Thoroughly enjoyed Frank Pavich's excellent new documentary about Alejandro Jodorowsky's failed but visionary (and completely bonkers) project to render sci-fi classic Dune as an epic, spiritual space-trip of art cinema.
Jodorowsky, who claims not to have even read Frank Herbert's novel when he had the idea to turn Dune into a film, describes how he assembled a team of creative 'warriors' including H.R. Giger, Jean 'Moebius' Giraud, Dan O'Bannon and Chris Foss to create a visionary storyboard, concept art, costume and set design. Pink Floyd and Magma are persuaded to provide the prog/psych score. Meanwhile Jodorowsky and producer Michel Seydoux recount the excesses required to charm Salvador Dali, Orson Welles, David Carradine and Mick Jagger to commit to roles in front of the camera.
Although the project was never picked up by the Hollywood studios the documentary culminates with examples of where those involved in the creative side of the project went on to influence science fiction cinema ever since. The documentary also features extended sequences using Giraud's marvellous original storyboard sketches to give glimpses of a fantastical, psychedelic universe.
Essential watching for sci-fi fans.
Jodorowsky, who claims not to have even read Frank Herbert's novel when he had the idea to turn Dune into a film, describes how he assembled a team of creative 'warriors' including H.R. Giger, Jean 'Moebius' Giraud, Dan O'Bannon and Chris Foss to create a visionary storyboard, concept art, costume and set design. Pink Floyd and Magma are persuaded to provide the prog/psych score. Meanwhile Jodorowsky and producer Michel Seydoux recount the excesses required to charm Salvador Dali, Orson Welles, David Carradine and Mick Jagger to commit to roles in front of the camera.
Although the project was never picked up by the Hollywood studios the documentary culminates with examples of where those involved in the creative side of the project went on to influence science fiction cinema ever since. The documentary also features extended sequences using Giraud's marvellous original storyboard sketches to give glimpses of a fantastical, psychedelic universe.
Essential watching for sci-fi fans.
