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Jodorowsky’s Dune is an excellent documentary that chronicles the life and career of famed Chilean-French director Alejandro Jodorowsky, and his ambitious yet utterly brilliant project, Dune.

Known for such cult classics as El Topo, Santa Sangre, and The Holy Mountain, Jodorowsky began working on DUNE in 1975 – and even though it never filmed, it would become his most ambitious cinematographic project and is now considered one of the great undertakings in cinema.

Jodorowsky went to great lengths to pursue this project, and enlisted huge stars to participate such as Orson Wells, David Carradine, Mick Jagger and Salvador Dali. He also enlisted Pink Floyd to do the soundtrack. Jodorowsky intended adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi novel Dune, according to some, changed the way films would be made forever.

This biographical documentary was very well-made, and narrates a well-structured chronological series of events. It also features Jodorowsky himself, and you hear the story in his own words.

The focal point of the documentary is his Dune film – the whole process from start to finish – as Jodorowsky and many critics consider to be his cinematographic masterpiece.

In the documentary, Jodorowsky tells us that Dune was the first project he was involved with in which he did whatever he wanted, without taking orders from anyone.

In addition to interviews with Jodorowsky, Jodorowsky’s Dune also features commentary by Michael Seydoux, HR Giger, Chris Foss, Brontis Jodorowsky, Richard Stanley, Devin Faracy, Drew Mcweeny, among others, who in their own words describe their experiences and their relations with Jodorowsky. Many were directly involved in the project, which was started 40 years ago.

Joorowsky’s Dune is directed by Frank Pavich, who comments that making this film for him resulted in a fascinating journey through imagination and creativity. To him, it showcases the potential of an artist who transforms the negative aspect of human nature into an evolution of ideas.

In order to get the most out of watching this documentary, it’s advised to check out some of Jodorowsky’s films in order to grasp his truly unique style. Although he’s considered a cult-classic director, he’s often not understood by the general public. He depicts very ambiguous and surreal situations which often only make sense to him.

This documentary will take you on a journey through the deepest corners of Jodorowsky’s mind and heart, with excerpts from his more acclaimed works.

Jodorowsky’s Dune is the winner of the 2013 Fantastic Fest Award for Best Documentary, and was a Official Selection at the 2013 Cannes and Toronto Film Festivals.

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Jodorowsky’s Dune
Sony Pictures Classics
Now playing in select theaters

4 Stars

Films are rated on a scale of 5 stars (must-see), 4 stars (exceptional), 3 stars (solid), 2 stars (average) and 1 star (unworthy).

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