Watch Jodorowsky's Dune

Jodorowsky's Dune is a 2013 documentary that delves into one of the most intriguing stories in the history of cinema. The film is directed by Frank Pavich and explores the failed attempt of filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky to bring Frank Herbert's science fiction classic, Dune, to the big screen. The story of Jodorowsky's Dune is an epic one that starts in the early 1970s. Jodorowsky, a Chilean-French filmmaker known for his avant-garde and eccentric style, became obsessed with Dune after reading it. He saw the book as a perfect vehicle for his unique vision of cinema and set out to make the most ambitious and expensive film ever made.

To bring his vision to life, Jodorowsky assembled a team of collaborators that included French producer Michel Seydoux, Swiss artist H.R. Giger, British illustrator Chris Foss, and American science fiction writer Dan O'Bannon. Together, they set out on an epic journey to create a film that would change the face of science fiction forever.

The journey was plagued with obstacles and setbacks. Jodorowsky's vision was so ambitious and unconventional that many in the film industry thought it was impossible to realize. The team spent months and millions of dollars creating detailed storyboards, designing elaborate costumes and sets, and even creating their own language for the film.

However, despite their efforts, Jodorowsky's Dune was never made. The project eventually fell apart due to lack of funding and the reluctance of studios to risk such a huge amount of money on such an unconventional project.

Although the film was never made, Jodorowsky's Dune had a huge impact on the world of cinema. Many of the collaborators went on to work on other influential sci-fi films, such as Ridley Scott's Blade Runner (1982) and David Lynch's Dune (1984). The film also inspired countless filmmakers and artists with its innovative and daring approach to storytelling.

Jodorowsky's Dune is a fascinating documentary that sheds light on one of the most innovative and ambitious projects in the history of cinema. Through interviews with Jodorowsky and his collaborators, as well as never-before-seen archival material, the film explores the intricate and complex universe that Jodorowsky created.

The documentary is visually stunning, with gorgeous illustrations and storyboards that bring Jodorowsky's vision to life. It also features interviews with contemporary filmmakers, such as Nicolas Winding Refn and Richard Stanley, who talk about the influence that Jodorowsky's Dune had on their own work.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the documentary is the insight it provides into Jodorowsky's unique approach to filmmaking. Jodorowsky is a man who sees cinema as a way to create a new reality, to transform the world into a dreamlike landscape of beauty and wonder. His vision is nothing less than a transcendent experience that he wants to share with audiences around the globe.

Overall, Jodorowsky's Dune is a must-see for any fan of sci-fi, film history, or avant-garde art. It is a testament to the power of the human imagination and the indomitable will of artists who refuse to compromise their vision. The film is a celebration of the creative process, even in the face of failure, and a reminder of what can be achieved when artists dare to dream big.

Jodorowsky's Dune is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 79.