He graduated from the academy in 2000.
James McAvoy in X-Men: Apocalypse
Since then, he has worked with numerous great directors such as Steven Spielberg and Matthew Vaughn. Long before he gained recognition with his roles in the X-Men film series and The Chronicles of Narnia, McAvoy appeared in the miniseries Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune. However, he refused to give any advice to Timothee Chalamet when his movie Dune was about to be released in 2021.
James McAvoy Refused to Give Advice to Timothee Chalamet
James McAvoy in Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune
One has to...
James McAvoy in X-Men: Apocalypse
Since then, he has worked with numerous great directors such as Steven Spielberg and Matthew Vaughn. Long before he gained recognition with his roles in the X-Men film series and The Chronicles of Narnia, McAvoy appeared in the miniseries Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune. However, he refused to give any advice to Timothee Chalamet when his movie Dune was about to be released in 2021.
James McAvoy Refused to Give Advice to Timothee Chalamet
James McAvoy in Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune
One has to...
- 3/16/2024
- by Ankita
- FandomWire
Adapting Frank Herbert's "Dune" novel series to the big screen is no small feat. The scale of Herbert's world-building and the complex optics of the thematic threads that run through the story are fairly tricky to translate to the visual medium. A quick look at the history of adapting "Dune" would lead you to several efforts: David Lynch's 1984 film is delightfully weird but fails as an adaptation, while Alejandro Jodorowsky's unmade film ran into a ton of problems despite inching towards a workable script. Enter Denis Villeneuve's "Dune," and his recently released "Dune: Part Two," which managed to accomplish what was long thought to be impossible by birthing a saga that is both faithful to the books and imbued with the director's creative liberties.
Adaptations are bound to be flawed, as it is often tough to reconcile a beloved novel franchise's context-specific shortcomings with evolving perspectives,...
Adaptations are bound to be flawed, as it is often tough to reconcile a beloved novel franchise's context-specific shortcomings with evolving perspectives,...
- 3/16/2024
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
‘An underrated northern artist whose impact could have been greater given the right breaks. Cliff Twemlow’s story should provide encouragement to the current crop of British indie filmmakers. An essential watch’
*****
Starburst
‘Hugely entertaining documentary about a truly unique character… Jake West paints an affectionate portrait of a genuine one-off, whose work you’ll want to dive into once credits roll’
Dexerto
‘A fascinating man… Cliff absolutely deserves a place in the pantheon of low-budget, guerrilla-style filmmakers and hopefully this documentary will introduce him to an entirely new audience’
*****
Set the Tape
Following its successful festival run and ahead of its digital release in June 2024, Severin Films announces a UK theatrical tour of the acclaimed film Mancunian Man the Legendary Life of Cliff Twemlow.
Tour dates:
3 March – Nottingham Broadway + Q&a with Jake West & David Gregory
13 March – Birmingham – Mockingbird Cinema + Q&a with Jake West
23 March – Exeter – Exeter Phoenix...
*****
Starburst
‘Hugely entertaining documentary about a truly unique character… Jake West paints an affectionate portrait of a genuine one-off, whose work you’ll want to dive into once credits roll’
Dexerto
‘A fascinating man… Cliff absolutely deserves a place in the pantheon of low-budget, guerrilla-style filmmakers and hopefully this documentary will introduce him to an entirely new audience’
*****
Set the Tape
Following its successful festival run and ahead of its digital release in June 2024, Severin Films announces a UK theatrical tour of the acclaimed film Mancunian Man the Legendary Life of Cliff Twemlow.
Tour dates:
3 March – Nottingham Broadway + Q&a with Jake West & David Gregory
13 March – Birmingham – Mockingbird Cinema + Q&a with Jake West
23 March – Exeter – Exeter Phoenix...
- 3/13/2024
- by Peter 'Witchfinder' Hopkins
- Horror Asylum
Max offers a diverse collection of documentaries from top studios. With themes ranging from music to true crime, there's something for everyone. Award-winning offerings set Max apart from other streaming services.
The best documentaries on Max come from many different origins. The streaming service has movies and series from HBO, Warner Bros, and Discovery Channel. It also brings in movies and shows from licensing deals. This results in one of the largest libraries of documentary movies and series on any streaming service. These also run the gamut of themes. Max has a series of music documentaries. Max also has plenty to choose from in true crime, one of the most popular forms of documentary.
That isn't where it stops though. Max also has plenty of documentaries based on movies and TV shows. There are also classic documentaries, with many from the Criterion Collection. The best documentaries on Max offer something...
The best documentaries on Max come from many different origins. The streaming service has movies and series from HBO, Warner Bros, and Discovery Channel. It also brings in movies and shows from licensing deals. This results in one of the largest libraries of documentary movies and series on any streaming service. These also run the gamut of themes. Max has a series of music documentaries. Max also has plenty to choose from in true crime, one of the most popular forms of documentary.
That isn't where it stops though. Max also has plenty of documentaries based on movies and TV shows. There are also classic documentaries, with many from the Criterion Collection. The best documentaries on Max offer something...
- 3/7/2024
- by Shawn S. Lealos, Megan Summers
- ScreenRant.com
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two is almost everyone’s current obsession thanks to the brilliant execution of the source material by the cast and crew. It goes without saying that the sequel has surpassed its predecessor in more ways than one. Whether it’s the acting, the soundtrack, the cinematography, or the direction, Dune: Part Two was able to blow the audience’s minds through its two-hour seventeen-minute runtime.
A still from Dune: Part Two (2024)
However, Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novels wasn’t the first go Hollywood had at the story. Back in 1984, director David Lynch released another adaptation titled Dune starring Kyle MacLachlan and Francesca Annis. Unfortunately, the film was met with an overwhelming amount of negative feedback which led people to wonder what Ridley Scott would’ve turned the film into, should things have gone according to plan.
Suggested“We have different...
A still from Dune: Part Two (2024)
However, Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novels wasn’t the first go Hollywood had at the story. Back in 1984, director David Lynch released another adaptation titled Dune starring Kyle MacLachlan and Francesca Annis. Unfortunately, the film was met with an overwhelming amount of negative feedback which led people to wonder what Ridley Scott would’ve turned the film into, should things have gone according to plan.
Suggested“We have different...
- 3/5/2024
- by Mishkaat Khan
- FandomWire
This article contains Star Wars and Dune spoilers.
When Frank Herbert published “Dune World,” the first part of what would become the novel Dune in Analog Science Fiction and Fact in 1963, it was a moment that would reverberate through science fiction for decades to come, especially on the big screen, where the story’s influence can still be felt to this day. In fact, you can easily track how Herbert’s creation led to some of the biggest blockbuster franchises of all time.
