Director Denis Villeneuve had great success with his latest work dune Films in which Timothée Chalamet plays the main role as Paul Atreides. But Villeneuve was not the first to delve into this story. David Lynch’s 1984 adaptation dune is a cinematic anomaly that fascinates fans and critics alike, myself included. Known for its sprawling deserts, giant sandworms, and bizarre images like Guild Navigators floating in spice-induced fog, the film represents a polarizing entry in Lynch’s filmography compared to entries like Guild Navigators Blue velvet or Twin Peaks.

Despite its status as a commercial and critical failure, the film is from 1984 dune The film has gained a cult following over the years. Well, the book by the film author Max Evry, A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch’s Dune – An Oral Historyoffers a detailed examination of this eccentric project and repositions the film within the broader landscape of science fiction cinema.

How detailed on Crushable, Evry’s book is a detailed oral history that delves into the production, casting and aftermath dune. Through interviews with cast, crew members, studio executives and Lynch himself, Evry paints a comprehensive picture of the challenges of adapting Frank Herbert’s complex novel. The book is not just an investigation of dune as a film, but also a reflection on the artistic and industrial forces that shaped its creation. As someone who has read the entire novel series, for me this film adaptation remained true to Herbert’s written prose.

One of the most fascinating aspects highlighted in A masterpiece in disarray is the film’s casting process. Numerous high-profile actors were considered for key roles, resulting in a treasure trove of what-if moments. For example, Val Kilmer, Tom Cruise and Kevin Costner were all in the running for the role of Paul Atreides. According to production assistant Craig Campobasso, Kilmer was initially the first choice until Kyle MacLachlan delivered an outstanding screen test and was cast.

“We screen tested Michael Biehn, Kevin Costner and Lewis Smith. There were a few others. Val Kilmer of course, because Val was actually the first choice until Kyle did his screen test. Paul-Muad’Dib is no Kyle made it look easy, but when you see all the other actors struggling, Kevin Costner didn’t meet the criteria for being Paul-Muad’Dib because you’re looking for that inner strength.

Craig Campobasso

Kilmer’s audition showcased his Juilliard training and a confident, almost powerful performance reminiscent of Daniel Craig’s version of James Bond. However, studio executives expressed doubts about his suitability for the role, particularly regarding details such as his physical appearance.

Casting for Lady Jessica also required finding the perfect fit, with Glenn Close being seriously considered. Despite her strong audition and support from the costume designer, Close was ultimately passed over – a decision that producer Raffaella De Laurentiis later acknowledged as a missed opportunity. Ultimately, Francesca Annis would play the character.

Then of course there was Sting, who ended up playing Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen. His casting required considerable effort, including a personal visit from Lynch to ensure his involvement in the film. Sting’s presence gave the film electrifying star power, exemplified by the now-iconic blue Speedo scene. Behind-the-scenes anecdotes about creating a mold for his costume – complete with bizarre requests for step shapes – capture the almost surreal atmosphere that defined the production.

Evry’s book goes beyond telling amusing or dramatic stories. It contextualizes dune within the challenges of adapting a dense literary work for the big screen. Lynch’s ambitious vision clashed with studio interference and Herbert’s expansive world-building, resulting in a film that struggled to balance artistic integrity with commercial viability. A masterpiece in disarray reimagines the film as a bold, if flawed, experiment that deserves recognition for its boldness and impact.

A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch’s Dune – An Oral History is available from 1984 Publishing.