I have to confess that before I watched this epic (and it is an epic with the original rough cut lasting over 5 hours) I was already a Dune fan. I had the computer games, I'd read the books and I settled down to watch what would almost be a slightly spiritual experience.
However I felt slightly disappointed. I'm not sure if it was the build up I'd given the film in my mind which left me feeling deflated or the fact that it simply wasn't possible to do justice to the excellent book on film.
The story is almost based on a religious quest set in the future, and it follows Paul Atredies, the son of a nobleman, as he moves home to the planet Dune with his family to take over mining rights there. The product they are mining is 'spice' the most precious substance in the galaxy and thus the mining contract is very lucrative and important. It also brings the House Atredies back into conflict with their mortal enemies the House Harkonnen (who formerly held the contract).
The planet Dune is one of the most inhospitable, with no water requiring everyone to where 'stillsuits', an all over body suit which reclaims moisture lost by the body and allows you to survive. The indiginous population are know as 'Fremen', a very hard and hostile race, who are deeply religous and have a legend about bringing life to Dune. Paul strangely fits into this legend and this is the catalyst for the plot.
The story develops as the Atredies are betrayed and Paul finds himself living amongst the Fremen who see him as a prophet and a living legend who will make their dream come true. It is interesting to see that Paul is the only one not totally swept up in this regious zeil as he tries to find the best, and least violent outcome, whilst also gaining revenge on those who betrayed him. The story gives insight into the Fremen life and the audience learns about them as Paul does.
Paul rises in the Fremen ranks and ultimately the film reaches it's inevitable and bloody climax. The final battle scene is impressive, especially as it doesn't exactly take place with conventional weaponry.
The Director (David Lynch) does try his best to bring as much of the book into the script as possible. However the book created a whole new culture, religion and way of living and it would take a far longer film to explain all of this to the audience, hence I feel some of the more subtle points will have been lost on viewers who haven't read the book. Also some of the film seems to have aged rather badly, especially any scene which is supposed to involve futuristic technology.
Despite all of this there are many plus points. The acting is superb and you can tell that Kyle MacLachlan is a fan of the books by the amount of energy he brings to the lead role. I was also impressed with Sting who was quietly menacing in a support role. Also when you see Patrick Stewart, Linda Hunt, Jurgen Prochnow, Dean Stockwell and Sean Young as supporting actors you realise this was quite an all star cast in it's day.
Also the attention to detail is impressive, the costumes were original based on feudal times and this comes through well, also the sense of nobility and honour which would have seemed slightly out of place in 1984 with the popularity of new releases such as 'Terminator'.
Although I originally described this film as slightly disappointing I must point out that that is my person opinion, and is from someone who was expecting something really special. If the film I wanted had been made it may well have put more casual fans off by the amount of detail included. It is definately worth seeing, although I recommend reading the book even more as the depth and detail of the world Frank Herbert creates is truely absorbing.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Science Fiction, Action/Adventure - Director: Greg Beeman, Allan Arkush - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Zachary Quinto, Masi Oka, Adrian Pasdar, Milo Ventimiglia, Greg Grunberg, Hayden Panettiere, Ali Larter
Production Year: 2007 - Science Fiction - Director: Francis Lawrence - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Dash Mihok, Will Smith, Salli Richardson, Willow Smith
The 'H' over 'VH' is purely due to this being the DVD category, really. You could try and get it moved, if there is just a film cat? I've got the book waiting to be read - are the sequels any good, incidently? Remember being impressed by this version of the story, but more on a visual level - it was totally confusing! The more recent mini series was good, but somehow lacked the soul of the David Lynch vison.
beatlemanic 07.08.2003 10:51
Really good opinion here, but unfortunately you've said nothing about the DVD - for a VH I would be looking for details about the extra features etc. Jo
Advantages: Great film, great direction, great individual performances, gripping plot Disadvantages: Slightly dodgy lighting, plot not properly explained
Cheesefather 24.01.2002 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
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