I recently watched Dune, David Lynch’s 1984 version of a famous Sci-Fi Novel by Frank Herbert. This movie was made the year I was born, and it definitely has the feel of an 80’s Sci-Fi film. Visuals, such as the shield used in the knife fights, seem influenced by TRON which was released two years earlier. Prior to seeing the film, I read that I would either love it or hate it, and that opinion might be largely based upon my knowledge of the original novel. I ended up with mixed feelings. I loved the visuals that Lynch created, such as the dream like montages that seem to occur throughout the film (the sets and scenery were amazing as well), but what fell short for me was the story telling aspect of the movie. It seems that the film was not fully capable of describing all of the intricate relationships between characters and factions in the film. I also felt that the last third of the movie was rushing to catch up with the novel (I can not be 100% sure on this since I have not read the original Novel). I have a feeling if I read the original Dune before watching this film, I would absolutely love it, but as a stand-alone film Dune falls short with its story telling. However, I still recommend this film. It is really fun to watch, and some of the characters that Lynch brings to life are just incredible. However, do keep in mind that you are watching a very much abridged version of Frank Herbert’s novel, and to get the full experience it is probably best that you read that before watching Lynch’s Dune. I definitely plan on reading Dune at some point in the near future, after that I may revisit the movie and see how, if at all, my opinion of the film has changed.
Obligatory Dune Lolcat:
