Director Denis Villeneuve has had a lot of success with his recent Dune movies, which stars Timothée Chalamet as lead charater Paul Atreides. But Villeneuve wasn't the first person to tackle this story. David Lynch’s 1984 adaptation of Dune is a cinematic anomaly that has long intrigued fans and critics alike, myself included. Known for its sprawling deserts, massive sandworms, and bizarre imagery such as Guild Navigators floating in spice-induced fog, the film stands as a polarizing entry in Lynch's filmography when compared to entries such as Blue Velvet or even Twin Peaks.
Despite its status as a commercial and critical failure, the 1984 Dune movie has garnered a cult following over the years. Now, film writer Max Evry’s book, A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch’s Dune – An Oral History, offers a detailed exploration of this eccentric project, repositioning the film within the broader landscape of science fiction cinema.
As detailed on Mashable, Evry’s book is a detailed oral history that delves deep into the production, casting, and aftermath of Dune. Through interviews with cast members, crew, studio executives, and Lynch himself, Evry paints a comprehensive picture of the challenges in adapting Frank Herbert’s complex novel. The book is not just an examination of Dune as a film, but also a reflection on the artistic and industrial forces that shaped its making. As someone who has read the entire series of novels, this film adaptation, to me, stayed true to Herbert's written prose.
One of the most fascinating aspects highlighted in A Masterpiece in Disarray is the film's casting process. Numerous high-profile actors were considered for key roles, leading to a treasure trove of what-if moments. For example, Val Kilmer, Tom Cruise, and Kevin Costner were all in the running to play Paul Atreides. According to production assistant Craig Campobasso, Kilmer was initially the top choice until Kyle MacLachlan delivered a standout screen test and got cast.
"We screen-tested Michael Biehn, Kevin Costner, Lewis Smith. There were a few others. Val Kilmer, of course, because Val was actually the number one choice up until Kyle did his screen test. Paul-Muad'Dib is not an easy character. Kyle made it look easy, but if you saw all the other actors struggling... Michael Biehn did not live up to it. Kevin Costner did not. It's not that they're bad actors; they just didn't fit the criteria for Paul-Muad'Dib because you're looking for this inner strength."Craig Campobasso
Kilmer’s audition showcased his Juilliard training and a poised, almost forceful performance reminiscent of Daniel Craig’s take on James Bond. However, studio executives expressed doubts over his suitability for the role, particularly over details like his physical appearance.
Similarly, casting for Lady Jessica also involved a search for the perfect fit, with Glenn Close being seriously considered. Despite her strong audition and endorsement from the costume designer, Close was ultimately passed over — a decision producer Raffaella De Laurentiis later acknowledged as a missed opportunity. Francesca Annis would ultimately play the character.
Then, of course, there was Sting, who ultimately played Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen. His casting involved significant effort, including a personal visit from Lynch to secure his involvement in the film. Sting’s presence added an electric star power to the film, showcased by the now-iconic blue Speedo scene. Behind the scenes, anecdotes about creating a body cast for his costume — complete with bizarre requests for crotch molds — capture the almost surreal atmosphere that defined the production.
Evry’s book goes beyond recounting amusing or dramatic stories. It contextualizes Dune within the challenges of adapting a dense literary work for the big screen. Lynch’s ambitious vision collided with studio interference and Herbert’s expansive world-building, resulting in a film that struggled to balance artistic integrity with commercial viability. A Masterpiece in Disarray reframes the movie as a bold, if flawed, experiment that deserves recognition for its audacity and influence.
A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch's Dune – A Oral History is available from 1984 Publishing.
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