Dune Movie Review

Auteur of the bizarre David Lynch directed this science-fiction epic based on the Frank Herbert novel of the same name. A stellar cast, good special effects, and sweeping desert vistas lift the film above a somewhat muddled script. In the year 10,991, a group of noble houses struggle for control of the universe. Among political and religious intrigue, the key to absolute power is control of the mind-enhancing drug Spice, found only the desert planet Arrakis (which also happens to be inhabited by giant worms). Paul, heir to House Atreides, leads the lowly but fierce Freemen in revolt against the evil Harkonens and the Emperor, who have seized control of Arrakis and attempted to destroy House Atreides. Lynch creates a totally unique and complex world, with its own culture and mythos, inhabited by staple Lynch weirdos and grotesque images. Though far from perfect, the film strives to deliver intelligent science fiction, a rarity in film. Look for director Lynch in a cameo. An extended version has been disowned by Lynch, and directing credit goes to the eponymous Alan Smithee. Stick with the original–just be sure to pay close attention (and reading the book sure couldn't hurt). Makes a great bookend to Waterworld.

1984 (PG-13) 137m/C Kyle MacLachlan, Francesca Annis, Jose Ferrer, Sting, Max von Sydow, Juergen Prochnow, Linda Hunt, Freddie Jones, Dean Stockwell, Virginia Madsen, Brad Dourif, Kenneth McMillan, Silvana Mangano, Jack Nance, Sian Phillips, Paul Smith, Richard Jordan, Everett McGill, Sean Young, Patrick Stewart; Cameos: David Lynch; D: David Lynch; W: David Lynch; C: Freddie Francis; M: Brian Eno. Nominations: Academy Awards ‘84: Best Sound. VHS, Beta, LV MCA, FCT