We tell you the differences and similarities

With the premiere of ‘Dune‘, from the director Denis Villeneuve, it’s almost impossible not to look back at the version you filmed David Lynch. The Dune of 1984.

The story of the intergalactic dispute for the power of Dune – between the House of Atreidis and the Harkonnen-, has tried to be adapted several times on the big screen.

However, the 1984 Dune box office results weren’t as expected and we don’t know how Denis Villeneuve’s version will fare.

This largely by creative differences, lack of budget and especially because the novel by Frank Herbert is a literary work with too many subplots framed in a complex universe full of references and symbolisms.

Anyway, here are some differences and similarities what is between the film ‘Dune’ from 1984, directed by David Lynch, and the new opus by Canadian director Denis Villeneuve

Remember that Denis Villeneuve, from Blade runner 2049, was consolidated as sci-fi cinema benchmark.

It should be noted that, in this comparative review, on the differences and similarities of the two versions of ‘Dune’ we put aside the 2000 series.

The interesting thing is to find out how two filmmakers used the same format (feature film) to make “Dune”, which for decades was considered an impossible project to adapt to cinema.

What differences and similarities are there betweena 1984 version of Dune vs Denis Villeneuve?

Story

The films of the two dunes have a similar duration of just over two hours. However, the change is in the treatment of its history.

Denis Villeneuve is preparing a ‘Dune’ trilogy. This is why he takes the time, in each scene, to show the complexity of his story and his characters.

In the 1984 dune, David Lynch had to edit and condense, in a single film, his story at the request of the producers.

Despite nearly eight hours of footage, the 1984 film “Dune” unfolds in a rush.

Visual effects. The 1984 version of Dune vs Denis Villeneuve

One of the most obvious characteristics that differentiates Denis Villeneuve’s movie “Dune” from David Lynch’s movie are the visual effects.

In Villeneuve’s “Dune”, the film maintains the minimalist style which earned the Canadian director international acclaim. This is not to say that its director does not have and does not show a majestic view of the intergalactic world.

On the contrary, his camera setting is more ambitious since he has all the technology at hand to show the imposing nature of the desert. Huge landscapes, spaceships giants and planes that mimic insects are just some of the elements that stand out in Denis Villeneuve’s film ‘Dune’.

In the case of Lynch’s adaptation, “Dune” from 1984 is sometimes too ornamental in the settings it presents. Sometimes the film does not give the viewer the feeling of being in the middle of the space.

Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that David Lynch’s “Dune” has great visual hits that he effectively addresses, even with the technological limitations and effects of his time.

In short, Villeneuve’s photography has more panoramic and contemplative shots than David Lynch’s films. This in large part because of the difference in budget and the vision each director had when adapting ‘Dune’ to the big screen.

Characters. The 1984 version of Dune vs Denis Villeneuve

Another point that shows the differences of the two films is the characters of the two ‘Dune’ films.

Let us take the first example: Paul Atréides.

The construction of his narrative arc in Denis Villeneuve’s film “Dune” reveals a teenager linked to dreams and premonitions. The character played by Timothée Chalamet he doesn’t look like an imposing heir warrior.

In the 1984 version of David Lynch of Dune, the son of Duke Leto had the interpretation of the actor Kyle MacLachlan. His representation of Paul Atréides reveals a man emerging from adolescence and preparing to assume his destiny.

The difference in characters between the two versions of “Dune” can also be seen in Baron Vladimir Harkonnen.

Denis Villeneuve’s film features a too dark and imposing baron in the interpretation of Stellan Skarsgard, who uses all his talent to show a true antagonist.

For the 1984 film Dune presented Kenneth mcmillan like him Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. His role leaves a lot to be desired as he represents a cartoon villain with grotesque makeup.

Curiously, Mexican actor Ernesto Laguardia made a cameo appearance in the 1984 film “Dune”. In the scene in which this actor participates, he appears as a young man who arouses the fierce desire of the evil baron. Baron.

Likewise, the supporting characters in the ‘Dune’ films had a different cast. Denis Villeneuve uses the character of Liet Keynes to actress Sharon Duncan-Brewster. In the case of David Lynch’s version, this role was played by the legendary actor Max von Sydow.

Dialogues The 1984 version of Dune vs Denis Villeneuve

The dialogue of the two versions of ‘Dune’ is similar in some places. This is due in large part to the literal incorporation by David Lynch and Denis Villeneuve of the dialogue that appears in the novel.

For example, both in Denis Villeneuve’s version of “Dune” and in Dune from 1984, when the character Gurney Halleck interacts for the first time with Paul Atreides the veteran soldier is heard encouraging the young heir to fight.

Proposal that Paul Atreides rejects because he says he is “not in the mood”. In both films, Gurney demands that the young man get in the mood for a fight, as he knows the Harkonnen and you know how ruthless they can be.

Another similar scene in ‘Dune’ is when the witch clan Well done, ordered by Gaius Helen, unexpectedly visits the young Paul Atreides to do the box test, which will show if he has inherited the Atreides throne is Kwisatz Haderach, the chosen one who carries a messianic message.

In the 1984 movie Dune, you can see something very similar when the witch questions Paul Atreides’ loyalty to see if he’s the individual they’ve sought for generations.

This type of small references and direct nods to the novel can be found in Denis Villeneuve’s film ‘Dune’ as well as in Dune 1984 directed by David Lynch.