For my final blog post of the semester, I have decided to do something different; I am attempting to review two films in one post! The two films in question are, of course, David Lynch‘s Dune (1984) and Denis Villeneuve‘s Dune (2021).

Now I want to start off with a disclaimer that I have not read the famous science fiction book of the same title by Frank Herbert that the films attempt to adapt. Therefore, I am not reviewing the films based off of how close of an adaptation they are, but rather off of any and every other aspect.

While there are differences, both films tell the story of Paul Atreides (Kyle MacLachlan, Timothée Chalamet), son of Duke Leto Atreides (Jürgen Prochnow, Oscar Isaac) and Lady Jessica (Francesca Annis, Rebecca Ferguson), of planet Caladan and his dangerous journey against the rivaling Harkonnens spurred on by the need to protect the most valuable commodity of the universe called spice.

For context, I tend to generalize Lynch’s films as being “odd in the best way possible” because of his very distinct surreal style of filmmaking. I would say that a story like Dune is a little out of place considering his usual art-film-y antics and because of how much the story feels like part of a larger franchise. Villeneuve, on the other hand, is nearing the status of a certified modern-day science fiction film professional with sci-fi titles like Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, and Enemy under his belt. With that in mind, it only makes sense that, in my and many others’ opinion, a filmmaker like Villeneuve produced a more successful version of the story.

Lynch’s Dune is commonly treated as the butt of all the jokes because of how out of place his usual creative liberties feel in a story that is best told in a different, more straightforward way. In the 1984 film, Lynch attempts to tell the entire story of the 400-something paged book in 2 hours and 15 minutes. As much as I wanted this to be enough time, it simply isn’t because of the sheer amount of world-building, character development, and plot development that needs to occur. Because of this, Lynch’s Dune often jars you with abrupt cuts from one plot point to another and fails to place enough emphasis on important characters or plot points, making things/people seem more inconsequential.

 

Villeneuve, on the other hand, made the decision to split up the book into two parts, only capturing about two-thirds of the story in this 2021 film. With a 2 hour and 35 minute runtime, Villeneuve is able to better showcase Herbert’s complex characters and universe. Whereas Lynch’s Dune treats everyone that isn’t Paul as a side character, Villeneuve’s Dune gets the audience to form connections with nearly every character. This is particularly notable in the case of the very important Lady Jessica, who is not only Paul’s mother (like she is in the 1984 film), but also an incredibly intelligent and powerful force to be reckoned with (like she is the 2021 film). Villeneuve’s Dune also has a more diverse cast, making the universe seem more realistic and engaging to non-white people.

I could go on and on about the differences, similarities, merits, and flaws of the two, but I think it would suffice it to say that, to me, Dune (2021) tops Dune (1984). This is not to say that Dune (1984) is the complete disaster that everyone paints it out to be. I usually find that science fiction films bore me (even critically acclaimed ones like Alien, The Matrix, and the original Blade Runner). However, Lynch’s Dune not only captured my attention, but managed to keep it for the length of the film! Despite what people say, I think Dune (1984) is a lot of fun and I thought/still think that MacLachlan made for a great Paul Atreides.

However, one man does not a great film make, and with all of the glory of Villeneuve’s Dune, it is impossible for Lynch’s Dune not to be overshadowed. While Dune (1984) manages to be fun, Dune (2021) is totally and completely epic.

Dune (1984): 3.5 stars out of 5. Dune (2021): 4.5 stars out of 5.