Release: 1984-12-14
Runtime: 2h 17m (137 minutes)
In the year 10,191, the most precious substance in the universe is the spice Melange. The spice extends life. The spice expands consciousness. The spice is vital to space travel. The spice exists on only one planet in the entire universe, the vast desert planet Arrakis, also known as Dune. Its native inhabitants, the Fremen, have long held a prophecy that a man would come, a messiah who would lead them to true freedom.
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Genres: Adventure, Action, Science Fiction
Cast: David Lynch, Kyle MacLachlan, Brad Dourif, more
David Lynch
as Spice Miner (uncredited)
Kyle MacLachlan
as Paul Atreides
Brad Dourif
as Piter De Vries
Alicia Witt
as Alia
Patrick Stewart
as Gurney Halleck
Virginia Madsen
as Princess Irulan
Max von Sydow
as Doctor Kynes
Sean Young
as Chani
Richard Jordan
as Duncan Idaho
Jack Nance
as Nefud
Dean Stockwell
as Doctor Wellington Yueh
Jürgen Prochnow
as Duke Leto Atreides
David Lynch
Screenplay
David Lynch
Director
Tony Brubaker
Stunts
Frank Silva
Set Dresser
José López Rodero
Associate Producer
José López Rodero
First Assistant Director
Henry Kingi
Stunts
Freddie Francis
Director of Photography
Frank Herbert
Novel
Scott Wilder
Stunts
Antony Gibbs
Editor
Dino De Laurentiis
Executive Producer
In the year 10,191, the most precious substance in the universe is the spice Melange. The spice extends life. The spice expands consciousness. The spice is vital to space travel. The spice exists on only one planet in the entire universe, the vast desert planet Arrakis, also known as Dune. Its native inhabitants, the Fremen, have long held a prophecy that a man would come, a messiah who would lead them to true freedom.
A world beyond your experience, beyond your imagination.
Released on 14 December 1984, Dune is a science fiction film directed by David Lynch. The movie is adapted from Frank Herbert's acclaimed novel of the same name, published in 1965. Set in a distant future, it tells the story of political intrigue among noble families vying for control over the desert planet Arrakis, the only source of a valuable substance known as melange, or spice, essential for space travel and granting prescient abilities.
The film features a star-studded cast, including Kyle MacLachlan in his film debut as Paul Atreides, Francesca Annis as Lady Jessica, and Patrick Stewart as Gurney Halleck. The production was challenging, filmed primarily in Mexico and involving extensive set designs that brought the alien world to life.
At its core, Dune revolves around Paul Atreides, whose noble family is tasked with governing Arrakis. His family faces threats from their rivals, House Harkonnen, and must navigate a web of betrayal and conflict. Alongside his mother, Lady Jessica, Paul finds himself entangled in a prophecy that suggests he could be a messianic figure for the native Fremen people of Arrakis.
The film was met with a mixed reception, criticized for its complexity and pacing, leading it to underperform at the box office with earnings of approximately $30.9 million against a budget ranging from $40 to $42 million. Over the years, however, Dune has cultivated a cult following, with many appreciating its unique visual style and Lynch's surreal storytelling.
The narrative explores themes of power, religion, and environmentalism while introducing audiences to the complex lore of Herbert's universe. Despite its initial reception, the film has been revisited and appreciated for its ambitious storytelling and visual artistry, paving the way for future adaptations of the Dune saga.
In summary, Dune remains a significant work in the science fiction genre, showcasing David Lynch's distinct cinematic vision. Although it faced challenges upon its release, it has secured its place in film history and continues to inspire discussions about adaptation and storytelling in cinema.