If you’ve watched the excellent documentary Jodorowsky’s Dune, you know how the story goes. Alejandro Jodorowsky, the avant-garde filmmaker behind El Topo and The Holy Mountain, tried to adapt Herbert’s book in the ’70s, and while that movie never got made, many of its ideas and designs would later make their way into other sci-fi films through the legendary storyboard the filmmaker sent to Hollywood studios while pitching his movie.
When Frank Herbert published “Dune World,” the first part of what would become the novel Dune in Analog Science Fiction and Fact in 1963, it was a moment that would reverberate through science fiction for decades to come, especially on the big screen, where the story’s influence can still be felt to this day. In fact, you can easily track how Herbert’s creation led to some of the biggest blockbuster franchises of all time.
If you’ve watched the excellent documentary Jodorowsky’s Dune, you know how the story goes. Alejandro Jodorowsky, the avant-garde filmmaker behind El Topo and The Holy Mountain, tried to adapt Herbert’s book in the ’70s, and while that movie never got made, many of its ideas and designs would later make their way into other sci-fi films through the legendary storyboard the filmmaker sent to Hollywood studios while pitching his movie.
- 3/4/2024
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
In 1971, just six years after Frank Herbert published his groundbreaking science-fiction novel "Dune," Arthur P. Jacobs' Apjac International obtained the rights to the story for a film adaptation. The producer behind "Planet of the Apes" was ready to craft another world set in a distant future, but with the sequel film "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" on its way, "Dune" was delayed.
Jacobs went through a handful of different directors and screenwriters in early development, but he tragically passed away in 1973. David Lynch would eventually bring "Dune" to the big screen in 1984, but there were multiple failed attempts that paved the way for his film and a remake in his wake that led to Denis Villeneuve's recent adaptations. The messy histories of failed "Dune" adaptations could justify their own feature-length documentaries but allow this to be a crash course on the bizarre "Dune" movies that never came to be.
Jacobs went through a handful of different directors and screenwriters in early development, but he tragically passed away in 1973. David Lynch would eventually bring "Dune" to the big screen in 1984, but there were multiple failed attempts that paved the way for his film and a remake in his wake that led to Denis Villeneuve's recent adaptations. The messy histories of failed "Dune" adaptations could justify their own feature-length documentaries but allow this to be a crash course on the bizarre "Dune" movies that never came to be.
- 3/4/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Frank Herbert’s epic science fiction novel Dune was long seen as “unadaptable,” as it seemed impossible that any cinematic adaptation could properly flesh out the extensive detail that the novel contains about its fictional universe. While Dune itself proved to be highly influential upon the science fiction genre as whole, influencing franchises like Star Wars, a straight adaptation of the first book was by no means an easy task. Surrealist filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky famously failed to bring his ambitious epic version of the story to life. It took the vision of Denis Villenueve to properly nail the political intrigue, epic scale, and eye popping visuals of the Dune universe in his acclaimed two-part adaptation of the first book. While the modern update is the far more compelling film, David Lynch’s 1984 version of Dune is a better adaptation of the book than Villenueve’s.
- 3/3/2024
- by Liam Gaughan
- Collider.com
Timothée Chalamet returns to the desert as Denis Villeneuve triumphs again in filming the unfilmable with a colour-saturated blockbuster contemplating zealotry and religious war
If there’s another blockbuster this year that matches the visual impact of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two, I’ll eat my desert boots. The second Dune instalment is jaw-on-the-floor spectacular. It elegantly weaves together top-tier special effects and arresting cinematography; it layers muscle, sinew and savagery on to the bones of Part One. It’s an inhospitable, brutal kind of beauty that Villeneuve has created – there’s not enough lip balm in the universe to make a visit to the sandblasted wilderness planet of Arrakis look appealing. But this epic action picture, which follows the journey of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) from a cheeky whippersnapper who’s a bit handy with a sword, to a feared warrior, to the prophesied leader of the Fremen tribe of Arrakis,...
If there’s another blockbuster this year that matches the visual impact of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two, I’ll eat my desert boots. The second Dune instalment is jaw-on-the-floor spectacular. It elegantly weaves together top-tier special effects and arresting cinematography; it layers muscle, sinew and savagery on to the bones of Part One. It’s an inhospitable, brutal kind of beauty that Villeneuve has created – there’s not enough lip balm in the universe to make a visit to the sandblasted wilderness planet of Arrakis look appealing. But this epic action picture, which follows the journey of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) from a cheeky whippersnapper who’s a bit handy with a sword, to a feared warrior, to the prophesied leader of the Fremen tribe of Arrakis,...
- 3/3/2024
- by Wendy Ide
- The Guardian - Film News
Dune: Part Two director Denis Villeneuve reveals his thoughts on the 1984 Dune adaptation directed by legendary filmmaker David Lynch.
Speaking to NPR's Fresh Air podcast, Villeneuve shared his criticisms and praise of the 1984 Dune film. Villenueve discussed how he felt destabilized by some elements in the film while being mesmerized by others. The Dune: Part Two director revealed how he felt Lynch's adaptation missed the mark in regard to the film's depiction of the Fremen culture, describing certain choices in the film as far away from his sensibility. Villenueve praised David Lynch's overall vision, describing the film as a fantastic interpretation of Frank Herbert's novel.
Related Denis Villeneuve Confirms Big Plans for Florence Pugh in Dune Messiah Director Denis Villeneuve reveals his plans for Florence Pugh and her character Princess Irulan in potential Dune sequels.
Villenueve stated, “I was very excited when I learned that the...
Speaking to NPR's Fresh Air podcast, Villeneuve shared his criticisms and praise of the 1984 Dune film. Villenueve discussed how he felt destabilized by some elements in the film while being mesmerized by others. The Dune: Part Two director revealed how he felt Lynch's adaptation missed the mark in regard to the film's depiction of the Fremen culture, describing certain choices in the film as far away from his sensibility. Villenueve praised David Lynch's overall vision, describing the film as a fantastic interpretation of Frank Herbert's novel.
Related Denis Villeneuve Confirms Big Plans for Florence Pugh in Dune Messiah Director Denis Villeneuve reveals his plans for Florence Pugh and her character Princess Irulan in potential Dune sequels.
Villenueve stated, “I was very excited when I learned that the...
- 3/2/2024
- by Garnet Phillip Tashinga
- Comic Book Resources
(Welcome to Tales from the Box Office, our column that examines box office miracles, disasters, and everything in between, as well as what we can learn from them.)
"When I finished the novel. I was just knocked out." Those are the words of filmmaker David Lynch, of "Twin Peaks" and "Eraserhead" fame. The director said this in 2021 reflecting on reading Frank Herbert's "Dune" for the first time. That is, in no small part, why he decided to sign on to direct an adaptation of the novel that had been kicking around Hollywood for years. Unfortunately, for various reasons, Lynch's version was doomed to fail.
