sem@inuxc.UUCP (Stephen Klaren) (01/21/85)
Not having read the book, I came to the movie completely uninitiated, clutching
my DUNE terminology flyer which I received in the lobby. Never have I been
given a two page dictionary before viewing a film. Alas it was of no use as
the film began before I read halfway through the 37 assorted definitions and
names.
Since the story has been repeatedly rehashed on the net, I will sum my comments
by comparing it with films from which it apparently stole its parts.
Costumes: Barbarella
Sets : Alien
Music : Flash Gordon
Story : The Ten Commandments
Although the similarities of DUNE to the above mentioned films is undeniable,
any of the above are markedly better and more entertaining to watch.
My greatest complaint about the film was the complete alienation of the audience
from the characters. I could neither sympathize nor empathize with the main
character Paul. His sister was a child only Linda Blair could love.
Also the director (or possibly the author) seemed to delight in gore and
violence which reached a new level of sadism not witnessed since Dachau.
I can stand some gunshots , even ala Peckinpah, but spare me the heart plugs
and the buckets.
I must add DUNE to my growing list of dopey megabuck SF movies. I didn't think
anyone could top Star Trek III so quickly as worst SF film for money spent.
Let's face it, these guys are giving this genre a bad reputation. Soon no one
will finance a really good SF film.
I have to put some of the blame on Lucas. If he would knock off making his
comic book films for a couple of years and produce a truly landmark SF film
such as STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND or ALAS, BABYLON etc; I'm sure he could
easily outdo 2001. It's easy to see the kind of genius he and Spielberg squander
on some of their films although I would be the first to admit that Spielberg's
films have been major contributions to history (Jaws, Close Encounters, ET,
etc.)I would just like to see their genius applied to a classic SF novel.
Can you imagine what DUNE might have been with Lucas/Spielberg in control?
Perhaps we will never find out, but RETURN OF THE JEDI seemed to show a
deteriation in the power and freshness of the STAR WARS stories.
Finally, all I can say for Dune is that at least 1 minute of the Harkonnen
segment could be salvaged for a Clearasil commercial.
P.S. For those who wish a four hour version of DUNE, I can only say they
should be strapped in chairs with eyelid holders (CLOCKWORK ORANGE) and
forced to watch HEAVEN'S GATE backwards for two consecutive showings.
TAKE NO PRISONERS
(At least from DUNE)
Maybe this is what the anti-pornography lobbyists should aim at instead of sex.