Jodorowsky´s Dune

“I wanted to make a film that gives LSD hallucinations without taking LSD to change the young minds of all the world.”

– Alejandro Jodorowsky

In the realm of unmade films, few projects hold as much fascination as “Jodorowsky’s Dune.” Directed by the filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky, this adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic was going to be a cinematic journey unlike any other.

“Jodorowsky’s Dune” is a 2013 American-French documentary film directed by Frank Pavich, which allows us to glimpse what Jodorowsky had planned for his depiction of Dune. With a screenplay co-written by Jodorowsky and French comic book artist Moebius, and a cast that included the likes of Orson Welles, Salvador Dalí, and Mick Jagger, “Jodorowsky’s Dune” promised to be a star-studded spectacle of epic proportions. The soundtrack would have been composed and recorded by Pink Floyd. While the film itself was never completed, its legacy continues to echo through cinematic history.

Alejandro Jodorowsky

Jodorowsky, known for his surreal and often psychedelic storytelling, envisioned a film that would push the boundaries of cinema and challenge conventional storytelling norms. His adaptation was set to be a sensory overload, a kaleidoscopic exploration of consciousness, spirituality, and the human condition.

One of the defining characteristics of “Jodorowsky’s Dune” is its psychedelic sensibility. Psychedelia, with its emphasis on mind-expanding experiences, altered states of consciousness, and non-linear narratives, is woven into the very fabric of Jodorowsky’s vision. From the film’s dreamlike visuals to its surreal set pieces, every aspect of it is imbued with a sense of otherworldly wonder.

“Awakening is not a thing. It is not a goal, not a concept. It is not something to be attained. It is a metamorphosis. If the caterpillar thinks about the butterfly it is to become, saying ‘And then I shall have wings and antennae,’ there will never be a butterfly. The caterpillar must accept its own disappearance in its transformation. When the marvelous butterfly takes wing, nothing of the caterpillar remains.”

– Alejandro Jodorowsky

Central to the psychedelic nature of “Jodorowsky’s Dune” is its thematic exploration of the human psyche. Drawing inspiration from Herbert’s exploration of politics, religion, and ecology, Jodorowsky delves deep into the inner workings of the mind. In Jodorowsky’s hands, “Dune” becomes a canvas for exploring the depths of the subconscious, inviting viewers on a transcendent journey through the furthest reaches of the imagination.

Visually, “Jodorowsky’s Dune” is a feast for the senses. Jodorowsky’s appetite for vibrant colors, surreal landscapes, and symbolic imagery is on full display – from the psychedelic vistas of Arrakis to the intricately designed costumes and sets, every frame is a work of art in its own right.

Jodorowsky embraces a non-linear approach to storytelling, weaving together multiple storylines and characters in a sprawling epic that defies easy categorization. The result is a film that challenges viewers to expand their minds and rethink their preconceptions about cinema and storytelling.

Despite Jodorowsky’s unwavering passion and boundless creativity, the dream of making “Jodorowsky’s Dune” was unfulfilled. After years of development and pre-production, the project fell apart due to mounting financial difficulties and studio reluctance to greenlight such a risky and unconventional film.  However, its influence can be felt in countless films that followed. From the cosmic odyssey of “2001: A Space Odyssey” to “The Matrix,” Jodorowsky’s vision has left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.