"I'd seen 'Star Wars,' of course; but to be honest, I wasn't all that crazy about it," Lynch, who had been eyed to potentially direct "Return of the Jedi," said in that same interview. "Dune was different; it had believable characterizations and depth.
"When I finished the novel. I was just knocked out." Those are the words of filmmaker David Lynch, of "Twin Peaks" and "Eraserhead" fame. The director said this in 2021 reflecting on reading Frank Herbert's "Dune" for the first time. That is, in no small part, why he decided to sign on to direct an adaptation of the novel that had been kicking around Hollywood for years. Unfortunately, for various reasons, Lynch's version was doomed to fail.
"I'd seen 'Star Wars,' of course; but to be honest, I wasn't all that crazy about it," Lynch, who had been eyed to potentially direct "Return of the Jedi," said in that same interview. "Dune was different; it had believable characterizations and depth.
- 3/2/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Lynch's 1984 Dune may be visually stunning, but its rushed narrative loses key aspects of the rich story, leading to a disappointing adaptation. Villeneuve's 2021 Part One takes a slower, deliberate approach, successfully exploring the intricate lore and characters of Herbert's world. Part Two of Villeneuve's adaptation excels in delivering a complete and satisfying conclusion, elevating the franchise to new heights.
Warning: Contains Spoilers for Dune: Part TwoAlthough various attempts have been made to translate Frank Herbert's novel to the big screen, some Dune movies are far more successful than others. The source material was long assumed unfilmable, thanks to its blend of dense philosophy, spiritualism, and incredible imagery. However, the combination of ambitious filmmakers and technological advancements post-1965 means that there have now been three attempts to realize Herbert's original vision – all with their own flaws and qualities.
David Lynch became the first director to successfully adapt Herbert's book,...
Warning: Contains Spoilers for Dune: Part TwoAlthough various attempts have been made to translate Frank Herbert's novel to the big screen, some Dune movies are far more successful than others. The source material was long assumed unfilmable, thanks to its blend of dense philosophy, spiritualism, and incredible imagery. However, the combination of ambitious filmmakers and technological advancements post-1965 means that there have now been three attempts to realize Herbert's original vision – all with their own flaws and qualities.
David Lynch became the first director to successfully adapt Herbert's book,...
- 3/2/2024
- by Tommy Lethbridge
- ScreenRant.com
Despite the relative brevity of his filmography when compared to other all-time great directors, David Lynch is easily one of the most influential filmmakers in American cinematic history. While he was certainly not the first surrealist filmmaker, as directors like Alejandro Jodorowsky had incorporated challenging elements within their films much earlier, Lynch succeeded in introducing experimental storytelling concepts to a mainstream audience. While each of Lynch’s films is equally worthy of admiration and analysis, his cinematic output only represents a fraction of his contributions to the artistic community. While he often experimented with different mediums and styles, a 1990 musical featuring Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern may be the weirdest project of Lynch’s entire career.
- 3/2/2024
- by Liam Gaughan
- Collider.com
Dune: Part Two received high praise from Christopher Nolan, and director Denis Villeneuve just reacted to his comments.
Speaking with GamesRadar, Villeneuve addressed Nolan's praise, where he compared the upcoming Dune: Part Two to his favorite Star Wars film. "For me, I don’t think it says too much to say that if Dune: Part One was Star Wars, this to me is very much The Empire Strikes Back," Nolan said, adding, "which is my favorite of the Star Wars films. I just think it’s an incredibly exciting expansion of all of the things you introduce in the first one."
Related Dune: Part Two Debuts With Record-Breaking Rotten Tomatoes Score Dune: Part Two's Rotten Tomatoes score sets a new record for the franchise.
Naturally, the comments came as a delightful surprise for the Dune helmer. Villeneuve responded to his notes, saying that it's "a beautiful compliment."
The director noted that,...
Speaking with GamesRadar, Villeneuve addressed Nolan's praise, where he compared the upcoming Dune: Part Two to his favorite Star Wars film. "For me, I don’t think it says too much to say that if Dune: Part One was Star Wars, this to me is very much The Empire Strikes Back," Nolan said, adding, "which is my favorite of the Star Wars films. I just think it’s an incredibly exciting expansion of all of the things you introduce in the first one."
Related Dune: Part Two Debuts With Record-Breaking Rotten Tomatoes Score Dune: Part Two's Rotten Tomatoes score sets a new record for the franchise.
Naturally, the comments came as a delightful surprise for the Dune helmer. Villeneuve responded to his notes, saying that it's "a beautiful compliment."
The director noted that,...
- 2/26/2024
- by Monica Coman
- Comic Book Resources
Dune: Part Two, director Denis Villeneuve's second installment based on Frank Herbert's famous book series of the same name, has received a great review from the author's son, Brian Herbert.
Dune: Part Two is set to premiere on March 1, 2024, and, ahead of its premiere, author Frank Herbert's son Brian has shared his praise for the two films. Dune: Part Two follows director Denis Villeneuve's 2021 Dune, and it is set to be even more action-packed and impressive than the first film. Revealing that he had a private screening, Brian Herbert's emotional words in an X message noted that "it is gratifying to see my father's story told with such great care."
I saw Dune: Part Two at a private studio screening, and it is gratifying to see my father's story told with such great care. When the new movie is combined with Dune: Part One it is by far...
Dune: Part Two is set to premiere on March 1, 2024, and, ahead of its premiere, author Frank Herbert's son Brian has shared his praise for the two films. Dune: Part Two follows director Denis Villeneuve's 2021 Dune, and it is set to be even more action-packed and impressive than the first film. Revealing that he had a private screening, Brian Herbert's emotional words in an X message noted that "it is gratifying to see my father's story told with such great care."
I saw Dune: Part Two at a private studio screening, and it is gratifying to see my father's story told with such great care. When the new movie is combined with Dune: Part One it is by far...
- 2/25/2024
- by Monica Coman
- Comic Book Resources
So, where were we? Oh, right.
House Atreides, the noble family that oversaw the rule of the spice-rich planet Arrakis, is no more. Its patriarch, Duke Leto, is dead. His heir Paul Atreides, and the young man’s mother Lady Jessica, are both presumed to have been killed as well. House Harkonnen, led by the corpulent and cybernetically enhanced Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, will once again take control of Arrakis and mine its deserts for its prized — and extremely hallucinogenic — resource. Unbeknownst to the Baron, his hulking nephew Beast Rabban (who...
House Atreides, the noble family that oversaw the rule of the spice-rich planet Arrakis, is no more. Its patriarch, Duke Leto, is dead. His heir Paul Atreides, and the young man’s mother Lady Jessica, are both presumed to have been killed as well. House Harkonnen, led by the corpulent and cybernetically enhanced Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, will once again take control of Arrakis and mine its deserts for its prized — and extremely hallucinogenic — resource. Unbeknownst to the Baron, his hulking nephew Beast Rabban (who...
