An early David Lynch film adapting a Frank Herbert novel of the same name. Taking place in the distant future, it depicts young Paul Atreides's (Kyle MacLachlan) journey as his family takes up position as the rulers of the desert planet Arrakis, also known as Dune, source of the drug melange, catalyst of space travel and source of eternal youth.
The original book is one of the great works of science fiction, still very popular even today and hauled as a masterpiece. It's a meditation on power, when and how to wield it and whether or not it should be wielded. It's also an epic in every meaning of the word.
And while Lynch's adaptation suffers somewhat due to limitations of the budget and the state of special effects at the time of its making, it's still more than valiant attempt. I especially like MacLachlan as Paul and Francesca Annis as Lady Jessica, his mother.
Then again, the rivals of Paul and his family, the Harkonnens, are way over the top goofy, whereas in the book they're coldblooded killers and menace beyond reason.
Likewise it's a tad weird to have Toto, the band, providing the soundtrack, but I can't say I minded it.
Not a perfect adaptation by any means, and I'd hazard that it'd be a bit difficult to follow if you haven't read the book, but even still it's pretty epic in its own right.
Dune
1984
Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi
Dune
1984
Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi
Plot summary
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 the killing of young Paul Atreides, son of the Duke Leto Atreides of CALADAN.
Uploaded by: OTTO
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLU 2160p.BLUMovie Reviews
Doesn't quite capture the feel of the book, but is still very epic
This is a science fiction masterpiece
Dune (1984) is a movie I recently watched again for the first time in a long time on HBOMAX. The storyline follows an evil emperor who takes advantage of a planets inhabitants and takes their resources to fuel space travel. When the son of a new leader of the planet sees the ways of the local people he decides to join them to overthrow the emperor.
This movie is directed by David Lynch (Mulholland Drive) and stars Kyle MacLachlan (Show Girls),Virginia Madsen (Candyman),Leonardo Cimino (Monster Squad),Francesca Annis (Krull),Brad Dourif (Child's Play),Everett McGill (Silver Bullet),Patrick Stewart (X-man) and Sting (Cold Mountain).
The storyline for this is very intricate and contains great characters, setting and circumstances that really capture the imagination. The cast is brilliantly selected and the special effects are way better than they should be for 1984. I am always thoroughly impressed by the space special effects, the worms and the sets. They paid so much attention to detail on the makeup, attire and various props.
This really was a great movie. There's a lot to absorb and keep up with, but this is definitely worth your time. This is a science fiction masterpiece that I would strongly recommend and score a 9/10.
The books r amazeballs and truly none of the movie/tv versions can come close to it.
I first saw this in the late 80s n found it to be a confusing mess cos of not having read the books but still found it action packed.
Revisited it recently after hating the new version cos of its boredom n lack of action.
Well, none of em is closer to the books (having read the books now) but this older version shud be applauded for being a bit entertaining n having a big star cast for those days.
Was a bit disappointed to see the hottie Virginia Madsen in a tiny role.