There are no films quite like cult film director Alejandro Jodorowsky's 𝘋𝘶𝘯𝘦 (1976), whose 12-hour loose adaptation of the Frank Herbert novel has been lauded by critics and routinely hailed as the greatest science fiction film of all time.
The Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dalí agreed to play the Emperor for Jodorowsky on the condition that Dalí be paid the highest salary for any actor, ever. He end up receiving $250,000 —$100,00 for every minute he was onscreen.
Legendary director Orson Welles agreed to play the evil Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, the enormous antagonist who floated in air.
Harkonnen’s castle set was famously designed by artist HR Giger, who’d go on to design the film Alien.
Harkonnen’s castle set was famously designed by artist HR Giger, who’d go on to design the film Alien.
Jodorowsky cast his own son Brontis Jodorowsky as Paul Atreides, requiring the teenage boy do grueling training in martial arts for two years to prepare for the role.
The rest of the cast was also stellar.
David Carradine played Duke Leto, Gloria Swanson the Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother, Geraldine Chaplin the Lady Jessica, and Amanda Lear was Princess Irulan.
David Carradine played Duke Leto, Gloria Swanson the Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother, Geraldine Chaplin the Lady Jessica, and Amanda Lear was Princess Irulan.
Alain Delon played Duncan Idaho, Pam Grier took the role of Chani, and legendary rock star Mick Jagger played Feyd-Rautha.
Budgeted at $15 million, the film had slim hopes to recoup its expenses and was indeed a box office failure. Its stature in the ensuing decades has grown, however, with many hailing it as Jodorowsky's masterpiece.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
