Dune

Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi | 1984 | PG-13. 2hr 17min
CAST: Kyle MacLachlan, Virginia Madsen, Francesca Annis DIRECTOR: David Lynch Science on Screen Series

Science on Screen

Join The Grand Cinema for a special Science on Screen presentation of the 1984 David Lynch adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic novel Dune.

Before the film screening, Dr. Erica Cline, a professor from the University of Washington Tacoma, will present her talk ”˜Restoration of the Sediment Plateau after Removal of the Elwha Dam.’ Stay for special giveaways and a chance to win the 50th anniversary edition of Dune from The Folio Society. Learn more here.

This event is one of many occurring September 30 - October 8, honoring Tacoma native Frank Herbert and his impact on literature and environmental stewardship. Join in and find out more on Post Defiance.

Film Synopsis

David Lynch's adaptation initially confused or outraged fans of the book but has since developed it's own cult following. The story takes place in the year 10,191. The universe is governed through a system of feudal rule, presided over by Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV (JosÃ© Ferrer).In the kingdom. two rival houses -- the House Atreides and House Harkonnen -- are attempting to gain dominion over the universe. This is only possible by controlling the Spice, a rare substance that grants those who ingest it the power to fold time, and which is found exclusively on the desert world Arrakis, or Dune.

Emperor Shaddam permits the Atreides to take over the Spice production on Dune, while secretly working with the Harkonnens to attack the Atreides and destroy them. The leader of the Atreides is Duke Leto (JÃ¼rgen Prochnow), who rules with the help of his concubine Jessica (Francesca Annis) and son Paul (Kyle MacLachlan). The rival Harkonnens are headed by the pus-oozing Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Kenneth McMillan) and his two unsavory nephews, Rabban (Paul L. Smith) and Feyd (Sting).

When his father is murdered by the Harkonnens, Paul escapes to the sands of Dune, where he is embraced by the Fremen (the desert dwellers on Dune who prepare the Spice) as the messiah foretold in legend. Paul assumes the mantle of messiah and leads the Fremen in a revolt that topples the balance of power in the universe

Movie

Reviews

Before his death in 1986, Herbert said that he was largely pleased with Lynch’s film's representation of his universe. You can understand why. While it's hardly a cohesive experience, individual scenes are brought to life with striking power. Watching Dune today holds the same joy as flipping through an illustrated version of the novel. Considering the density and imagination of Herbert's world, that should count as something of an achievement.

Daniel D. Snyder, The Atlantic

Gets under your skin and is marked by unforgettable images and an extraordinary soundtrack.

Time Out Staff