Review of Jodorowsky's Dune (2013) by Thomas W — 14 Aug 2014

Most likely either only for film buffs who actually enjoy documentaries (including partially subtitled ones like this one) or fans of Frank Herbert's Dune, Jodorowsky's Dune is a both an insightful and captivating documentary about the "best film never made" -- a mid-1970's film adaptation by Chilean-born director Alejandro Jodorowsky of the seminal sci-fi epic novel .

Following the wildly surprising international (non US) successes of two of his successive films -- the surreal 'El Topo' and 'The Holy Mountain' -- Jodorowsky was presented with the opportunity to direct a big-budget sci-fi spectacle that pre-dated Star Wars and could have quite possibly changed the face of science fiction for all time.

This doc reveals how in-depth the preparations were and how dedicated Jodorowsky's hand-selected crew -- including future Oscar winner H.R. Giger (Alien) -- were to the project. The director was set to create an epic and while courting a Hollywood studio that would produce his film, he presented each one with a complete storyboard book of his entire vision .

.. which is awesome actually. But alas ... it is all for nothing and the doc lets its audience in on why. If only ... yes, if only! A visionary artist like Jodorowsky is to be admired and this documentary film pays him ample tribute.