Step Back, Chalamet: The OG Dune Movie Arrives on Netflix, 40 Years Later

Even those who aren’t into cinema can guess that Dune: Part Two is so far the most talked about movie of 2024 and, moreover, the highest-grossing one of the year. Denis Villeneuve’s epic saga attracted the attention of millions of viewers worldwide, with some of them also becoming interested in its book source, Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novels.

However, it’s not so obvious that Villeneuve wasn’t the first who managed to adapt these seemingly unadaptable books. Apart from the unsuccessful 1970’s attempts of the filmmakers Ridley Scott and Alejandro Jodorowsky, there was one that became true.

Back in 1984, the world saw a highly anticipated movie version of Dune, adapted from Herbert’s first novel (1965). Set in the future, it followed the rivalry between two noble clans striving to take control of Arrakis, a planet rich in the valuable drug named Spice.

The narration is led by Paul Atreides, the heir of a powerful family who enters into a showdown with the long-time rivals, House Harkonnen. His fight over Arrakis promises a bunch of unexpected turns, including the one regarding him being the Messiah.

Despite the enormous number of Herbert’s fans at the time, the movie was a box office disappointment, as it grossed $30.9 million against a $40–42 million budget.

Besides, its current critical score on Rotten Tomatoes is a shameful 37%, while the audience’s one equals 65%. It was panned by critics for its poor world-building, with its attempt to cram in too much plot, confusing visual effects and pacing.

Indeed, nowadays it can seem dated and much worse written than Villeneuve’s adaptations. However, it’s still a brand new take on Dune, and if you’re a fan of the Timothée Chalamet-starring version or of the books, you should definitely give it a try.

Cinema lovers already know we’re talking about the movie directed by David Lynch, the master of surrealism and the father of Twin Peaks. His unique direction clearly gave it some spice, and it’s proved by the fact that since then it has developed a cult following.

“The costumes are great, the sets are great, the acting is great. Lynch also really captures the psychedelia of Dune in a way that Villeneuve's movies do not,” concludes Redditor @ta_mataia about the 1984 adaptation.

Don’t miss Lynch’s vision of Arrakis, as Dune will be available on Netflix on June 1.