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An Atreidies ornithopter model miniature from David Lynch's Dune. Paul Atreides (Kyle MacLachlan) and his father Leto Atreides (Jurgen Prochnow) boarded their ornithopter and traveled across the Arrakis desert to survey the spice mines with Doctor Kynes (Max von Sydow). This was the only mechanical ornithopter built at this scale. Smaller static models were also made for wider shots, and a full-size set piece was also built for the film. This model miniature is a rare surviving hero model miniature from this David Lynch classic.
This ornithopter model was built by Apogee, who were initially hired to do the visual effects for the film but later separated from the project when they fell out with producer Raffaella De Laurentiis. De Laurentiis wanted to do all the film's visual effects work in Mexico, which Apogee did not believe was possible. De Laurentiis brought in veteran effects man Brian Smithies into Mexico from the UK to oversee the model miniature unit. They worked with a basic motion control system run by Eric Swenson and operated a small unit with a mixture of local labor and veterans from the U.S. and U.K. Smithies inherited some of the pieces Apogee had already built, including this ornithopter.
The ornithopter, described as an aircraft with wing-like appendages for propulsion in Frank Herbert's novel, went through various design changes until two designs were ultimately chosen: the Atreides ornithopter had a notable diamond-like shape that folded out for flight, while the Harkonnen ornithopter design utilized three interconnected tubes. Director Lynch provided the concept of the "ether benders" beneath the ornithopters that gave the vehicle propulsion and let the initial wing-design be cosmetic.
This lot consists of one fully articulated model miniature. It was built with extensive practical functionality including mechanical front and side landing gear, retractable and collapsible top awning, an extendable round pad at the bottom of the craft, and fold-out shield-doors that covered the cockpit. The mechanics were all custom designed and built by Apogee with extensive machine work, motors, and chain drive systems. The original mechanics are still in place and could possibly be made to function again, though the mechanical and electronic aspects are untested at this point, and no control systems are present. Made predominantly of metal with resin components, this ornithopter is diamond-shaped with a yellow shell. It features an intricate pulley system as well as wires, sockets, and gauges on the interior. The exterior features panels of greebles and decals. It has two movable side doors and landing gear. Production purposefully covered this model miniature with grime to simulate the spice-rich sand of the desert. This ornithopter has undergone sympathetic restoration to restore the outside surface panels and the legs. Additionally, a custom steel display stand has been fabricated to support the model and attached to its original model mount. This model was made with one side (the side that has the mount) exposed; intended to be shot from the other side and this allowed access to the mechanics. The paintwork is all original. This lot exhibits a buildup of grime on the interior, scratches in the finish, and cracks to the surface panels. Dimensions: 45" x 37" x 25" (114.25 cm x 94 cm x 63.5 cm)
Contains electronic and mechanical components; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.
Special shipping required; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.
From the collection of Planet Hollywood.
Estimate: $5,000 - 10,000