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Dune (1984 film)

Dune
Dune 1984 Poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster design by Tom Jung
Directed by David Lynch
Produced by Raffaella De Laurentiis
Screenplay by David Lynch
Based on Dune
by Frank Herbert
Starring
Narrated by
  • Theatrical cut:
  • Virginia Madsen
  • Extended cut:
  • Unknown
Music by
Cinematography Freddie Francis
Edited by Antony Gibbs
Production
company
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date
  • December 14, 1984 (1984-12-14)
Running time
136 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $40 million
Box office $30.9 million (North America)

Dune is a 1984 American epic science fiction film written and directed by David Lynch, based on the 1965 Frank Herbert novel of the same name. The film stars Kyle MacLachlan as young nobleman Paul Atreides, and includes an ensemble of well-known American and European actors in supporting roles. It was filmed at the Churubusco Studios in Mexico City and included a soundtrack by the rock band Toto, as well as Brian Eno.

Set in the distant future, the film chronicles the conflict between rival noble families as they battle for control of the extremely harsh desert planet Arrakis, also known as "Dune". The planet is the only source of the drug melange—also called "the spice"—which allows prescience, and is vital to space travel, making it the most essential and valuable commodity in the universe.

After the novel's initial success, attempts to adapt Dune as a film began as early as 1971. A lengthy process of development followed throughout the 1970s, during which Arthur P. Jacobs, Alejandro Jodorowsky, and Ridley Scott unsuccessfully tried to bring their visions to the screen. In 1981, executive producer Dino De Laurentiis hired Lynch as director.

The film was negatively reviewed by critics and was a box-office failure, grossing $30.9 million from a $40 million budget. Upon release, Lynch distanced himself from the project, stating that pressure from both producers and financiers restrained his artistic control and denied him final cut privilege. At least three versions have been released worldwide. In some cuts, Lynch's name is replaced in the credits with the name Alan Smithee, a pseudonym used by directors who wished not to be associated with a film for which they would normally be credited. The extended and television versions additionally credit writer Lynch as Judas Booth. More recently, the film has received cult film status.


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