DUNE (1984) | David Lynch: Absurd Encounters

2024-08-23

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After the critical and commercial success of THE ELEPHANT MAN, David Lynch was suddenly a hot commodity in Hollywood, although it soon became clear that, although many studios were seeking out the idiosyncratic director, what they wanted was another ELEPHANT MAN, and not another ERASERHEAD. While Lynch would pass on many of the projects offered to him (which we document in this episode), he eventually signed on to direct Frank Herbert's sprawling science fiction epic DUNE for famed Italian producer Dino De Laurentiis. The resulting film was, for Lynch, "a great sadness," a betrayal of his own artistic sensibilities and a film that was reviled by critics and ignored by audiences. Although it's gained a modest cult following...

After the critical and commercial success of THE ELEPHANT MAN, David Lynch was suddenly a hot commodity in Hollywood, although it soon became clear that, although many studios were seeking out the idiosyncratic director, what they wanted was another ELEPHANT MAN, and not another ERASERHEAD.

While Lynch would pass on many of the projects offered to him (which we document in this episode), he eventually signed on to direct Frank Herbert's sprawling science fiction epic DUNE for famed Italian producer Dino De Laurentiis.

The resulting film was, for Lynch, "a great sadness," a betrayal of his own artistic sensibilities and a film that was reviled by critics and ignored by audiences. Although it's gained a modest cult following in the 40 years since its release, it's generally considered a failure by most, even die hard fans of David Lynch.

In this episode, we'll tell you everything you want to know about how DUNE came to be, from previous directors who'd attempted to adapt it, to how Lynch became involved, and the myriad of troubles that the cast and crew had while making the film in Mexico. We'll also discuss the film's eventual release, its legacy, and the incredible impact that it had on Lynch's career going forward.

An Extended Episode — exclusive to CinemaShock+ subscribers — contains bonus content including our fan favorite "Somebody Needs A Nap" segment (where we read and react to reviews of DUNE that we've found on the far reaches of the internet), our "Further Viewing" recommendations and more!

Join now at cinemashock.net/plus.

Up Next: David Lynch: Episode 5: BLUE VELVET.

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Theme Song: "There's Still a Little Bit of Time, If We Hurry and I Mean Hurry" by Slasher Film Festival Strategy.

This episode was written, produced and edited by Gary Horne, Justin Bishop & Todd A. Davis.

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