Even more than most of David Lynch’s deliberately bizarre and idiosyncratic movies, Dune is a “love-it-or-hate-it” affair. An ambitious, epic, utterly mind-boggling–and, let’s admit it, all-out weird–adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic science fiction novel, Dune remains one of the most controversial films in the director’s exceedingly provocative career. The story (if Dune can be said to have just one story) is complex and convoluted in the epic tradition; it has something to do with political intrigue and a planet that is home to a precious spice and gigantic sand worms. Think Shakespeare’s Henry IV with a dash of Tremors, and set in another galaxy. But despite plenty of strangely whispered voice-overs that explain the characters’ thoughts (and endlessly detailed exposition), storytelling is not really among the film’s strong points. There are, however, a lot of memorably fantastic/grotesque images, an extraordinary cast, and a soundtrack featuring Toto. I told you it was weird. Among the stars are Kyle MacLachlan, José Ferrer, Dean Stockwell, Brad Dourif, Sting, Kenneth McMillan, Patrick Stewart, Sean Young, and Linda Hunt. –Jim Emerson
January 22, 2006
#1
Review Disclaimer: This review is for the Theatrical release of this movie; I have not viewed the DVD.
I have to tell you, this was the worst movie I have ever seen, second only after maybe, Criminal Law, with Gary Oldman, and Kevin Bacon. Okay, this one was worse, now that I think about it.
I saw this one in the theaters about 17 or 18 years ago. I think I remember sneaking into it, or going in quite unwilling, but it was the only movie starting at the time I was there.
I began watching, and it seemed like it was a few minutes into the movie, and no advertisements ran. I watched, as some characters came onto the screen, and weird gibberish came out of the speakers. I had heard it was a really strange movie, so this didn’t put me off, …yet. But then I started seeing weird things, like smoke suddenly appearing, than being sucked up, and people walking sideways, and backwards. Well, I think you’re beginning to catch on. The film was running backwards, or something. I’m still not sure. So, what’s the big deal, you ask? Read on.
HERE’S THE KICKER!!!! There were about 20 people in the audience, and nobody, not one person realized what the problem was, until about 3 – 5 minutes into the film! I’m not kidding! It was the most bizarre theater experience I’ve ever had! Finally I stood up, just as one or two other folks were standing up to go complain.
Well, I didn’t return to the movie. It was like some kind of sign, telling me to leave the movie theater. I think I asked to go see another film instead, and never looked back.
This is a true story. I’m not kidding! This happened in the area of South San Francisco, in the Bay Area, San Francisco, sometime around 1987 or 1988.
MC White said: Backwards smoke and gibberish is a message from above; leave the theater!
January 22, 2006
#2
Purchased off my husband’s wish list,but discovered he already had it. He is going to give it to a friend. He forgot to remove it from his list.
January 23, 2006
#3
it turned out to be a little weird…. and whats with all the people annoyingly whispering and thinking to themselves…
January 23, 2006
#4
Just a few words about the cover art for this DVD;
Compare it to the sober, tasteful, esthetic, and mystic cover artwork for the import edition, DUNA. (Referring to “Dune Definitive Collection 2 DVD Set [Import] (1984)” with the blue moons.)
This US edition is a typical example of what happens when producers are in charge, and always have the final word. Their goal is foremost to sell and make as much money as possible; not to make an esthetically pleasing product. In Hollywood they are often speculative hustlers, as opposed to real Artists. Here they have squeezed in as much information as possible into the picture; all characters are crammed in. Details all over the picture. It’s just chaotic and ugly. Unbalanced.
It’s the same thing with the new Star Wars films packages. The foremost thought and motivation is to sell. (But of course, at the same time there are great artists who have contributed to these films! People who manage to present their visions, untainted by producers’ restless clumsy hands. But that is another matter.)
Things were better when the artists themselves were in charge of design, before the commercially speculative producers took over everything around the early 1980s or thereabout .
Edit:
P.S. To all of you who have given negative feedback to this review: You simply don’t understand how fooled you are by the commercialized film industry! It’s a sad state to see the large masses being brainwashed.
January 23, 2006
#5
If you do not have a HD DVD you can not play this product, so be warned.