Jodorowsky’s Dune Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A crazy director tries to make a movie about space worms and spice, but fails because he wants Salvador Dali to poop on a swan throne.

🍿 Jodorowsky’s Dune: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Visionary Director

The documentary introduces Alejandro Jodorowsky, a cult film director known for his surreal and often shocking films like ‘El Topo’ and ‘The Holy Mountain’. It delves into his unique approach to filmmaking, highlighting his desire to create transformative, almost spiritual experiences for his audience. His vision transcends mere entertainment, aiming to tap into the subconscious and provoke profound emotional and intellectual responses.

The Ambitious Project: Dune

In the mid-1970s, Jodorowsky sets his sights on adapting Frank Herbert’s complex science fiction novel, ‘Dune’, a project many deemed unfilmable. Driven by a desire to create a film that would revolutionize cinema, he embarks on a quest to assemble a team of ‘spiritual warriors’ – artists, designers, and actors who shared his vision and were willing to push the boundaries of creativity. He believed that adapting Dune was not just about making a film, but about changing the world.

Assembling the Dream Team

The documentary details Jodorowsky’s recruitment process, highlighting the eccentric and often unorthodox methods he used to attract talent. He secured the involvement of artists such as H.R. Giger, Chris Foss, and Jean ‘Moebius’ Giraud, who contributed groundbreaking concept art and designs. He even approached iconic figures like Salvador Dalí, Orson Welles, and Mick Jagger for acting roles, promising them extraordinary experiences and creative freedom.

The Unraveling of a Dream

Despite the immense talent and creative energy assembled, Jodorowsky’s ‘Dune’ ultimately failed to secure the necessary funding and support from Hollywood studios. The documentary explores the reasons for this failure, citing factors such as the film’s exorbitant budget, Jodorowsky’s uncompromising artistic vision, and the studios’ reluctance to take risks on such an unconventional project. The movie highlights the clash between art and commerce, showcasing the challenges faced by visionary filmmakers in a profit-driven industry.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Alejandro Jodorowsky (Alejandro Jodorowsky): The ambitious and visionary cult film director who attempted to adapt Frank Herbert’s Dune.
• Michel Seydoux (Michel Seydoux): The producer who supported Jodorowsky’s ambitious Dune project.
• H.R. Giger (H.R. Giger): The artist who contributed dark and surreal designs to Jodorowsky’s Dune.
• Chris Foss (Chris Foss): The science fiction artist who created concept art for Jodorowsky’s Dune.
• Dan O’Bannon (Dan O’Bannon): The special effects artist who worked on Jodorowsky’s Dune before moving on to Alien.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Alejandro Jodorowsky: “What is the goal of the life? It’s to create yourself a soul.” – Jodorowsky expresses his belief that filmmaking is an art form dedicated to exploring and developing the human soul.
• Alejandro Jodorowsky: “For me, movies are an art… more than an industry.” – He emphasizes that cinema should be a deeply personal and artistic endeavor, not merely a commercial venture.
• Alejandro Jodorowsky: “My ambition with Dune was tremendous. So, what I wanted was to create a prophet… I want to create a prophet… to change the young minds of all the world.” – Describes his grand vision to create a revolutionary cinematic experience.
• Alejandro Jodorowsky: “I was raping Frank Herbert… but with love.” – Jodorowsky acknowledges his planned deviations from the source material but frames it as a passionate artistic interpretation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: Unknown
• Domestic Gross: $647,280
• Worldwide Gross: $662,736

💥 Jodorowsky’s Dune Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by this documentary! It’s such a wild story of ambition and creativity gone awry. The way they bring Jodorowsky’s vision to life through animation and concept art is incredible. I really felt the passion and frustration of the whole team, especially when you realize how much of that unmade film influenced so many others. It left me wondering what could have been!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of documentary films”
  • “Those interested in film history and the creative process”
  • “Science fiction enthusiasts, especially fans of ‘Dune'”
  • “Admirers of Alejandro Jodorowsky’s unique filmmaking style”
  • “Anyone fascinated by unrealized artistic projects”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief discussions of mature themes”
  • “Some surreal and potentially disturbing imagery”
  • “Occasional strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A fascinating look at a grand vision that never came to be. Jodorowsky’s passion is infectious, even decades later. The documentary excels at showcasing the creativity and ambition that went into this unrealized project.
• The Guardian: “A compelling testament to the power of ideas, even when they don’t reach fruition. The film paints Jodorowsky as a visionary, and while it’s a subjective take, the evidence presented is captivating. A must-see for film enthusiasts.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “An engaging and entertaining look at a cinematic ‘what if.’ The film does a great job of highlighting the impact of this unfinished work on later science fiction films. The film is full of insights and a must see.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the insane ambition and creative energy behind Jodorowsky’s vision.: The passion and the originality were amazing.