- 2/21/2024
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
Acid Westerns are a strange and surreal sub-genre that break the rules of the traditional Western, offering complex characters and narrative experimentation. Films like Lemonade Joe, High Plains Drifter, and Blueberry showcase the trippier side of Acid Westerns, featuring bizarre stories, ghostly protagonists, and drug-induced trips. Directors like Jim Jarmusch, Richard Stanley, and Alejandro Jodorowsky pushed the boundaries of Acid Westerns, creating metaphysical trips, genre mashups, and hallucinatory visions.
While many viewers might think of the Western as a pretty straightforward genre, some of its trippiest outings prove that the opposite is true. The Western has been around for a long time. Back in the early days of film, B-Westerns defined the tropes and traditions that would go on to define the genre before the Golden Age of Westerns saw directors like John Ford distill these conventions into a fine art. After that, the Spaghetti Westerns of the '60s...
While many viewers might think of the Western as a pretty straightforward genre, some of its trippiest outings prove that the opposite is true. The Western has been around for a long time. Back in the early days of film, B-Westerns defined the tropes and traditions that would go on to define the genre before the Golden Age of Westerns saw directors like John Ford distill these conventions into a fine art. After that, the Spaghetti Westerns of the '60s...
- 2/17/2024
- by Cathal Gunning
- ScreenRant.com
The portrayal of Baron Harkonnen floating in the movie Dune adds to his unsettling nature and is a nod to previous adaptations. The Baron's ability to float is attributed to suspensor belts, which allow him to move despite his extreme weight. The imagery of the Baron bathing in oil serves to emphasize his dangerous and predatory nature, similar to his floating ability.
Baron Harkonnen is the memorable villain in Dune and the way the character floats adds to the unsettling nature of his portrayal. Portrayed by Stellan Skarsgård, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen is the head of House Harkonnen and former ruler of the planet Arrakis. The movie never reveals the Baron's exact weight. However, the first book in Frank Herbert's Dune series states “He might weigh two hundred Standard kilos in actuality, but his feet would carry no more than fifty of them.” suggesting the Baron weighs a minimum...
Baron Harkonnen is the memorable villain in Dune and the way the character floats adds to the unsettling nature of his portrayal. Portrayed by Stellan Skarsgård, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen is the head of House Harkonnen and former ruler of the planet Arrakis. The movie never reveals the Baron's exact weight. However, the first book in Frank Herbert's Dune series states “He might weigh two hundred Standard kilos in actuality, but his feet would carry no more than fifty of them.” suggesting the Baron weighs a minimum...
- 2/13/2024
- by Colin McCormick, Alexandra Nealy
- ScreenRant.com
Experimental Westerns often struggle with controversial endings that can undermine the initial theme or narrative coherence. Films like "El Topo" and "Heaven's Gate" take risks with their endings, resulting in disconcerting twists or unsatisfying conclusions. "Cowboys and Aliens" and "Paint Your Wagon" suffer from confusing or unexpected endings that detract from the overall story and themes.
Western films are one of the most beloved genres in American cinema, so naturally, there have been many iterations of the movies' tropes and plenty of endings that don't live up to the giants of the field. Great Westerns are known for their action, landscapes, and nuanced portrayals of the rugged individualism that has come to define the American West. Though not always, Westerns frequently include cowboys, saloon brawls, and shootouts as central tenants of their stories.
Since there are so many hallmarks of the genre, many films try to subvert the tropes with original takes on classic stories,...
Western films are one of the most beloved genres in American cinema, so naturally, there have been many iterations of the movies' tropes and plenty of endings that don't live up to the giants of the field. Great Westerns are known for their action, landscapes, and nuanced portrayals of the rugged individualism that has come to define the American West. Though not always, Westerns frequently include cowboys, saloon brawls, and shootouts as central tenants of their stories.
Since there are so many hallmarks of the genre, many films try to subvert the tropes with original takes on classic stories,...
- 2/4/2024
- by Mary Kassel
- ScreenRant.com
Frank Herbert's Dune was long considered unadaptable. The author's career-making science fiction novel, published in 1965, had proved too expansive and thematically layered for the movie world, despite attempts to the contrary. There's Alejandro Jodorowsky's failed magnum opus, which spawned a documentary titled Jodorowsky's Dune; there's David Lynch's 1984 movie, which the director vehemently dislikes. It's within this context that Denis Villeneuve achieved the seemingly impossible. Villeneuve's lifelong passion for Herbert's tale resulted in 2021's Dune: Part One, one of the most cognitively and textually faithful adaptations ever put to celluloid. Villeneuve's dreamlike sensibilities proved a spectacular fit for Herbert's morality tale, conveying its intimidating scale, semi-apocalyptic tone, and the author's anti-Hero's Journey thesis. Don't take my word for it: Herbert's son, Brian Herbert, deemed Dune: Part One "a major project that will forever be considered the definitive film adaptation." However, even the most accurate adaptation updates and condenses where appropriate,...
- 1/30/2024
- by Kelcie Mattson
- Collider.com
Acid westerns are a unique subgenre of Western that emerged during the 1960s and 1970s. Pauline Kael first coined the term in a 1971 issue of the New Yorker during her review of Alejandro Jodorowsky's 'El Topo.' Acid Westerns combine classical revisionist Western motifs with the cinematic excesses of Spaghetti Westerns, incorporating LSD-inspired countercultural narratives to create a provocative, drugged-up version of the American Frontier.
- 12/31/2023
- by Jordan Todoruk
- Collider.com
Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon draws inspiration from Heavy Metal magazine and animated movies, showcasing its style and aesthetics. Rebel Moon - Part 1: A Child of Fire tells the story of a farming community recruiting warriors to defend against the Imperium, influenced by Seven Samurai and various other properties. Despite comparisons to Star Wars, Rebel Moon's biggest inspiration is Heavy Metal, with Snyder's previous film Sucker Punch also influenced by the magazine.
Zack Snyder's newest Netflix movie, Rebel Moon - Part 1: A Child of Fire is drawing a lot of comparisons to Star Wars and Warhammer 40k, but it actually shares a lot more of its DNA with a somewhat obscure 1980s illustrated fantasy magazine and animated movie Heavy Metal.
Rebel Moon - Part 1: A Child of Fire is a movie about a small farming community that recruits a team of warriors to help it defend against...
Zack Snyder's newest Netflix movie, Rebel Moon - Part 1: A Child of Fire is drawing a lot of comparisons to Star Wars and Warhammer 40k, but it actually shares a lot more of its DNA with a somewhat obscure 1980s illustrated fantasy magazine and animated movie Heavy Metal.
Rebel Moon - Part 1: A Child of Fire is a movie about a small farming community that recruits a team of warriors to help it defend against...
