Dune is the elitist of literary scifi geek fandom. Its not heralded in the mainstream like Star Wars or Star Trek which are far easier and lighter to ingest, but those of us geeks who rally around the Frank Herbert Dune flag hold it as a dear bastion of our culture. It is brilliant and epic. I have recently accepted myself into this fold and have updated my geek status.
Now a big screen version of Dune is coming and MTVMovies confirms that Peter Berg (The Kingdom) will direct.
“Dune” is coming and that he’s the one that will helm it. Calling the plans for him to direct “a done deal,” Berg told me that “if it weren’t for the writer’s strike, we’d be in it right now.”
After the poorly received David Lynch feature version, I was surprised to hear they intend to make this into a feature film. The most widely accepted version is the TV MiniSeries in 2000. I talked months ago about Berg coming on board but that was just speculation as it is now confirmed.
This story is just too vast to carry out in one movie. This has been the strongest criticism of nearly every book turned to film, but Dune is such an epic and involved tale that 120 minutes just isnt enough to tell it. Berg has put out some quality work, and with the right writers maybe they will create some magic.
I am wary of seeing a feature film adaptation again. Perhaps they will prove me wrong, but I just can’t see it justice fitting in one sitting.
But rest assured if this does turn into a big hit, even in spite of the fans, there will likely be a Dune Mesiah and Children of Dune and etc.
