Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Francesca Annis | ... | Lady Jessica | |
Leonardo Cimino | ... | The Baron's Doctor | |
Brad Dourif | ... | Piter De Vries | |
José Ferrer | ... | Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV | |
Linda Hunt | ... | Shadout Mapes | |
Freddie Jones | ... | Thufir Hawat | |
Richard Jordan | ... | Duncan Idaho | |
Kyle MacLachlan | ... | Paul Atreides | |
Virginia Madsen | ... | Princess Irulan | |
Silvana Mangano | ... | Reverend Mother Ramallo | |
Everett McGill | ... | Stilgar | |
Kenneth McMillan | ... | Baron Vladimir Harkonnen | |
Jack Nance | ... | Nefud | |
Siân Phillips | ... | Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam (as Sian Phillips) | |
Jürgen Prochnow | ... | Duke Leto Atreides |
In the distant year of 10191, all the planets of the known Universe are under the control of Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV and the most important commodity in the Universe is a substance called the spice "MELANGE" which is said to have the power of extending life, expanding the consciousness and even to "fold space" ; being able to travel to any distance without physically moving. This spice "MELANGE" is said to only be produced in the desert planet of Arrakis, where the FREMEN people have the prophecy of a man who will lead them to true freedom. This "desert planet"of Arrakis is also known as DUNE. A secret report of the space "GUILD" talks about some circumstances and plans that could jeopardize the production of "SPICE" with four planets involved: ARRAKIS, CALADAN, GIEDI PRIME and KAITAIN, a world at least visually very alike to Earth and house of the Emperor of the known Universe. The "GUILD" sends a third stage navigator to KAITAIN to ask details from the Emperor and to demand him ... Written by David del Real ---@DavidRealActor----
There are two groups of people who write at IMDb, the pessimists and the optimists. The pessimists love to complain about something or other in a film. The optimists try and find something good. DUNE probably ranks as one of those that feels like it's going to be good, but leaves a confusing, lackluster feeling in its wake. In an attempt to be optimistic, I will try focusing ONLY on the good parts. This might be tough.
I will give David Lynch credit (indeed, as Frank Herbert did when he saw this) for trying to take an enormous amalgamation of things and ideas from the novel and trying to turn them into a movie. Lynch's visual style is very raw here and everything in the production design seems to be under his spell.
The sets, costumes, cinematography, and choice of cast is excellent. All of them lend a flavor of difference that transcends whatever confusion is on the screen. (On the side note: I was sick of hearing Kyle MacLachlan repeating himself over and over) The creature designs by Carlo Rambaldi are very Lynch-ien, even though we rarely get to see them.
Overall, a sci-fi epic that requires a lethargic butt, an open mind, and a copy of Frank Herbert's novel to enjoy. Still, it is far superior to the TV miniseries of late (I know saying that is blasphemy to some). I refuse to rate this with stars or anything else.