Peter Berg Takes To The Ways Of The Fremen

By Josh Tyler: 2008-03-18 00:52:34

Just in case you missed it the last time we reported on it three months ago here, Peter Berg is indeed directing a brand new, big screen version of Dune. The reconfirmation of that old story comes from Variety, where apparently that hadn’t heard that Berg himself already announced this several months ago.

But it’s Dune, and that’s exciting enough news to make this reporting again. Frank Herbert’s masterful, classic science fiction book has of course been done as a movie before, it just hasn’t been done right. David Lynch tried it in the 80s, and came up with a turd. Berg’s interpretation can’t possibly be any worse, especially since he’s already indicated in the past that he plans something different from Lynch’s interpretation. That’s definitely a good place to start.

What the heck is Dune? It’s a thoughtful, epic, story of a political power, intrigue, and going native on the most important planet in the known universe. The planet is Dune, a world of unending desert in which gigantic, terrible creatures called sandworms roam the endless sand seas creating the most valuable substance know to man: the spice. It’s an amazing novel, and also almost impossible to adapt. Turning this thing into a decent movie makes adapting Lord of the Rings look like kiddie stuff. Herbert’s novel is jam packed with inner monologues and political pontificating which is absolutely essential to the story, hell it is the essence of the story, and absolutely none of it will work on screen, as proved by David Lynch when he gave us unending hour after unending hour of characters sitting and staring while we listen to their thoughts. God that sucked.

So while Peter Berg may be a pretty good director, in this case I’m not sure it’s the director that matters. What they’re going to need is one heck of a script. Right now the project is still out to writers, and word is that producers want a faithful adaptation. They’re going to need something good, really good.

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James
March 19, 2008 at 23:50

You're absolutely correct that the adaptation of Dune is going to be a monumental task. Further you are even more correct to assume that the inner dialogue and "political pontificating" is utterly essential to the story. If these elements are not in place in Peter Burg's version of Dune it will be another major disappointment.
I'm a little surprised that the last 3 Dune novels: God Emperor of Dune, Heretics of Dune and Chapterhouse haven't been seriously considered as film projects. Too many woman in Hollywood complain about the lack of substantial roles and, at least the last 2, are some of the strongest, female led stories ever published. Someone like Jodie Foster or Holly Hunter should consider backing or even staring in those projects. They are strong enough to stand on their own without having to read or see the previous stories.

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