Many viewers enjoyed seeing how a failed project could still have such a major impact on film history.: The influence on later sci-fi films was clear.

Overall Consensus: A fascinating and inspiring look at a cinematic ‘what if,’ showcasing the passion, creativity, and lasting influence of an unrealized project.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Alejandro Jodorowsky’s ‘Dune’ project involved assembling a ‘spiritual warrior’ team including H.R. Giger, Chris Foss, and Moebius, whose concept art influenced films like ‘Alien’.”
• “Jodorowsky aimed to create a film that replicated the effects of an LSD trip, intending to revolutionize consciousness through cinema.”
• “The documentary reveals that Jodorowsky hadn’t even read ‘Dune’ before embarking on the project, relying on his vision and interpretations.”
• “Salvador Dalí demanded $100,000 per hour to play Emperor Shaddam IV, leading to a compromise where he was paid per minute for a limited screen time.”
• “Pink Floyd was considered for the soundtrack, showcasing the scale and ambition of the project.”

🖥️ How to Watch Jodorowsky’s Dune?

Jodorowsky’s Dune is primarily a documentary film, so viewing it is more about finding a platform that streams or offers documentaries rather than a traditional movie. Check streaming services like Criterion Channel, Amazon Prime Video (for rental or purchase), Apple TV (rental or purchase), and other platforms that offer documentary content. Physical copies on Blu-ray or DVD are also available through online retailers such as Amazon and major movie stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Jodorowsky’s Dune, you might like these similar films:

• Lost in La Mancha (2002): Documents Terry Gilliam’s ill-fated attempt to make ‘The Man Who Killed Don Quixote’, mirroring the developmental struggles and creative vision versus practical realities.
• Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse (1991): Chronicles the troubled production of Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Apocalypse Now’, showcasing the chaos and challenges of bringing a grand vision to life.
• Dune (1984): David Lynch’s adaptation of ‘Dune’ that actually made it to the screen, allowing a direct comparison to what Jodorowsky envisioned.
• Dune (2021): Latest adaptation of ‘Dune’, showing how different directors approach the same source material, and how visions can differ across eras.
• American Movie (1999): A dark comedy documentary on a low budget film maker battling insane odds to finish his horror movie. Very different scale, but a similar passion and persistence.

🛒 Jodorowsky’s Dune Related Products

• Dune by Frank Herbert: The original science fiction masterpiece that inspired Jodorowsky and countless others.
• Jodorowsky’s Dune (Deluxe Hardcover Edition): A comprehensive art book featuring Moebius’ storyboards and concept art from Jodorowsky’s Dune.
• The Films of Alejandro Jodorowsky (Blu-ray Box Set): A collection of Jodorowsky’s cult films, showcasing his unique filmmaking style and vision.
• Dune: Imperium Board Game: A strategy board game based on the Dune universe, allowing players to vie for control of Arrakis.

🎧 Soundtrack

Jodorowsky’s Dune features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun” – performed by Pink Floyd
• “Kurt Stenzel – Jodorowsky’s Dune – Original Soundtrack Recording” – performed by Kurt Stenzel

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Inside the Lost Version of Dune

Ever wondered what ‘Dune’ would have looked like if Jodorowsky had directed it? This video dives deep into that crazy, ambitious project, and honestly, it’s wild to see what could have been!

The Untold Truth Of Alien

Did you know that Jodorowsky’s failed ‘Dune’ actually helped inspire ‘Alien’? This video uncovers that connection and some other surprising facts about the making of a classic. It’s so interesting to see the untold truth of Alien!

Quickie: Jodorowsky’s Dune

Want a quick take on the ‘Jodorowsky’s Dune’ documentary? This short review gives you the rundown in under two minutes! YMS’s concise perspective is something else! A very concise and critical, worth seeing.

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