Key Takeaways:
– Denis Villeneuve's trilogy adaptation of Frank Herbert's “Dune” is now on its second movie.
– David Lynch's “Dune” in 1984 was initially met with negativity, it only gained a cult-like status much later.
– Notable actors like Val Kilmer, Tom Cruise and Kevin Costner auditioned for the lead role of Paul Atreides.
– Musician Sting played the role of antagonist Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in Lynch's 1984 movie.
Denis Villeneuve's Spectacular Vision of Dune
The Dune franchise, which was once a singular movie, has now emerged as a cinematic marvel. Courtesy of Denis Villeneuve's brilliant screen adaptation of Frank Herbert's renowned novels. The cast strikes a rich blend of talent, starring actors like Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, and Florence Pugh. The trilogy is two movies in and fans eagerly wait for the third. Villeneuve's take on the epic spice fields of Arrakis and the Empire has brought a new perspective to the story.
David Lynch's Dune: A Cult Classic
Before Villeneuve stepped in, there were others who attempted to bring this story to life. Of those attempts, David Lynch's 1984 adaptation managed to develop into a full-length feature film. However, the film didn't resonate with the audience leading to it being a commercial and critical failure. This would mark it as Max Evry termed, the “black sheep of David Lynch's filmography.”
As time passed, the perception of the 1984 Dune movie changed. People began to see it in a different light, appreciating what it had to offer. This led to it gaining an almost cult-like status in the later years, a far cry from its initial reception.
A Fight for the Role of Paul Atreides
Paul Atreides, the protagonist in Lynch's Dune, was played by Kyle MacLachlan. However, notable actors like Val Kilmer, Tom Cruise, and Kevin Costner all read for the role. Val Kilmer was the first choice for the lead until Lynch spotted MacLachlan's promising talent. Other actors like Michael Biehn struggled with the demands of the role. But MacLachlan's performance showed the inner strength the character required, according to Production Assistant Craig Campobasso.
Kyle's portrayal of Paul Atreides may have won him the part but it didn't do much for his career. The film's poor performance led to a slump in his career. But, as fate would have it, it was David Lynch who resurrected his career with the neo-noir mystery thriller, Blue Velvet.
Sting's Memorable Role as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen
Sting, celebrated musician and part-time actor, played the role of Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in Lynch's Dune. Despite his character not having as much screen time as Austin Butler's in Dune: Part II, his was a crucial aspect of the narrative. The casting process was filled with humor and memorable moments. An amusing anecdote even suggests a demand for a body cast of Sting's crotch indicative of his popularity at the time.
Despite the film's lackluster performance, Sting's memorable appearance in a blue speedo is unforgettable for the audience.
The 1984 Dune film is now available on Netflix, allowing audiences to indulge in the nostalgia or experience for the first time this intriguing piece of cinematic history.
