Dune (1984)

A Duke's son leads desert warriors against the galactic emperor and his father's evil nemesis when they assassinate his father and free their desert world from the emperor's rule.

Director:

David Lynch

Writers:

Frank Herbert (novel), David Lynch (screenplay)

Stars:

Kyle MacLachlan, Virginia Madsen, Francesca Annis

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

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

Storyline

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 ...

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Plot Keywords:

space travel | desert planet | water | dune | giant worm | 

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Taglines:

You are about to enter a world where the unexpected, the unknown, and the unbelievable meet...where kingdoms are built on earth that moves, and where skies are filled with fire...a world that holds Creation's greatest treasure, and its greatest terrors...a world where the mighty, the mad, and the magical will have their final battle.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

PG-13

Did You Know?

Trivia

Linda Hunt and Paul L. Smith both starred in Popeye (1980) 4 years earlier. Paul L. Smith played Bluto and Linda Hunt played Mrs. Oxheart.

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Goofs

In the morgue scene in Arrakeen, the establishing shot shows two Harkonnen corpses, one in the foreground and one in the background. The body in the background adjusts his head to find a more comfortable position.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Princess Irulan: A beginning is a very delicate time. Know then, that it is the year 10191. The known universe is ruled by the Padisha Emperor Shaddam IV, my father. In this time, the most precious substance in the Universe is the spice melange. The spice extends life. The spice expands consciousness. The spice is vital to space travel. The Spacing Guild and its navigators, who the spice has mutated over four-thousand years, use the orange spice gas, which gives them the ability to fold space. That...

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Crazy Credits

Gurney's Baliset is Based on "The Stick" Created by Emmett Chapman

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Alternate Versions

Some video and DVD prints (for example, the Spanish release by Manga Films) have about 15 minutes of reversed footage, from the moment where Paul drinks the Water of Life, to his appearance in the court of the Emperor along with Gurney and Stilgar. Look how Gurney and Stilgar exchange positions in the opening shots of that final scene (on the top of the staircase).

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Connections

Referenced in The Simpsons: The Hateful Eight-Year-Olds (2020)

User Reviews

I waited a long time before reviewing this...

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.

Details

Country:

USA Mexico

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 December 1984 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dune

Filming Locations:

Pinacate and Grand Desert of Altar, Sonora, Mexico

Box Office

Budget:

$40,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$6,025,091, 16 December 1984

Gross USA:

$30,925,690

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$30,925,690

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dino De Laurentiis Company, Estudios Churubusco Azteca S.A.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

137 min 190 min (special edition) 177 min (extended cut)

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) Dolby Stereo (35 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1