- 12/27/2023
- by Stephen M. Colbert
- ScreenRant.com
Ken Russell was one of the strangest and most surrealistic auteurs of his generation, never quite breaking into the mainstream the way that other stylistically similar filmmakers did. He never became a cult icon the way that David Lynch or Alejandro Jodorowsky did, despite having sensibilities that were at least adjacent to the unconscious nightmares of Lynch or the mystical ruminations of Jodorowsky. His 1980 film Altered States feels like a leftover from the previous decade, being more concerned with the subjective human experience and the different methods by which it can be, well, altered than the gore-focused and visceral horror movies which characterized the 1980s. The sixties and seventies are largely viewed retrospectively as decades of political, social, psychological, and artistic expansion and transcendence, and these attitudes largely carried over into cinema. Altered States explores psychological, spiritual, and scientific transcendence through the lens of psychedelics, a relatively new concept at the turn of the decade.
- 12/16/2023
- by Joseph Ornelas
- Collider.com
Dune: Part Two promises to fix the issues of the 1984 adaptation and deliver the adaptation the novel deserves. The original Dune's worm riding scene has not aged well due to technological limitations, but Dune: Part Two can fix it with improved special effects. The success of the scene is important because it showcases Paul's significance and plays a crucial role in the plot, but Dune: Part Two is expected to handle it effectively.
Considering Dune has already proved to be a more successful film adaptation of Frank Herbert's novel than its predecessor, there are considerable expectations about Dune: Part Two fixing some problems from the 1984 movie. After a few failures in the past, Denis Villeneuve's vision has finally given this exceptional novel the adaptation it deserved. Dune’s first movie adaptation attempt was by Chilean director Alejandro Jodorowsky, who faced major problems during the pre-production and was...
Considering Dune has already proved to be a more successful film adaptation of Frank Herbert's novel than its predecessor, there are considerable expectations about Dune: Part Two fixing some problems from the 1984 movie. After a few failures in the past, Denis Villeneuve's vision has finally given this exceptional novel the adaptation it deserved. Dune’s first movie adaptation attempt was by Chilean director Alejandro Jodorowsky, who faced major problems during the pre-production and was...
- 12/10/2023
- by Francisco Bacigalupo
- ScreenRant.com
The Beatles gave us cult classic movies like Yellow Submarine and Help! It’s only fitting that John Lennon’s favorite movie was a cult classic Western. The movie in question is one of the most bizarre Westerns ever made. Fascinatingly, the director of the film said multiple rock stars connected with his work.
John Lennon loved a cult classic Western movie with a heavy dose of mysticism
Alejandro Jodorowsky is a surrealist filmmaker whose movies are like Salvador Dalí paintings come to life. According to Wired, John’s favorite movie was Jodorowsky’s mystical Western El Topo. The film is about an outlaw called El Topo (Spanish for “The Mole”) who becomes a holy man in a landscape filled with Judeo-Christian and occult imagery.
During a 2011 interview with Interviews with Icons, Jodorowsky discussed John’s relationship with the film. “I was lucky because of rock ‘n’ roll,” explained Jodorowsky.
John Lennon loved a cult classic Western movie with a heavy dose of mysticism
Alejandro Jodorowsky is a surrealist filmmaker whose movies are like Salvador Dalí paintings come to life. According to Wired, John’s favorite movie was Jodorowsky’s mystical Western El Topo. The film is about an outlaw called El Topo (Spanish for “The Mole”) who becomes a holy man in a landscape filled with Judeo-Christian and occult imagery.
During a 2011 interview with Interviews with Icons, Jodorowsky discussed John’s relationship with the film. “I was lucky because of rock ‘n’ roll,” explained Jodorowsky.
- 12/9/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Taika Waititi has revealed that he has no plans to return to Marvel’s Thor franchise anytime soon.
A fifth film hasn’t been confirmed by the studio but rumors have made their rounds on social media in recent months. The director recently told Business Insider that he “wouldn’t know if that’s accurate,” but he knows “that I won’t be involved.”
“I’m going to concentrate on these other films that I’ve signed on for,” he added.
Waititi helmed 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok, which took in more than $855 million worldwide, and 2022’s Thor: Love and Thunder, which earned over $760 million.
As for the next few years, the Jojo Rabbit director wants to focus on the film adaptations of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel Klara and the Sun and Alejandro Jodorowsky’s novel The Incal, as well as continue to develop his highly anticipated Star Wars movie, which he said is “still marinating.
A fifth film hasn’t been confirmed by the studio but rumors have made their rounds on social media in recent months. The director recently told Business Insider that he “wouldn’t know if that’s accurate,” but he knows “that I won’t be involved.”
“I’m going to concentrate on these other films that I’ve signed on for,” he added.
Waititi helmed 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok, which took in more than $855 million worldwide, and 2022’s Thor: Love and Thunder, which earned over $760 million.
As for the next few years, the Jojo Rabbit director wants to focus on the film adaptations of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel Klara and the Sun and Alejandro Jodorowsky’s novel The Incal, as well as continue to develop his highly anticipated Star Wars movie, which he said is “still marinating.
- 11/17/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Taika Waititi won't be involved in 'Thor 5'.The 48-year-old filmmaker - who directed 'Thor: Ragnarok' and 'Thor: Love and Thunder', while also co-writing the latter - has confirmed he isn't returning for a potential next instalment in the Marvel franchise as he looks to focus on other projects.Asked about reports a fifth film is being developed, Waititi - who helmed the last two movies in the series - told Business Insider: "I wouldn't know if that's accurate. I know that I won't be involved."Instead, he explained he will focus on other projects he's already got in the pipeline.He added: "I'm going to concentrate on these other films that I've signed on for."As well as a movie adaptation of Alejandro Jodorowsky's graphic novel 'The Incal', his own 'Star Wars' movie is "still marinating" as he continues to develop the project.
- 11/15/2023
- by Alistair McGeorge
- Bang Showbiz
Even if Marvel decides to produce a fifth “Thor” movie, Taika Waititi is unlikely to return to the director’s chair. The filmmaker spoke to Business Insider while promoting his underdog soccer crowdpleaser “Next Goal Wins.” During that chat, he was asked the extent of his involvement with the reportedly in-development “Thor 5.”
“I wouldn’t know if that’s accurate,” Waititi responded. “I know that I won’t be involved.” He further stated that he was “going to concentrate on these other films that I’ve signed on for.”
Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarök turned him into a household name at least among the film nerd crowd. The pulpy, colorful and fantastical action comedy earned strong reviews along with a franchise-high rave reviews for the along with a franchise-high $854 million in late 2017. The film helped rejuvenate the “Thor” series after the successful ($644 million in 2013) but indifferently received “Thor: The Dark World.
