A simple cup of black coffee may be the ultimate symbol of mundanity. Plain and pedestrian — black coffee serves as that quick hit of caffeine before a long day of work or a long night of studying. But in the reflection of the darkness of a simple cup of black coffee, Patti Smith sees a way of life — the life of an artist.

“This is like some kind of miracle. A phenomenon,” shouted Deputy Gordon Cole, a “Twin Peaks” character played by the beloved David Lynch. And that’s what “Twin Peaks” was — some sort of phenomenon. It’s a show that proved TV could be a medium for artistic storytelling. 

While director Denis Villeneuve attempts to balance the drama of Frank Herbert’s “Dune” novel with the flair expected of a box office hit, the film’s dialogue and stiff performances leave something to be desired.