I encountered Frank Herbert’s _Dune_ in high school and my memory of it is hazy, though I recall enjoying it immensely and finding it somewhat unsettling. I likely missed some of its deeper meanings back then. Since I hadn’t seen any film adaptations, I chose to watch both David Lynch's 1984 version and Denis Villeneuve's 2021 take one after the other. This review focuses on Lynch’s film, with broader comparisons in my earlier review of the 2021 _Dune_. It might be an unpopular perspective: I find Lynch's version to be genuinely brilliant while Villeneuve’s is simply awful. Let me explain why. The characters in David Lynch's adaptation are certainly eccentric and exaggerated? Absolutely! That’s part of what makes it superior! It’s science fiction, after all! You willingly accept the unbelievable for superpowers in superhero movies? The characters in Lynch's film feel grounded and authentic within this strange fantasy world. By the time the credits rolled on Lynch's _Dune_, I felt empathy for almost every character. Even the antagonists elicited an emotional response from me. Paul Atreides’ development seemed believable and engaging. However, the most important point is the screenplay. David Lynch delivered a complete narrative. Unfortunately, he didn't have final control over it and later distanced himself from the film after critics were harsh on it. Despite Lynch being a true artist and visionary, the studio removed 45 minutes of footage. A full 45 minutes! I’d really like to see that original version! Even with those cuts and despite the passage of four decades, Lynch's film maintains a clear sense of purpose and conveys the enduring message Frank Herbert set out to communicate. That isn’t something I can say about Villeneuve’s adaptation. I suggest you watch David Lynch’s version.

Source on TMDB