Dune (Widescreen)
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Movie Reviews of Dune (Widescreen)
Movie Review: Forever Lynch!
Summary: 5 Stars
Man, I can't believe the complaints this classyfilm gets from all the pansy Uber-Dune "fans" -
and it is very disappointing to hear that Lynch himself
wishes he hadn't made the movie (!?). I feel bad when an
artist looses faith in his great own work...especially when
Herbert was himself present to be part of the FIRST
realization of his books on the screen! A presence
sorely lacking and obvious in the more recent efforts.
Lynch's movie always held a grand vision
of the series for me. To gripe about how it
missed all the details (as if the movie adaptation
wouldn't have to be days long to convey on screen!!)
is to simply fail to enjoy what was delivered.
The movie should be given top marks for what it
did accomplish, which was a lot!
The later Dune stories - which I admit I "enjoy" -
lack the atmosphere and superior acting/actors which
graced Lynch's film. He used REAL desert scenes
and provided a visual feel which made me feel like
I was in Herbert's book! I give props to anyone
who wishes to continue to get their own vision of the
books on screen - but I feel that all the whiners who
pooh-pooh Lynch have simply missed his movie's qualities,
all in favor of these later 'extended' but under-budgeted
attempts. What do the newer versions lack??? SPICE!!!
The "spice" you had in spades from the contributions of Sting,
Kyle MacLachlan etc etc. You guys just wish someone as
dynamic and captivating as Sting had graced these new movies;
instead there is no tension, no sense of maniacal evil that
put the edge on Lynch's version. Watching the new movies
is `nice' but the blood never gets going.
The problems with die-hard "fans" is that they dissect and niddle over
details until all the blood is gone from something and it's just kind of
pathetic.
Movie Review: It is worth ten times its weight of water!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I read the book and have seen the movie. All I have to say that I love them both. Considering the abstract approach of the movie towards its subject matter public's general negative reaction seems inexorable. There is not much market for very abstract films today. As far as Dune goes I think that it would be difficult to make a better movie adaptation then what Lynch created. Somehow he captured the lonely atmosphere of the desert, the vehement nature of Freemen, and the brutality of the conflicts between Atreides and Harkonnen. The worms were awesome! Without a doubt the original book by Herbert is brilliant, and the movie adaptation is in no way a failure at capturing the potency of potential.
I think in fact that some parts of the movie were even better done than what was featured in the book. For example, when Paul joins Freemen in the film he teaches them how to use sound weapons, specialty of Atreides. In the book however, Paul only taught Freemen to fight differently. I'm sorry to say, but hand-to-hand combat superiority is rarely a determinant of large-scale warfare. Lynch introduced a new twist. He attributed Freemen newfound strength to sound weapons, which was even better than what Herbert did. This is only one of the little tweaks we find in the film, but it is the one that shows how the movie improved and not underdone its source material.
Another strong feature of the film was the cast. The characters were believable and well portrayed. Unlike in the book, Harkonnen, especially the Baron, seemed like a family out of the mental institution. This twist however, was interesting in that it made enemies of Atreides appear more evil, more cruel and more threatening.
Overall, Dune is one of my all time favorite sci-fi movies equated only by few titles such as the Matrix series.
Movie Review: A film the likes of which even God has never seen
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't feel Dune stands completely on its own. I strongly recommend that you read the first book in Frank Herbert's series before you see this movie. This is because the story, squashed as it is, into movie length, is enormous. Therefore if you are not familiar with the details that the novel provides, a lot of the film may soar over your head. If you'd like to dive a little deeper into Frank Herbert's head, I recommend reading the transcript of an interview he gave in 1969. It is a Messianic story. Set mostly on the desert world known as Dune, (Arrakis), we follow the son, (Paul), of a powerful Duke, (Leto Atreides), as he struggles, all but unaware, toward godhood. The backdrop of the story is filled with the political fencing of the emperor of the known universe, (Shaddam IV), some other powerful planetary leaders, (including the Duke), and some interesting Guilds. Two of the guilds that are crucial to the plot, are the Navigators and the Bene Gesserit Witches. Through centuries of interbreading, the mysterious powers of both guilds are eventually combined in the form of the movie's hero, Paul "Muad'Dib" Atreides.
This transformation is brought about during Paul's exile at the hands of the evil Baron Harkonnen. Paul escapes into the deep desert only to find the native Fremen who's relationship to the giant sand worms and therefore the spice, (an immortality drug unique to Dune), is pivotal to Paul awakening.
This film defies description, as you might be able to tell from my jumbled attempt. However if you have read the book, it is a very accurate translation. I have watched this film so often I fear my Laser disk is wearing out.
Movie Review: Dune: the sleeper has awaken.
Summary: 5 Stars
David Lynch's (Eraserhead, Twin Peaks) adaptation of Frank Herbert's defining saga 'DUNE' may very well be, if truth be told, the most epic enterprise, and in many ways the most rewarding, of Lynch's work thus far.Dune is a difficult movie to review, if only because there is no easy (or maybe I should say simple) way to look at it. At its core though DUNE tells the story of Paul Atreides, a young man whose destiny as a Messiah of worlds echoes that of such classics like Brazil or Spartacus, where seemingly ordinary men become extraordinary beings. This however is an over-simplification, DUNE is built from a collection of stories and legends that form a unique whole -perfectly captured by Lynch.
Make no mistake, this movies begs to be seen in its original 2,35:1 widescreen format. Freddie Francis' photography of the barren Dune world is simply amazing, and even though some of the special effects may seem old when compared to today's standards, the amazing designs by Anthony Masters will simply take your breath away. The DVD edition, while not anamorphic, is very well presented, sporting a very high quality video transfer and excellent sound. A brief, if yet interesting, collection of production notes are also included, as well as cast and crew bios and the original theatrical trailer in widescreen format.
DUNE seems slow at times and it may not be for everyone -but then that's always been the trademark of Lynch's work, I think. Still, DUNE is an excellent example of how a complex story can make a Sci-Fi movie be truly epic. Couple that with the amazing designs and the beautiful photography and you got a winner here. Highly recommended.
Movie Review: David Lynch's Misunderstood Epic
Summary: 5 Stars
Before David Lynch made the masterful&creepy "Mulholland Drive",he attempted-nobly-to put Frank Herbert's epic on the silver screen.Instead of trying to stay EXACTLY true to the story,he did keep its spirit.He doesn't explain too much,such as with the experiences of the Spice.
Kyle MacLachlan is the excellent--and DEFINITIVE--Paul Muad'Dib.He shows how the young man,who goes from losing his father&living in exile with the Fremen,becomes a messianic leader.His transformation is believable&sympathetic.
Sean Young has a VERY small role as Chani,who's more important in the book than the movie.Her romance with Paul is hardly explained.
Virginia Madsen,who was in the recent pinot film noir "Sideways" has a small role as Princess Irulan,the Emperor's daughter who is forced into a loveless marriage with Paul.It is interesting that in the book,Princess Irulan's memories form the backbone&frame Paul's experiences.
Sian Phillips&Francesca Annis are both powerful as Bene Gesserit Reverend Mothers.Francesca Annis' role goes from being a widow to a powerful&respected Reverend Mother among the Fremen.In the book,Jessica is merely Duke Leto Atreides' concubine,whom he regrets not marrying;in the movie,Jessica is Duke Leto's wife.
Patrick Stewart has a pleasant role as Paul's mentor,Gurney Halleck.Who knew one day he'd be Capt.Picard?
Considering the time period,the special effects in "Dune" are excellent;the setting is believable.It's a fascinating&aesthetically marvelous movie.