Films › David Lynch

Dune (1984)

Film

DirectorDavid Lynch

Meta takes6

Figures

Objects & symbols

The "Weirding Way" as a sonic weapon

Form & technique

The extensive use of whispered internal monologues (voice-overs) → Narrative Condensation
The film's theatrical cut and its confusing narrative

Tropes

Paul Atreides's messianic journey → The Hero's Journey
Baron Harkonnen's diseased and grotesque body → The Abject
The cinematic portrayal of the Fremen people → The Exoticized Other
The Third Stage Guild Navigator → The Posthuman Body
Paul's prescient visions after drinking the Water of Life
The planet Arrakis and the mining of Spice
The film's overall production design → The Auteurial Signature

Films most connected to Dune

Raise the Red Lantern (1991) — via The Exoticized Other, Narrative Condensation
The Hunt for Red October (?) — via The Auteurial Signature, Narrative Condensation
Black Swan (2010) — via The Abject, The Posthuman Body
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) — via The Abject, The Hero's Journey
Holy Motors (2012) — via The Abject, The Posthuman Body
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) — via The Abject, The Auteurial Signature
mother! (2017) — via The Abject, The Auteurial Signature
RoboCop (1987) — via The Posthuman Body