The Source of Baron Harkonnen's Pustules in Lynch's Dune

In the 1984 adaptation of Dune, directed by David Lynch, the Baron is shown to be a grotesque figure, markedly different from the portrayal in Frank Herbert's original novel. One of the key differences is the presence of pustules on the Baron's skin. These pustules, which play a significant role in the film's visual aesthetics, do not have an exact basis in the original books. However, understanding their source and the reasoning behind their inclusion requires delving into the cultural context of the time and Lynch's directorial choices.

Lynch's Artistic Choices and Cultural Context

Directorial and Visual Approach: David Lynch, known for his surreal and often disturbing visuals, aimed to create a Baron Harkonnen that would be both terrifying and memorable. His interpretation goes beyond the original book, where the character is described as gross but not necessarily inhuman due to a disease. Instead, Lynch chose to exaggerate the character's grotesque appearance for several reasons, including the overarching theme of creating villains that are extremely unsettling. This approach, while adding to the visual impact of the film, also brings us into a realm of artistic license that diverges from the source material.

Historical and Cultural References

1980s Cultural Context: The film was released in 1984, a time when the AIDS epidemic was just beginning to gain widespread public attention. The portrayal of the Baron could be seen as an exaggerated reflection of what society was afraid of in terms of physical decay and disease. The inclusion of pustules, reminiscent of a highly contagious and visibly degrading condition, fits within this context. Lynch may have used this technique to invoke fear and revulsion, aiming to create a character that was not just evil but also deeply unsettling in a physical sense.

The Pustules in the Source Material

Frank Herbert's Books: In Frank Herbert's novels, including the later works by his son Brian Herbert, the Baron is described as having become overweight due to a disease. His youthful vigor and average weight are contrasted with his later bloating and the presence of skin patches. However, the specific pustules mentioned in this article are not directly referenced in Herbert's books. The subsequent inclusion of these skin conditions in the film can be seen as an artistic choice to exaggerate the Baron's condition and make him more of an abhorrent character.

The Magical Disease in Prequels

Prequel Novels: In some of the prequel novels, it is suggested that the pustules were a result of a magical disease given to the Baron by Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam as punishment for his actions. This story arc is not canon in the original books but is present in the expanded lore and certain prequel material. According to Frank Herbert's son and some ghost writers, this explanation is generally considered a more grotesque and less plausible storyline compared to the original descriptions. The prequels provide an additional layer of complexity to the character's condition but do not align with the source material's consistent portrayal.

Conclusion

The pustules on Baron Harkonnen's skin in David Lynch's 1984 adaptation of Dune serve a specific purpose in the film's visual and narrative storytelling. They reflect not only Lynch's artistic choices and the cultural context of the early 1980s but also provide a memorable and disturbing depiction of the character. While these pustules are not present in Frank Herbert's original work, they are a testament to the way adaptation can shape and transform a masterpiece into something uniquely its own.