Harlan Ellison on Lynch's Dune

Ellison on Dune

Harlan Ellison argues that some books are better left on the page, naming Moby-Dick and Dune as works whose scale and richness can exceed what a film can show. He says Dune could feel more lavish, sensual, adventurous, and layered in a reader’s imagination than it does on screen.

Still, Ellison praises David Lynch’s film and its cast. He calls Kyle MacLachlan a competent young actor who seemed a little frightened, but says he did a solid job. Francesca Annis, Max von Sydow, and even Sting, he says, helped make the cast feel like a distinctive repertory company. The subtitles also include Paul’s famous fear litany and a line about needing new experiences.

Ellison notes that the film was almost universally panned, with David Ansen and Ellison among the few critics he says gave it a good review. He sharply criticizes Universal for lacking faith and courage, then describes the movie as seemingly impossible to write, direct, produce, or market. Its very existence, he says, is part of what makes it important. Decades later, it still holds up and draws viewers into its world.

Personalities Mentioned

Harlan Ellison, Kyle MacLachlan, Francesca Annis, Max von Sydow, Sting, David Ansen, John Gielgud, and Ralph Richardson.