While Denis Villeneuve’s recent Dune adaptations have earned critical acclaim and box office success, the 1984 David Lynch version, despite its initial failure, possesses surprising strengths that still resonate. Here are six areas where Lynch’s ambitious, albeit flawed, vision arguably surpasses its modern counterpart.
The Unbridled Vision of Lynch
David Lynch’s Dune, released in 1984, was a product of its time and a director known for his unique, often surreal, artistic style. It aimed for a grand, operatic scale that, while not always successful, delivered moments of unforgettable strangeness and a palpable sense of creative abandon. This stands in contrast to Villeneuve’s more grounded and conventional approach.
1. Bold, Unconventional Aesthetic
Lynch’s Dune embraced a distinct visual language, blending gothic architecture with science fiction elements. The costumes, set designs, and overall atmosphere were daring and unlike anything seen before, creating a world that felt both alien and strangely familiar. The infamous blue eyes of the Fremen, while a direct adaptation, felt more integrated into the film’s overall look.
2. Character Depth for Supporting Roles
While the leads in Lynch’s film might be debated, many supporting characters, such as Baron Harkonnen (Kenneth McMillan) and Piter De Vries (Brad Dourif), are portrayed with a grotesque intensity that makes them truly memorable. Their performances, though sometimes over-the-top, imbue the villains with a distinct and unsettling presence that the newer film, in its attempt at realism, perhaps dilutes.
3. The Power of Internal Monologue
To convey the complex inner lives and political machinations of Frank Herbert’s novel, Lynch employed extensive voice-over narration. While often criticized, this technique effectively delivered the intricate lore and character motivations, giving audiences direct access to the characters’ thoughts in a way that Villeneuve’s more visually driven narrative sometimes omits.
4. A More Tangible Sense of Danger
The sandworms in Lynch’s Dune, though less technically advanced than their modern counterparts, possess a raw, terrifying power. The film doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of Arrakis, and the threat posed by the worms feels immediate and visceral, adding to the overall sense of peril for the characters.
5. Unique Musical Score
The score by the band Toto and Brian Eno, while divisive, is undeniably unique and contributes to the film’s cult status. Its blend of rock anthems and atmospheric soundscapes creates a distinct sonic identity that sets it apart from more traditional orchestral scores.
6. The Cult Following It Earned
Despite its initial box office bomb and critical drubbing, Lynch’s Dune found a dedicated cult following over the years. This enduring appeal speaks to its unique artistic vision and the memorable, albeit unconventional, experience it offers. It proved that Herbert’s dense novel could inspire passionate, if not universally accepted, cinematic interpretations.
Editor’s Take
While Denis Villeneuve’s Dune is undoubtedly a masterclass in modern filmmaking, offering a visually stunning and thematically rich adaptation, it’s fascinating to revisit David Lynch’s 1984 attempt. Lynch’s film, with all its eccentricities and narrative leaps, captured a certain chaotic energy and artistic freedom that is often lost in more polished productions. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, artistic ambition, even when it misses the mark, can leave a more indelible, albeit different, impression than a technically perfect but safe execution. For fans of Frank Herbert’s universe, both adaptations offer distinct, valuable experiences.
This article was based on reporting from Polygon. A huge shoutout to their team for the original coverage.
Read the full story at Polygon
