Uncovering the Unreleased Psychedelic 70s DUNE Movie

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Background of Alejandro Jodorowsky
3. Gathering the Creative Team
4. Designing the Visuals of the Movie
5. Casting the Unique and Eccentric Actors
6. Condensed Storyline of Jodorowsky's Dune
7. Challenges and Troubles
8. Legacy and Influence
9. Conclusion

Jodorowsky's Dune: The Epic Film That Never Was

Imagine a Dune movie starring Salvador Dali, Mick Jagger, and Orson Welles, with designs from legendary illustrators Moebius and H.R. Giger, and music by Pink Floyd. A movie that, according to some, is one of the greatest movies never made. Before Denis Villeneuve, before David Lynch, there was Alejandro Jodorowsky. This cult film director would try and fail to adapt Dune for the big screen. This movie was the subject of the 2013 documentary “Jodorowsky’s Dune”. Join me as I dive into the background, story, and legacy of what at one point was to be a 14-hour long movie.

Introduction

Alejandro Jodorowsky is a Chilean-French filmmaker who, by the early 70s, had become known for his surreal, avant-garde movies such as El Topo and The Holy Mountain. These surreal films had become big hits in Europe. So when a French consortium got their hands on the film rights for the Novel Dune, written by Frank Herbert in 1965, they chose Jodorowsky to direct.

The Background of Alejandro Jodorowsky

To understand Jodorowsky's vision for Dune, it is essential to Delve into the background of the filmmaker himself. Known for his unconventional approach to storytelling and his use of symbolism, Jodorowsky was a trailblazer in the world of cinema. His previous films had gained a cult following, and he had established himself as a master of the surreal and the abstract.

Gathering the Creative Team

Jodorowsky knew that to bring his grand vision of Dune to life, he needed the right team of creatives by his side. He assembled a group of talented individuals whom he referred to as his "Warriors." One of the most notable members of this team was Jean Giraud, also known as Moebius, a legendary comic book artist and Writer famous for his work on the series Blueberry. Together, Jodorowsky and Moebius would craft thousands of storyboard pages and conceptual artworks for the film.

Designing the Visuals of the Movie

The visual aspect of Jodorowsky's Dune was just as crucial as the story itself. To Create the otherworldly look and feel of the movie, Jodorowsky recruited the visionary artist H.R. Giger, who would later gain fame for his work on Alien. Chris Foss, known for his unique science fiction book covers, was brought in to design the film's space ships and hardware. Each member of the creative team played a vital role in shaping the visual landscape of the film.

Casting the Unique and Eccentric Actors

A movie is nothing without its cast, and Jodorowsky had a unique vision when it came to choosing actors for Dune. He cast an interesting assortment of individuals, including Salvador Dalí, Mick Jagger, Orson Welles, and David Carradine. Each actor brought their own eccentricity and star power to the roles they were chosen for. Jodorowsky's son, Brontis, was even selected to play the main character, Paul Atreides.

Condensed Storyline of Jodorowsky's Dune

While the original plan for Jodorowsky's Dune was to create a 14-hour long epic, we can only glimpse into the storyline through the storyboard and script that remain. The film would have opened with a long continuous shot, taking the audience from the galaxy to the streets of the Emperor's golden planet. In the condensed version, Duke Leto Atreides discovers a spice smuggling operation, leading him on a Journey to uncover the secrets of House Harkonnen. The film would have culminated in a dramatic battle and a transformation of Dune itself.

Challenges and Troubles

Despite the incredible vision and talent behind Jodorowsky's Dune, the project faced numerous challenges and troubles. The ambitious nature of the film, coupled with Jodorowsky's unconventional approach, made it difficult to secure funding and support from Hollywood studios. The project ultimately fizzled out, leaving behind a legacy of unfulfilled potential.

Legacy and Influence

Although Jodorowsky's version of Dune never made it to the silver screen, its influence can be seen in numerous other films and projects. The creative team's innovative designs and concepts went on to inspire filmmakers like Ridley Scott, George Lucas, and James Cameron. The storyboard and concept art from Jodorowsky's Dune served as a wellspring of inspiration for future science fiction movies, paving the way for the development of iconic films such as Blade Runner and Tron.

Conclusion

While Jodorowsky's Dune may forever remain an unfinished masterpiece, its impact on the world of cinema is undeniable. The film's visionary approach to storytelling and its unique Blend of surrealism and science fiction have left an indelible mark on the industry. Jodorowsky's Dune stands as a testament to the power of artistic vision and the enduring influence of unrealized dreams.

Highlights

• Alejandro Jodorowsky, a cult film director, attempted to adapt Frank Herbert's novel Dune for the big screen but ultimately failed.
• Jodorowsky assembled a team of creatives, including legendary artists Moebius and H.R. Giger, to bring his grand vision to life.
• The film's unique cast, including Salvador Dali, Mick Jagger, and Orson Welles, added to its eccentricity and allure.
• Jodorowsky's Dune had an ambitious 14-hour storyline that centered around Duke Leto Atreides and the secret smuggling operation of House Harkonnen.
• Despite facing numerous challenges and troubles, the legacy of Jodorowsky's Dune lives on in its profound influence on future filmmakers and science fiction projects.