Review: “Dune” – David Lynch and “Frank Herbert’s Dune” – John Harrison

PODCAST:

S3E12M – Dune (movie and SyFy)*

SHOW NOTES:

This was easily one of our most decisive episodes. Rick walked off, I did not want to discuss the TV adaptation, and Ryan had to fix our broken home. In the end, Ryan lost the most for caring the most. The heart and soul of our podcast held true and pushed through both movies, with indifference from Wilk and absence from Rick.

If a consensus could be reached it was only that Dune, the movie, was something apart from the mainstream. It was delightfully weird and inaccessible. To a casual viewer, I think it would be unwatchable. Unless you are into that sort of thing.

But out listeners and Ryan deserved better than what they got. For the first time in the history of the show I would like to apologize for my conduct. And most importantly Ricks. Or as I call him, Captain “I walked off the episode I insisted we do” Fantastic.

So, until next time, wash your space balls thoroughly, as there is no deodorant in outer space.

– Wilk

WRITTEN FILM REVIEWS:

Film: “Dune (1984)” by David Lynch (Kyle MacLachlan)

Ryan: 4 Stars “…this captures the soul of the book…a lot more stylized…David Lynch gets a little edge because of the risks that they took …”

Wilk: 3 1/2 Stars “…at some point, odd things happen to you in life that aren’t what you expect, but in the end you get what you want…that’s what Dune is…”

Rick: 4 Stars “…even though David Lynch’s movie doesn’t really follow, technically, everything in the book, it really captures the imagery…”

 

 

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SyFy: Frank “Herbert’s Dune (2000)” by John Harrison (William Hurt)

Ryan: 3 1/2 Stars “…they did put a lot of effort into it and its enjoyable if you really want to see something that’s closer to the book…”

Wilk: 3 Stars “…it was more literal than the David Lynch version, but less ambitious…”

Rick: 0 Stars “…it was a waste of time…the acting made it horrible…I saw part of it before I gave up on it…”

 

 

FUN FACTOIDS:

On the show, Ryan mentioned watching a fascinating documentary about a movie version of Dune that never happened, but which likely influenced the science fiction film genre for years due to the various creative teams being assembled by this off-the-wall director (Alejandro Jodorowsky). Though the film never happened, a great deal of work was done in pre-production and the resulting documentary about this director’s journey is a compelling watch of what-might-have-been for Dune fans. If you are a Dune fan you’ll want to check out “Jodorowsky’s Dune.”

Ryan also talked about another science fiction/fantasy book review podcast that relayed a fairly recent announcement by production company “Legendary Entertainment” to acquire film rights for Dune, so there may be another visual version coming out in the future. That podcast is known as “Sword and Laser” and the relevant episode with a link to a news article can be found here: http://swordandlaser.com/home/2016/11/22/sl-podcast-273-han-solos-big-sister. After recording, Dole, found this article announcing a new director for the possible remake: http://www.cinemablend.com/news/1619960/the-dune-remake-has-its-director-and-we-couldnt-be-more-thrilled.

David Lynch’s depiction of the vile Baron Vladimir Harkonnen reminded Ryan of the infamous Countess Elizabeth Bathory from Hungary whom was rumored to have bathed in the blood of virgins to retain her youth. Here’s the Wikipedia article on her: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_B%C3%A1thory.

In discussing the various members of the cast for the Lynch version of the book, we gave a shout out to a childhood favorite which featured Dune actress Francesca Annis: Krull!

Lastly, the epic production behind David Lynch’s film version of Dune is legendary. At one point crews down in Mexico were combing the desert to remove trash and debris so that the sands would be pure enough for the rich landscape of planet Arrakis. This is all to reminiscent of a classic scene in Mel Brook’s famed Star Wars parody: Space Balls. Please enjoy this clip:

 

 

* DISCLAIMER: Please be advised that the views and opinions of the hosts and guests of NDIOS are completely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of the other hosts and guests or that of NDIOS.