DUNE 1984 - The Anti Star Wars (Road To DUNE 2021)

[@CortexVideos]

The road to Dune 2021 begins. In this first video essay in the series, I discuss the great elements in the midst of backlash in David Lynch's Dune 1984. Hope you enjoy it!

[@ab_c4429]

There are few films that affect me but this one did. The scene where Paul wakes up after taking the water of life gives me goosebumps every single time. "Father, The Sleeper has awakened."

[@pikadasgalaxias306]

This is my most rewatched film ever (more than 100 times, maybe 200, I have no idea). Not my favorite movie, by far. I was an over-enthusiastic teenager at the time... Anyway, I will watch your review and comment later.

[@tomhahnl1927]

I actually loved this movie when it came out (I was 14) and I still think it is not that bad as many people make it to be! There is a great video where they compare the new trailer with the old film, there you can see that it got a lot of things right!

[@CortexVideos]

I did see that video, was pretty cool. And agree man. While I don't think it's a great piece of filmmaking, like I say, I really like the essence Lynch brought with Dune. I honestly think that if certain central story points were able to get more breathing time, it may have been even stronger. Still, I did thoroughly enjoy it. Glad someone also really liked it

[@nownowpippo]

My road to glory is filled with thorns Fluent thoughts from my brain and I train to remain strong 🖤

[@CortexVideos]

The quotes Lynched used and the way he adapted certain elements in the dialogue were another strong point for me I must say

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

I read the Dune series at 15, just after Children of Dune had come out in paperback. I saw it at one of the giant Odeons in downtown London -- not Leicester Square, I want to say Haymarket. The lights went out and the phrase "Beginnings are such delicate times..." came out of the speakers before Princess Irulan's face showed up the in the darkness. The hair on my neck stood on end and I was hooked. One of the best pieces of casting to me was Linda Hunt as the Shadout Mapes, but there were all sorts of touches that Lynch put in which genuinely excited me. Could've done without the baron's skin disease, but overall I was enthralled.

[@mrsbajjerblithe9047]

I’ve never understood why Lynch’s Dune was considered incomprehensible or an artistic failure. I think it’s a magnificent, underappreciated masterpiece. It’s worth noting the first version I saw (televised in about 1988) was approximately 4 hours long, as I recall, so perhaps much was lost in shorter cuts of the movie, necessitating voiceover narration.

[@shirleymcdonald2777]

David Lynch always expects people to do their homework when following his work.I was only 8 when it came out but my dad was obsessed with the book loved the film.It was the beginning of a lifelong love affair for me as far as Lynch is concerned.

[@jeffmarlatt6538]

David Lynch's film is one of my all time favourites. I saw it in the theatre when I was 11 and have loved it since. Yes it has it's flaws in the area of special effects. And yes there are too many White people in roles that non-Whites could have been cast. But the story, costumes, acting, music & overall feel is magnificent. I was able to understand it at 11 so I don't see the criticism of not understanding the film as being valid. Why do people need everything explained to them like a child being spoonfeed ? If you don't understand some thing at first then just go with it and look it up later. There is nothing that is too confusing for the audience where they will be lost and it can't be enjoyed on a first viewing.

[@robertbench5187]

People back in those days probably thought it's ripping off Star Wars

[@Trademarc1977]

Lynch's Dune isn't terrible, and that somehow makes it worse -- there are way too many mediocre films. The one big flaw of this version is the rainfall in the final scene. Interesting how such studios as DEG and The Canon Group often managed to suck the talent out of fine directors.

[@ab_c4429]

I want to wish you luck with watching the mini series. I know some people love it, but I absolutely hated it. I couldnt make it past the first hour, the costumes and sets are just that ridiculous. It feels like an insult to Dune. Anyway I will be keen on watching your video on it because I honestly cant finish it :)

[@gregorygreenwood-nimmo4954]

Ironically (and for all the issues with the limited budget) the miniseries is actually far closer to Herbert's novel than Lynch's movie is. As an example, Paul doesn't possess the magical ability to make it rain of Arrakis just because in the miniseries...

[@ab_c4429]

@@gregorygreenwood-nimmo4954 I dont care how faithful it is. It looks like absolute fucking shit. I cant take it seriously no matter how faithful it is

[@pikadasgalaxias306]

I understand what you say. Production of the misisseries is very poor, (those costumes, ugh) and that bothered me too. But in the second and third episodes the minisseries gets better and better. And the follow up minisseries, Children of Dune is absolutely amazing!

[@ab_c4429]

@@pikadasgalaxias306 I skimmed through it. Watched the final fight between Feyd and Paul and honestly it seemed like satire. I will envy anyone who can enjoy those because I can't.

[@jacobellis5822]

@@gregorygreenwood-nimmo4954 yeah it is more faithful than the movie, but I think that only really extends to the overall plot. Characters are portrayed entirely different, even when dialogue was copy pasted it was consistently delivered in a way that completely undermined the intended tone and meaning, power dynamics etc. I actually think the movie did that side of things better, though honestly, I thought both adaptations sucked.

[@pikadasgalaxias306]

I think you nailed it! What about the soundtrack? I belive Toto and Brian Eno created a masterpiece ! And the epic cast! The biggest flaw in Dune 1984 is the cartoonish depiction of the Harkonnen. Piter was ok, but the Baron... One aspect of the movie that I really dislike is so many scenes out of the proper order. That is, of course corrected by the far superior Spicediver fan edit.

[@docdaneekaflies6598]

Prophesy Theme by Eno and Daniel Lanois worked brilliantly both in the film and as a stand-alone piece of music.

[@Nicholas-d2l]

Hope you watched the director’s cut … it was cut to fit cinema schedules… if you look for fans versions ..some versions are almost 4 hours ! …David lynch was furious at how they cut the first version… the director’s cut is a cult classic …I prefer the Patrick Stewart version of gurney halleck than josh broiled…

[@greysongreyhater7667]

Having read Dune in the early 70's, I was thrilled when I saw they were making a movie. Imagine my disappointment with the Lynch adaptation. What made it even worse is that it had so much potential. I only learned later on that Lynch was extremely restricted by the studio, so his film never stood a chance. And I'm sure the studio had something to do with that idiotic ending. But there were elements to be admired. Toto's music was haunting (not really a Toto fan, but like a couple of their songs), the cast was generally very solid, the wardrobe was just as I pictured them from the novel (except the Saudakar), the sets were interesting and appropriate, and there were moments in the film that kept me captivated. However, everything was rushed and ended up as a big mess (one can't make a 5 hour movie in 2 hours, 17 minutes). I understand Lynch wanted to make the novel into two movies, but the studio nixed that idea. There was obviously no money for decent special effects. This bothered me, because just look at what they were able to do with Close Encounters and Alien. Heck, even 1968's 2001 A Space Odyssey had amazing special effects (mostly practical). And Lynch's portrayal of the Baron and his nephew (the beast Rabban) were nothing but insane cartoon characters. This sweeping saga looked very closed in, and many scenes felt like they were doing a stage play. I'm really looking forward to your thoughts on the 2000 TV-mini series (which had its own problems, including wardrobe ... especially the wardrobe, along with meager special effects budgeting, as well as casting and direction). Although I admit the sandworms look pretty darn good. The 2003 TV-mini series of Children of Dune (which encompassed Dune Messiah and Children of Dune) was a much better effort all around (and tamed down that ridiculous wardrobe). It was also much better directed.