“I wouldn’t know if that’s accurate,” Waititi responded. “I know that I won’t be involved.” He further stated that he was “going to concentrate on these other films that I’ve signed on for.”
Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarök turned him into a household name at least among the film nerd crowd. The pulpy, colorful and fantastical action comedy earned strong reviews along with a franchise-high rave reviews for the along with a franchise-high $854 million in late 2017. The film helped rejuvenate the “Thor” series after the successful ($644 million in 2013) but indifferently received “Thor: The Dark World.
- 11/14/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Famed director Taika Waititi recently stated he isn't working on a new Thor movie.
In an interview with Business Insider, New Zealand native director Taika Waititi discussed his future with the Thor franchise. Whispers have been swirling about another Thor installment for the ever-expanding MCU -- but Waititi clarified, "I know that I won't be involved." Furthermore, he said of the rumors that Thor 5 is even happening at Marvel Studios, "I wouldn't know if that's accurate." Waititi directed the last two films for the Thor series, Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder. The former was a smash hit for Marvel, raking in a total of $855 million worldwide (making it the highest grossing Thor film) and quickly cementing itself as a favorite among Marvel fans.
Rumor: Thor 5 in the Works at Marvel Studios
Thor 5 May Move Forward Without Waititi
Waititi made sure to emphasize that there was no bad blood between himself and the studio,...
In an interview with Business Insider, New Zealand native director Taika Waititi discussed his future with the Thor franchise. Whispers have been swirling about another Thor installment for the ever-expanding MCU -- but Waititi clarified, "I know that I won't be involved." Furthermore, he said of the rumors that Thor 5 is even happening at Marvel Studios, "I wouldn't know if that's accurate." Waititi directed the last two films for the Thor series, Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder. The former was a smash hit for Marvel, raking in a total of $855 million worldwide (making it the highest grossing Thor film) and quickly cementing itself as a favorite among Marvel fans.
Rumor: Thor 5 in the Works at Marvel Studios
Thor 5 May Move Forward Without Waititi
Waititi made sure to emphasize that there was no bad blood between himself and the studio,...
- 11/14/2023
- by Gabriella Mendez
- Comic Book Resources
When credits for Thor: Love and Thunder ended, Marvel Studios promised the God of Thunder would return to the MCU for another adventure of epic proportions. While the studio’s been quiet about Thor’s return, that hasn’t kept fans from speculating about the hero’s future and press outlets from needling Taika Waititi about returning to direct another film in the franchise after helming the last two chapters, Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder. Catching up with Waititi while promoting his new sports drama Next Goal Wins, Business Insider asked if he’s involved with Thor 5.
“I wouldn’t know if that’s accurate,” Waititi explained to Business Insider. “I know that I won’t be involved.” Before putting a pin in the conversation, Waititi added, “I’m going to concentrate on these other films that I’ve signed on for.”
Waititi has several projects in development,...
“I wouldn’t know if that’s accurate,” Waititi explained to Business Insider. “I know that I won’t be involved.” Before putting a pin in the conversation, Waititi added, “I’m going to concentrate on these other films that I’ve signed on for.”
Waititi has several projects in development,...
- 11/14/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Taika Waititi told Business Insider while promoting his new sports comedy “Next Goal Wins” that he “won’t be involved” in a fifth “Thor” movie, at least if it’s happening anytime in the next six years or so. The Oscar winner directed Chris Hemsworth in the beloved “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017) and the hugely divisive “Thor: Love and Thunder” (2022). A fifth “Thor” film is currently not on Marvel’s upcoming slate, although the character is still very much alive within the MCU and the door is presumably open for his return.
“I wouldn’t know if that’s accurate,” Waititi said when asked about the social media rumors claiming “Thor 5” is in development but not with him as director. “I know that I won’t be involved…I’m going to concentrate on these other films that I’ve signed on for.”
Waititi has a slew of non-Marvel projects that he’s currently in development on,...
“I wouldn’t know if that’s accurate,” Waititi said when asked about the social media rumors claiming “Thor 5” is in development but not with him as director. “I know that I won’t be involved…I’m going to concentrate on these other films that I’ve signed on for.”
Waititi has a slew of non-Marvel projects that he’s currently in development on,...
- 11/14/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Frank Herbert’s Dune is one of the most successful and forward-thinking science-fiction novels of the 20th century. It has an incredible reputation, and it has gone on to influence many of the most famous and popular science-fiction stories in the decades that have followed. Most notably, George Lucas would take direct inspiration from Dune when directing his 1977 sci-fi fantasy film, Star Wars. Given the popularity of the novel, it’s understandable why there have been so many attempts to bring it to screen over the years.
After Alejandro Jodorowsky’s attempted film adaptation failed to get off the ground in the mid-70s, David Lynch’s Dune from 1984 became the first movie to bring Herbert’s story to the big screen. Since then, there have been several other attempts at adapting Dune, including two sequential miniseries on the Syfy Channel in the early 2000s.
However, at this point, it...
After Alejandro Jodorowsky’s attempted film adaptation failed to get off the ground in the mid-70s, David Lynch’s Dune from 1984 became the first movie to bring Herbert’s story to the big screen. Since then, there have been several other attempts at adapting Dune, including two sequential miniseries on the Syfy Channel in the early 2000s.
However, at this point, it...
- 11/8/2023
- by Kyle Kruske
- MovieWeb
Alejandro Jodorowsky's failed attempt to adapt Dune led to the creation of Alien, one of the most successful science-fiction films. Dan O'Bannon, who worked on Jodorowsky's Dune, used the opportunity to develop a different script, which became Alien. Alien drew inspiration from the talents involved in Jodorowsky's Dune, including H.R. Giger and Chris Foss, resulting in visual similarities between the two films.
Despite its massive failure, the first attempt at adapting Frank Herbert’s Dune to the big screen made it possible for one of the most iconic science-fiction films to come out. Alejandro Jodorowsky's Dune promised to be one most ambitious and artistic sci-fi movies ever filmed. Jodorowsky, a director with a very powerful artistic vision, had gathered a dream team to make a ten-hour-long film. However, it was also one of the biggest failures in cinema history as it never got actually made. There are many stories...
Despite its massive failure, the first attempt at adapting Frank Herbert’s Dune to the big screen made it possible for one of the most iconic science-fiction films to come out. Alejandro Jodorowsky's Dune promised to be one most ambitious and artistic sci-fi movies ever filmed. Jodorowsky, a director with a very powerful artistic vision, had gathered a dream team to make a ten-hour-long film. However, it was also one of the biggest failures in cinema history as it never got actually made. There are many stories...
