Jodorowsky’s Dune, 2013
Jodorowsky’s Dune
Directed by Frank Pavich
Starring Alejandro Jodorowsky, H.R. Giger, Mechel Seydoux, Brontis Jodorowsky, et al
Art by Moebius (Jean Giraud) et al
Sony Pictures Classics
2013
“The story of cult film director Alejandro Jodorowsky’s ambitious but ultimately doomed film adaptation of the seminal science fiction novel.” – www.IMBd.com
The passion of Alejandro Jodorowsky is clearly illustrated in director Frank Pavich’s insightful documentary portraying the futile journey of one of our globally important artists. Known for cult classics El Topo (1970) and The Holy Mountain (1973), Jodorowsky’s Dune defines clearly this artist’s passion in filmaking and his quest to produce a film that he sees can potentially change humanity.
Searching out what he defines as his spiritual warriors, Jodorowsky locates a coterie of elite practitioners, including master draftsman, Moebius, sci-fi technician, Dan O’Bannon, and dark science artist, H.R. Giger, to assist him in realizing his vision. Pavich weaves present day interviews connected to the development of this monolithic effort alongs side previously unseen archived materials in a cohesive engaging voice. Sadly, Jodorowsky’s project was doomed from the outset due to numerous obstacles, including the conceptual scale, the 1970s digital technology, and limited financial support.
Perhaps, this world was not ready for Jodorowsky’s attempt to change the world. Perhaps, it never will be? Nevertheless, this documentary portrays the deepest passion and devotion to a singular vision that rarely has been rivaled. The interviews are concisely edited, research is properly vetted, and the viewer will be absorbed into the energy and world projected in this visionary quest led by Jodorowsky. There is sometimes an opaque ephemeral quality assigned to his oeuvre. However, in this viewing experience one will find clarity. This is a must see for anyone interested in Jodorowsky or just thinking “BIG” in a universal consciousness.
In time, Jodorowsky eventually reconciled his vision is best served through the comic and graphic novel medium. Produced in collaboration with artists Moebius and Zoran Janjetov, The Incal (universe) is his best known series and widely available in an English translation courteous of Les Humanoïdes Associés.
In the film’s closing, Jodorowsky offers future artists his profound and heartfelt inspiration on the importance of ambition through stating, “Have the greatest ambition possible. If you want to be immortal, try to be immortal. Do it. If you want to make the most fantastic art of movie (sic). Try. If you fail, it is not important. We need to try.”
My hope is for Jodorowsky to one day publish his meticulous and massive collected materials produced during this life defining endeavor. This (hopeful!) publication coupled with Jodorowsky’s Dune may perhaps be records that offer the deepest and widest sense of the artistic process to date.
To view the official site, please visit:
http://jodorowskysdune.com
Moebius and Jodorowsky’s Dune
Review by Chester Alamo-Costello