- 10/29/2023
- by Francisco Bacigalupo
- ScreenRant.com
The ever-growing fascination with unmade projects by famous directors is sometimes more interesting than the films that they did end up making. For example, few of Alejandro Jodorowsky's recent projects have garnered the same level of interest as his unmade Dune film. Similarly, none of Tim Burton's recent endeavors have generated the same excitement as Superman Lives. The promise of what could have been also extends to Martin Scorsese, one of the most prolific and influential filmmakers of the past half century. It seems that he's been able to pursue every project that's interested him, giving his filmography a personal touch and a thematic through line that many filmmakers in the studio system don't enjoy. Perhaps his most interesting unmade film was Dino, a Dean Martin biopic which would have seen him collaborate once again with Nicholas Pileggi as well as with Tom Hanks in the titular role.
- 10/7/2023
- by Joseph Ornelas
- Collider.com
Kermit the Frog takes on the role of Paul Atreides in a hilarious crossover art, imagining The Muppets in Dune's universe. The art features Kermit wearing Paul Atreides' distinctive costume, complete with Filt-plugs, and a giant sandworm with Animal's face. A Muppet adaptation of Dune could provide a lighter and potentially profitable take on the complex and heavy themes of the franchise. However, it is unlikely to happen due to Legendary Pictures' ownership of the film rights.
A hilarious crossover art imagines The Muppets' Kermit the Frog as the Lisan al-Gaib, the messianic figure from Dune. Played by Timothée Chalamet in the latest movie adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic science fiction novel, Paul Atreides survived an assassination attempt orchestrated by Baron Harkonnen only to later seek refuge in the deserts of Arrakis with the native Fremen. With Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 adaptation only covering half of the original book, Paul...
A hilarious crossover art imagines The Muppets' Kermit the Frog as the Lisan al-Gaib, the messianic figure from Dune. Played by Timothée Chalamet in the latest movie adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic science fiction novel, Paul Atreides survived an assassination attempt orchestrated by Baron Harkonnen only to later seek refuge in the deserts of Arrakis with the native Fremen. With Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 adaptation only covering half of the original book, Paul...
- 9/19/2023
- by TC Phillips
- ScreenRant.com
Denis Villeneuve’s film, Dune was one of the most successful films of 2021. Villeneuve was able to accurately bring Frank Herbert’s book to life, a feat that had been previously attempted but was not as successful. The success of this epic science fiction film can be credited to the brilliance of each part of the film coming together to create what is now one of the best science fiction films. The first attempt at making Dune was Alejandro Jodorowsky’s in 1974; however, the film could not be made at the time due to a number of reasons. The second time...
- 8/31/2023
- by Nkem
- TVovermind.com
Few filmmakers (or artists for that matter) have so adeptly explored the psycho-spiritual aspect of the human condition as Alejandro Jodorowsky. His films are known for breaking down the barriers between high and low art, for presenting the human experience as it truly is with both the sacred and the profane intact. You won't find many filmmakers willing to immortalize in film the image of a person's feces being turned into gold as is the case in The Holy Mountain, perhaps the most famous and influential of his filmography. Though The Holy Mountain is the midnight movie, Jodorowsky's 1989 meditation on familial trauma, Santa Sangre, is arguably his crowning achievement. While undeniably weird, unsettling, violent, and perverse, the film is pure of heart. A genre-transcending piece of visual storytelling, Santa Sangre finds solidarity in suffering, especially among outcasts. Jodorowsky shows his deep love and empathy here for those on the margins of society.
- 8/30/2023
- by Joseph Ornelas
- Collider.com
Film history is full of "what-if" scenarios of actors, writers, and directors. Eric Stoltz instead in Back to the Future instead of Michael J. Fox, Alejandro Jodorowsky's version of Dune, or the unfathomable scenario of the shark actually working on the set of Jaws, to name a few. One that has fallen by the wayside, but could have had major implications, involves Mike Nichols 1996 comedy The Birdcage. The film is a beloved comedy, and for good reason. Nichols and former comedy partner Elaine May coming together for the script, Gene Hackman and Dianne Wiest as a cartoonishly conservative Senator and wife, and most importantly, Robin Williams and Nathan Lane as a gay couple desperately trying to pass as husband and wife, so their son can get married.
- 8/19/2023
- by Aidan Bryant
- Collider.com
The Harkonnen pet in Denis Villeneuve's Dune is a creepy representation of Harkonnen vice and overindulgence, reflecting their brutal and depraved natures. The pet resembles a creation of the Bene Tleilax, an isolationist and xenophobic sect from the Dune books, which could foreshadow their involvement in the planned third movie. Another possibility is that the pet pays tribute to Alejandro Jodorowsky's failed adaptation of Dune, as it resembles a creature from Jodorowsky's comic book "The Metabarons." The pet's true identity remains a gruesome mystery.
Dune introduced House Harkonnen as sinister villians but the Harkonnen pet is perhaps the creepiest part about them. Denis Villeneuve’s Dune is a transhumanist social sci-fi space opera that’s based on the cult 1965 Frank Herbert novel of the same name. And while the Dune reboot’s depiction of the Baron Harkonnen is relatively faithful to the novel, Herbert’s book doesn’t...
Dune introduced House Harkonnen as sinister villians but the Harkonnen pet is perhaps the creepiest part about them. Denis Villeneuve’s Dune is a transhumanist social sci-fi space opera that’s based on the cult 1965 Frank Herbert novel of the same name. And while the Dune reboot’s depiction of the Baron Harkonnen is relatively faithful to the novel, Herbert’s book doesn’t...
- 8/14/2023
- by Colin McCormick, Peter Mutuc
- ScreenRant.com
Film writer Max Evry goes behind the erratic ride of David Lynch’s Dune like never before, with a years-in-the-making oral history culled from a lineup of new interviews with the film’s stars, creatives, film executives, and insiders – not to mention Lynch himself.
Following his underground hit Eraserhead and critically acclaimed The Elephant Man, visionary filmmaker David Lynch set his sights on bringing Frank Herbert’s beloved sci-fi novel Dune to the screen. The project had already vexed directors such as Alejandro Jodorowsky (El Topo) and Ridley Scott (Alien). But by the early ‘80s Universal Pictures was prepared to give Lynch the keys to the kingdom &nda...
Following his underground hit Eraserhead and critically acclaimed The Elephant Man, visionary filmmaker David Lynch set his sights on bringing Frank Herbert’s beloved sci-fi novel Dune to the screen. The project had already vexed directors such as Alejandro Jodorowsky (El Topo) and Ridley Scott (Alien). But by the early ‘80s Universal Pictures was prepared to give Lynch the keys to the kingdom &nda...
- 8/13/2023
- QuietEarth.us
The Denis Villeneuve adaptation of Dune is not the first adaptation of the books; interestingly, there was a 1984 film that failed both commercially and critically. The film was so bad that its director David Lynch refused to be associated with the film. However, the 1984 failure, was not the first adaptation attempt of Dune. In 1974, work had begun to create the film with Chilean-French director Alejandro Jodorowsky, but it quickly came to light that Jodorowsky had very wild plans for what would be the first ever Dune movie. Jodorowsky’s film was set to be released nearly 10 years...
- 7/5/2023
- by Nkem
- TVovermind.com
Before David Lynch‘s 1984 adaptation of Dune, there was a fascinating and bizarre attempt only a decade before to bring Frank Herbert‘s sci-fi epic to the big screen. This ambitious project was going to be taken on by Alejandro Jodorowsky. His aim was to create a genuinely visionary and unconventional adaptation of the novel. The story of this adaptation is filled with unexpected twists, turns, and a genuinely wild cast. Jodorowsky’s Dune was set to be a star-studded extravaganza featuring some of the biggest names in film and music at the time. The director’s vision was to create a psychedelic...
- 7/3/2023
- by Nkem
- TVovermind.com
It's never been a more exciting time to be a fan of science fiction, and this genre has been able to truly thrive in cinema over the past decades. The ballooning budget of studio blockbusters allows for greater levels of grandiose spectacles, some of which work best when in a sci-fi setting.
Sci-fi is a versatile and evergreen genre because it covers such a wide range of ideas, all of which come down to mankind's desire to build and improve upon a world that they don't want to accept. There are some unavoidable tent pole sci-fi films like the Star Wars and Transformers franchises or most of the filmography of Christopher Nolan. However, there are also some hidden sci-fi gems out there that audiences deserve to give a shot.
Related: 15 Sci-Fi Films That Bombed At The Box Office But Became Cult Classics
Upstream Color Release Date: 2013
Upstream Color explores the...
Sci-fi is a versatile and evergreen genre because it covers such a wide range of ideas, all of which come down to mankind's desire to build and improve upon a world that they don't want to accept. There are some unavoidable tent pole sci-fi films like the Star Wars and Transformers franchises or most of the filmography of Christopher Nolan. However, there are also some hidden sci-fi gems out there that audiences deserve to give a shot.
Related: 15 Sci-Fi Films That Bombed At The Box Office But Became Cult Classics
Upstream Color Release Date: 2013
Upstream Color explores the...
- 6/29/2023
- by Daniel Kurland
- Comic Book Resources
Sony Pictures' Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse treats the viewer to an overwhelming array of animation styles and textures. The film incorporates dozens of references to comic books and Marvel films, all held together by the friendship of Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy and the love of their families.
Across the Spider-Verse surpasses the creative and technical achievements of the first Spider-Verse film, joining the historic ranks of sequels that transcend their predecessors. For inspiration, Across the Spider-Verse has decades of Spider-Man action and artistry to draw from. Several comic book legends contribute visually and spiritually to the final product, some in subtle but unmistakable ways.
Related: 10 Best Spider-Man Costumes From Across The Multiverse
Paul Pope Is Synonymous With Cyberpunk Comics
Some environments in Across the Spider-Verse display the dystopian style and high technology of cyberpunk. Any discussion of the cyberpunk aesthetic in comic books must include the name Paul Pope.
Across the Spider-Verse surpasses the creative and technical achievements of the first Spider-Verse film, joining the historic ranks of sequels that transcend their predecessors. For inspiration, Across the Spider-Verse has decades of Spider-Man action and artistry to draw from. Several comic book legends contribute visually and spiritually to the final product, some in subtle but unmistakable ways.
Related: 10 Best Spider-Man Costumes From Across The Multiverse
Paul Pope Is Synonymous With Cyberpunk Comics
Some environments in Across the Spider-Verse display the dystopian style and high technology of cyberpunk. Any discussion of the cyberpunk aesthetic in comic books must include the name Paul Pope.
- 6/25/2023
- by Jonathan Bagamery
- Comic Book Resources
Clockwise from top left: Dune (Universal Pictures), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Tri-Star Pictures), The Ring (DreamWorks Pictures), Spider-Man 2 (Sony Pictures)Image: The A.V. Club
June marks a big moment for Netflix: it’s the first full month with the streaming platform’s new draconian rules on password sharing...
June marks a big moment for Netflix: it’s the first full month with the streaming platform’s new draconian rules on password sharing...
- 5/29/2023
- by Robert DeSalvo
- avclub.com
Outside of mustache maintenance tips, it’s hard to see what common ground Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali and cartoon mogul Walt Disney could possibly hope to find.
Upon schlepping his easel, exotic pets, and political baggage onto American shores, Dali mentioned in a letter in 1937, “I have come to Hollywood and am in contact with three great American Surrealists — the Marx Brothers, Cecil B. DeMille, and Walt Disney.” No one is sure if he was joking or not, as he was not actually in contact with Disney for many years. Harpo Marx? That seems way more likely. But Dali also walked an anteater on a leash with a straight face, so it’s hard to know what he was thinking. Working with a guy who catered to kids might have been exactly the counter-intuitive decision that he savored, much in the Alice Cooper singing on The Muppets variety.
Irrespective of Dali’s thought process,...
Upon schlepping his easel, exotic pets, and political baggage onto American shores, Dali mentioned in a letter in 1937, “I have come to Hollywood and am in contact with three great American Surrealists — the Marx Brothers, Cecil B. DeMille, and Walt Disney.” No one is sure if he was joking or not, as he was not actually in contact with Disney for many years. Harpo Marx? That seems way more likely. But Dali also walked an anteater on a leash with a straight face, so it’s hard to know what he was thinking. Working with a guy who catered to kids might have been exactly the counter-intuitive decision that he savored, much in the Alice Cooper singing on The Muppets variety.
Irrespective of Dali’s thought process,...
- 5/19/2023
- by Nathan Williams
- MovieWeb
Comparing Dune to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) or the DC Extended Universe (Dcu) is a bit like comparing apples to oranges. The point isn’t which franchise is better in terms of storytelling or cinematic value but which one might have the biggest impact on shaping pop culture in the upcoming decade. The franchise wars are intensifying, and they are definitely here to say. Speculations are rife as to who will emerge as the reigning winner of this battle royale.
The MCU has quite successfully ruled the charts for a decade and a half, while Warner Bros’ DC has floundered all over the place, trying to sort out its many stumbling blocks. In the race for relevance between the MCU vs. Dcu, Dune might just be the franchise that emerges as the winner, provided Warner Bros. backs the right horse and lets the creative minds behind it manifest their vision with freedom.
The MCU has quite successfully ruled the charts for a decade and a half, while Warner Bros’ DC has floundered all over the place, trying to sort out its many stumbling blocks. In the race for relevance between the MCU vs. Dcu, Dune might just be the franchise that emerges as the winner, provided Warner Bros. backs the right horse and lets the creative minds behind it manifest their vision with freedom.
- 5/15/2023
- by Debiparna Chakraborty
- MovieWeb
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